Can you snorkel on your own in Key Largo?
We encourage you to explore the park, but we generally recommend you take a snorkel tour with a company outside the park. 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. Explore the underwater world of the Florida Keys with a family snorkeling adventure. 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.Far Beach – perfect for a quiet meditation. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has a $5 entrance fee but once you’re in, you can enjoy two of Key Largo’s best and most well-protected beaches. It also offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling excursions to nearby reefs.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.Key Largo is world-famous for its scuba diving experiences, thanks to its proximity to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Here, you can explore shipwrecks, including the iconic USS Spiegel Grove, and swim alongside colorful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins.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.
Which Florida key has the best snorkeling?
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 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.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.Snorkeling in Key Largo is world class because the waters are protected by both John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Famous snorkeling sites include the Christ of the Abyss Statue and Molasses Reef.Key Largo is known for its marine life and is often referred to as the ‘Diving Capital of the World.
What is the best month for snorkeling in the Florida Keys?
Off-Season: The Summer Adventure (June to August) For true water lovers, this can be the best time of the year. The ocean is incredibly warm—think bathwater temperatures—and the underwater visibility for diving and snorkeling is often at its absolute best. Summer is one of the most popular times to visit, but the weather is as hot as it gets, and hurricanes are a constant threat from June 1 to November 30, with most storms popping up between mid-August and mid-October. Still, this is when the water is warmest and boating season is at its prime.
When should you not go snorkeling?
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. High surf, high winds, heavy shorebreak and strong currents are bad conditions for snorkeling.As an activity in an environment that is not our natural element, it requires following classic safety rules: Do not go snorkeling if you have any ongoing respiratory or cardiovascular issues including but not limited to chest infection, asthma, high/raised blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease or angina etc.The impact of snorkels is not all positive though. They are a source of drag in the water, which is not a good thing when they tug on the mask, a decidedly critical piece of equipment. They can also be a source of entanglement, for example, with kelp or hair.
Is there better snorkeling in Key West or Key Largo?
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. 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.
What is the best month to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef?
They come to see the fantastic coral reef system and all the marine life swimming by. The best time to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef is any time between May to October. This is during Queensland’s dry season. Because this is the best time, it means a lot of other people are also visiting the reef. The best time to snorkel is typically in the morning, and here’s why: Clearer Water: Early mornings tend to offer the clearest waters. As the day progresses, the wind picks up, causing waves and stirring up sand, which can reduce visibility underwater.
Is snorkeling at Dry Tortugas worth it?
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. 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)!
