World-Renowned Snorkeling Spots We Love!
GRECIAN ROCKS and MOLASSES REEF
Grecian Rocks, Dry Rocks and Molasses Reef are our favorite snorkeling spots off the coast of KEY LARGO. This is also home to the famous Christ of the Abyss. Pennekamp Park is renowned as the only underwater national park. Further south is the beautiful Molasses Reef, with an abundance of corals, fish, rays and sea turtles. If you don't want to get your feet wet, you can even take a glass-bottom boat tour of Molasses Reef. Snorkeling trips are readily available out of Pennekamp Park near the campground, or one of the boats that go out of Port Largo.
COFFINS PATCH
At a depth range of 15 - 30 feet, this dive site consists of a series of small patch reefs, and is where the Spanish Galleon Ignacio sunk in the 18th century.
cheeca rocks
Cheeca Rocks is another great snorkeling option. The patch reef is about halfway between the shores of Cheeca Resort and the barrier reef, bringing the opportunity to marvel at many different types of fish, green eels and occasionally a sea turtle. You’re likely to encounter beautiful angelfish, wrasse and parrotfish. The coral reefs thrive here with abundant fire, star and brain corals, as well as spectacular sea fans that some of the smaller reef fish use to hide.
ALLigator reef
Alligator Reef is just off the coast of Islamorada, and is also home to the famous Alligator Reef Lighthouse. A must-see / must-snorkel spot! Crystal Clear waters offer a view of the spectacular reef fish, turtles and underwater fauna. People have kayaked out to Alligator Reef but we recommend hiring a shuttle or renting a skiff and run out there!
sombrero reef
Located just off the coast of Marathon's Vaca Key, Sombrero Reef is one of the most coveted natural resources of the underwater portion of all the Keys. Sombrero Reef is considered the very best reef in The Keys. The shallow area ranges from two feet to a depth of 30 feet and spans 30 acres, while its arch is a vast limestone structure decorated with numerous colorful stony and gorgonian coral and sea sponges, along with neon gobies, grunt and snapper. The clarity of the crystalline turquoise water is amazing on most days, making it easy to see this spectacular underwater world. Trustworthy snorkeling tour boat operators will have you in the most beautiful element of this area!
BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK
Bahia Honda State Park is home to some of the most popular campsites in the country, just steps away from some of the best snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys. Take advantage of the clear shallow waters that make this a great place for beginners who can snorkel right from the beach to view abundant sea life.
looe key sanctuary reef
The Looe Key Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) sits about eight nautical miles southwest of Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key. Visitors to the park can join a tour to reach the impressive diversity of fish that congregate here. On the reef crest, view butterflyfish and grunts, and to the north, surgeonfish and parrotfish.
long key state park
Snorkel along the scenic Overseas Highway at mile 67.5 in Long Key State Park! You’ll find calm, shallow waters to enjoy just offshore. There’s also a scenic nature trail with shady trees that traverses through a variety of ecosystems, including some beautiful deserted beaches while offering the opportunity to watch for all sorts of shorebirds.
FORT ZACHARY TAYLOR
A popular snorkeling spot in Key West for decades, the rock formations offshore at Fort Zachary Taylor attract an abundance of tropical fish. It’s a great place to snorkel right from shore with the crystal-clear water like glass. Discover everything from parrotfish and schools of yellowtail snapper to lobster and a variety of hard and soft corals. There are plenty of other activities in the park to enjoy as well, including guided tours of the fort and nature trails to walk.
