Is snorkeling worth it in Key West?
Snorkeling in Key West is a mesmerizing experience, given that the island lies just a few miles across the ocean from the Florida Reef. This 350-mile stretch of living coral extends all the way from Palm Beach to the remote Dry Tortugas islands. In conclusion, while one cannot breathe underwater in the traditional sense with a snorkel, snorkeling offers a unique and accessible way to explore the wonders of the aquatic world.Snorkeling is an adventure you can easily enjoy on your own. There are several places you can enjoy a self-guided outing, like Smathers Beach or Higgs Beach. However, two spots stand out from the rest. The beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is home to some of the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys.Snorkeling is an adventure you can easily enjoy on your own. There are several places you can enjoy a self-guided outing, like Smathers Beach or Higgs Beach. However, two spots stand out from the rest. The beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is home to some of the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys.With snorkeling, you float on top and look down. You can dive down if you want to, but it’s not an essential part of the experience. You also don’t have to be in deep water to snorkel. There can be lots to see in shallow and even very shallow water, it just depends on where you are.
Where can I snorkel in Key West for free?
Where is the best free snorkeling in Key West? For free snorkeling, Fort Zachary Taylor and Higgs Beach are excellent options. At Higgs Beach, the remnants of an old pier create an artificial reef where you can spot small fish and crabs. Snorkeling in Key West is a mesmerizing experience, given that the island lies just a few miles across the ocean from the Florida Reef. This 350-mile stretch of living coral extends all the way from Palm Beach to the remote Dry Tortugas islands.Captain Hook’s snorkeling trips in Key West deliver unforgettable experiences for snorkelers of all skill levels. Each trip visits two stunning reef locations selected based on the day’s weather and visibility. Shallow reefs ranging from 3 to 30 feet deep.Where is the best free snorkeling in Key West? For free snorkeling, Fort Zachary Taylor and Higgs Beach are excellent options. At Higgs Beach, the remnants of an old pier create an artificial reef where you can spot small fish and crabs.Key West’s largest protected coral reef is Western Sambos, part of an ecological reserve created in 1997. Several other extensive shallow reefs off Key West including Eastern Dry Rocks, Rock Key and Sand Key are abundant in corals, gorgonians and fish, and range from 5 to 45 feet in depth.It’s home to the third-largest barrier reef in the world, with a thriving marine ecosystem that makes for exciting snorkeling adventures. The ocean is a shark’s natural habitat, meaning they are in Key West’s waters.
Will I see sharks snorkeling in Key West?
It’s no guarantee that you’ll spot a shark while snorkeling in Key West, but it happens more than you might think. We see sharks at the reef at least once a week, and probably more often than that! In point of fact, there has never been a fatal shark attack reported in Key West. There has only been one documented incident since the 1800s, which should tell you all you need to know. Of all the calamities that could befall you in Key West waters, shark attacks are among the least likely.
Do you need a wetsuit to snorkel in Key West?
Most people don’t even need wetsuits for snorkeling or diving since your bodies can adjust to the cooler waters surprisingly fast. But wetsuits definitely are available close to the various Key West diving and snorkeling trips). The short answer is yes, doing it right non-swimmers can snorkel!
Is it better to snorkel in Key West or Key Largo?
In Key Largo, further up the Keys, snorkeling is even better. Key Largo snorkeling is some of the best in the area and has something for all skill levels. Snorkelers and scuba divers should make a trip to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, a popular area of Key Largo for any tourist. 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.Today, the ocean is shallower and the living coral reefs are six miles offshore, providing a barrier to waves and swells. Thus, with little sand to begin with, and a lack of wave action to deposit more, beaches in the Keys are a bit of a rarity.
Is Key West good for swimming?
Key West has a few beaches but most are too shallow, and/or have much rocky coral. The beach at Fort Zachary State Park in Key West is the best beach for swimming in KW, but can have a strong current moving through it. December to February is a great time to escape freezing weather and thaw on the beach. During this time, Key West has balmy temperatures with an average high of 77 degrees. The weather is the most sunny and calm. But the law of supply and demand means it’s also the most expensive time to be there.Low season in Key West runs from September through November. September and October see the most rain and the highest chances for storms. By November, rains and the potential for tropical storms decrease.In terms of weather, the best time to visit Key West is March through May, and in November and December. And yes, you can swim year-round in Key West!In terms of weather, the best time to visit Key West is March through May, and in November and December. And yes, you can swim year-round in Key West!The downside to the sunshine and good vibes, however, is high prices. Even outside the peak winter season, Key West is not a cheap place to visit.