The small island of Key West encompasses just 8 square miles, but its crystal clear blue waters offer world class snorkeling opportunities. While you'll need a charter boat to take you to the outside reefs, both beginning and more advanced snorkelers can enjoy viewing the same fish as well as beautiful coral patches and reefs right off the beaches of Key West. Access the beaches, mostly located on the south side of the island, from just about any accommodation on the island either by walking or biking.
Tips & Warnings
Consider bringing or renting a wetsuit for wintertime snorkeling. The water temperature remains cooler during the winter making snorkeling more comfortable while wearing a wetsuit. In the summer, wetsuits are not needed.
Consider bringing or renting a wetsuit for wintertime snorkeling. The water temperature remains cooler during the winter making snorkeling more comfortable while wearing a wetsuit. In the summer, wetsuits are not needed.
Lifeguards do not patrol Key West beaches, so snorkel in shallow water if you do not know how to swim or want to practice snorkeling for the first time.
The beaches offer good snorkeling at certain times of the year. At other times, trade winds make the water murky, sandy and full of seaweed, limiting visibility. Ask around before heading to the beach.
Lifeguards do not patrol Key West beaches, so snorkel in shallow water if you do not know how to swim or want to practice snorkeling for the first time.
The beaches offer good snorkeling at certain times of the year. At other times, trade winds make the water murky, sandy and full of seaweed, limiting visibility. Ask around before heading to the beach.
Article Written By Nancy Wagner
Nancy Wagner is a marketing strategist and speaker who started writing in 1998. She writes business plans for startups and established companies and teaches marketing and promotional tactics at local workshops. Wagner's business and marketing articles have appeared in "Home Business Journal," "Nation’s Business," "Emerging Business" and "The Mortgage Press," among others. She holds a B.S. from Eastern Illinois University.
