What is the best time of day to snorkel in the Florida Keys?
Key Largo’s incredibly clear water and world-famous reefs make for fantastic snorkeling any time of the day. That said, as with most diving, sunlight penetrates the deepest when it is directly overhead, typically at or just after noon. Key Largo is known for its marine life and is often referred to as the ‘Diving Capital of the World.The only key largo snorkeling from shore is at either of the two designated beaches in pennekamp park. The beaches access an enclosed bay that has a sea grass bottom and is surrounded by mangroves.The waters off Key Largo are known for stands of elkhorn and large mounds of star and brain corals. These reefs have served as an example of marine protected areas for decades.Answer: Key West has the best snorkeling of the Florida Keys. While all of the Florida Keys offer incredible underwater adventures, Key West stands out as the ultimate snorkeling destination thanks to its easy access to the Florida Keys Reef Tract, the third-largest living coral barrier reef in the world.
What is the best reef to snorkel in the Keys?
Molasses Reef The reef’s abundance of marine life and relative ease of access make it one of the most popular dive and snorkel locations in the Keys. Sea Dwellers is one of several dive shops that bring snorkelers and scuba divers to Molasses Reef from Key Largo. A perfect place to snorkel in the Keys is off the coast of Key Largo at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States. Located at the park is Christ of the Deep, a nine-foot-tall, 4,000 pound statue that’s submerged in 25 feet of water.Bahia Honda State Park offers some of the best shore-accessible snorkeling in the Keys. The shallow waters near the old Bahia Honda Bridge are home to various fish species and occasional sightings of nurse sharks and lobsters. It’s one of the best snorkeling beaches in Florida for wading in.Florida Keys Snorkeling Dry Tortugas National Park is the best available from Key West, and it is pretty darn good! It is actually an entire day of fun, and well worth the trip and expense.Bahia Honda rivals John Pennekamp as the Keys’ most outstanding state park. Granted, the 524-acre park, which includes the entire Bahia Honda Key, can’t match John Pennekamp’s coral reefs, but its beaches are without challenge, the overwhelming choice as the best in the Keys.
Is snorkeling better in Key West or Key Largo?
Best Key for Snorkelers & Scuba Divers: Key Largo However, I have found the snorkeling and scuba diving to be much better in Key Largo. While there are certainly places to snorkel and scuba dive in Key West, they are much less impressive than the waters of Key Largo (in my opinion)! Key Largo is renowned for its stunning snorkeling opportunities, attracting snorkelers from around the world. The main reason why Key Largo stands out as a top snorkeling destination is its unique location.Florida Keys While Key Largo and Key West are the most popular spots, by far the best snorkeling is to be found between these two keys. There are a bunch of lesser known snorkel locations that are wonderful. They are located in the waters off Islamorada (Matecumbe Key), Marathon (Vaca Key), and Big Pine Key.The only Key Largo snorkeling from shore is at either of the two designated beaches in Pennekamp Park. The beaches access an enclosed bay that has a sea grass bottom and is surrounded by mangroves.Key Largo is world-famous for its scuba diving experiences, thanks to its proximity to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
When not to snorkel?
Choppy waters are not ideal for snorkeling, especially; if you’re not a proficient swimmer. Wavy waters will bounce you around, and you’ll experience diminished underwater visibility because of increased moving debris and sand. Waves also influence the ease and safety of getting in and out of the waters. Best Conditions: Sunny and calm conditions are best for snorkeling. Cloudy, rainy, or windy conditions are bad. Do not snorkel in wavy conditions, it makes conditions difficult and the visibility bad. Avoid wind, the wind makes the water choppy and makes water go down the snorkel.Snorkeling in a current or riptide can be dangerous because it will be hard for you to get away from it. Tip: Check the conditions of the water. Snorkeling in designated areas with a snorkel guide.