Key Largo Snorkeling Trips

Basic swimming skills required

In this section, we cover the basics of your Key Largo Snorkeling Trip. Firstly, trips run daily all year long at various times of day. Secondly The water temperature in the Florida Keys is approximately 75 degrees in February and around 90 degrees in August. therefore wetsuits are optional.  Thirdly, and most importantly, all snorkeling gear will be profressional grade and provided to you before boarding.    Mask, snorkel, fins, and snorkel vests included. Basic swimming skills are a requirement.  The depths of all snorkeling locations are at least 15 feet.

The boat ride from the dock to the coral reef takes between 30-60 minutes depending on which snorkel tour you choose.

45-60 minutes

Different snorkeling trips have different amounts of snorkeling time. Trips stop at 2 separate locations for 45-60 minutes each.  The Captain will provide everyone with a site briefing.

Boat parks on top of or near the reef.

You have the option get on and off the snorkel boat as much as you’d like. You will not have to swim far to see the fish and coral.  Just float around and look down.

Snorkeling trips run for 3-4 hours.  Enjoy an amazing boat ride through the tropical Florida Keys waters out to the reef. The length of the ride will depend on the trip and will range from 30-60 minutes. Once your on the reef the boat will tie up to a mooring line that is secured to the ocean floor. The depth will be 15-25 feet at most locations. The boat will remain at location #1 for 45-60 minutes (depending on trip).  The boat will relocate to location #2 and another 45-60 minutes of snorkeling time will be provided.  Once snorkeling is completed the boat ride back to the dock will be 30-60 minutes.

Snorkeling Charter Amenities

There is drinking water and a cooler with ice on the boat. You are welcome to store drinks or food. Alcohol is allowed on snorkel trips. Once alcohol is opened/consumed participants can longer get into the water. Some snorkeling trips have minimum age restrictions.  Dry storage is available. However it is at your own risk and valuables and fragile items should not be brought on the boat. Some snorkel boats have marine heads (boat bathroom) some do not. Please contact us with any questions about the boats.

Christ of the Abyss Statue

Dry Rocks is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Florida Keys.  This is Key Largo Snorkeling at its finest. Home to the Christ of the Deep statue, Dry Rocks is found within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, just off the coast of Key Largo. Dry Rocks depth reaches about 30 feet, with averages between 10ft-20ft. The reef is heavily protected because of coral degradation from tourist damage. Tourists flock to Dry Rocks for snorkeling and scuba diving the famous bronze Christ of the Deep statue.

Christ of the Abyss Snorkeling

The Christ of the Deep statue stands 8.5ft tall, in 21ft of water, and weighs about 4,000 pounds. The Florida Keys statue is a replica of “Christ of the Abyss” found in the Italian Bay of San Fruttosa, originally created by artist Guido Galletti. The Christ of the Deep statue went on an Eastern US display tour before finally resting in Key Largo in 1966, with the help of Egidio Cressi and John Pennekamp. Commonly seen corals at Dry Rocks include elkhorn, boulder, and various soft corals. Frequently seen marine life  at Dry Rocks include a variety of small tropical fish, lobsters, eels, and barracuda. Daily Key Largo Snorkeling Trips to the statue are available.

Best Reef in the Florida Keys

Molasses Reef is a frequented destination for Key Largo Snorkeling and diving excursions. The reef is named after the Vitric Shipwreck (also called the Molasses Wreck). The wooden schooner barge carried large barrels of molasses.  The remnants of the wreck currently sit in 300ft of water just off Molasses Reef in the Florida Keys

Sitting 6 miles off the Key Largo coast, just at the edge of the barrier reef, Molasses is known for its great visibility because the Atlantic Ocean current frequently flushes the reef.

Best Coral Reef Sites in the US

Molasses Reef’s proximity to the edge of the barrier often brings in larger species of fish and marine life. As a result there are is abundance of Elkhorn and large brain corals, and many spur and groove reef formations. Reef depths range from 10-70+ft, with snorkel location averages between 15-25 feet. Notable areas of Molasses Reef for snorkeling include: Hole in the Wall, Permit Ledge, Fire Coral Cave, and Eagle Ray Alley.

Tour the Point & Shallows

Grecian Rocks is a popular Key Largo snorkeling destination. This popular snorkeling spot is just off the coast of Key Largo, within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Key Largo Existing Management Area.  Often times Grecian Rocks is favored on windier days because the natural shallow reef structure creates a barrier to break the incoming offshore waves that interrupt snorkeling trips. Reef depth range from 4ft – 25ft, exposing the shallow-growing coral at low tide. Snorkelers see Elkhorn coral, soft corals, sponges. Parrotfish, sea turtles, and grouper swim throughout Grecian Rocks as well. Rays are seen on the eastern, predominantly white sand, portion of Grecian Rocks.  This famous Key Largo snorkeling spot is always a great option for your Key Largo Snorkeling Trip.