If you are snorkeling in Key Largo you will be 3+ miles offshore at the coral reef. There is no reef shore snorkeling in the Florida Keys. The reefs are open to the public and accessible by boat year round. If you do not have a boat there are many different snorkeling tours throughout the day. The coral reef in Key Largo and all of the Florida Keys is shallow. Average depths range from 10-30ft. There are deeper reefs but these will not be an option on snorkeling trips.
Snorkeling in Key Largo
Key Largo is home to some of the best snorkeling spots in the world. Here’s what to expect when you get there. A short 30-45 minute ride offshore and your at the 3rd largest living barrier reef in the world. Upon arrival the boat will tie up to a mooring line secured to either the reef rock or the ocean floor. When you get into the water you will quickly be surrounded by vibrant active tropical fish. Look down and you’ll see vast reef with a very healthy marine life.
Key Largo Snorkeling Tours
Tens of thousands of people explore the coral reef every year on snorkeling tour. Key Largo Snorkeling Tours run daily all year long. Snorkeling tours are 3-4 hours, include all the rental gear, and stop at 2 different shallow coral reef sites. Group tours and private snorkeling tours go to the best spots every day. Prices range from $70-$125 per person. The most popular snorkeling tours in Key Largo are the Christ Statue Snorkeling Tour and the Molasses Reef Snorkeling Tour. The Christ Statue is one of the most famous snorkeling spots in the world and Molasses Reef is one of the most visited coral reefs in the world.
Snorkeling Conditions on the Reef
Offshore conditions in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary vary seasonally and also daily. Conditions can be unpredictable and change quickly. Wind is the biggest factor for snorkeling in the Key Largo because it causes waves. On a great day the conditions will be 0-1 ft seas. On a good day conditions will be 1-2 ft seas, and a sporty day will be 2.5-4ft seas. There is current both at the surface and at depth that changes without notice all the time. Generally speaking Key Largo does not have a lot of strong current. It is recommended (required on tours) that fins be worth at all times for safety and swimming assistance. Check out the Complete Guide to Snorkeling in Key Largo for additional information.
What Will I See On Reef?
Tropical fish, sting rays, turtles, sharks, coral, and so much more can be seen on the reefs. Quickly snorkelers notice there is an abundance of fish and life on the reef. The water is often crystal clear and even on a day with below average visibility the bottom can be seen from the surface. When your looking at the reef you will likely see colorful sea fans, vibrant sponges, and unique coral formations. Vast array of fish in different depths of the water column will surround everyone in the water snorkeling. The most common sightings include Parrotfish, Pufferfish, Snapper, Grunts, Spadefish, Triggerfish, Hogfish, and usually turtles too. The most common hard corals are Elkhorn and Staghorn.
Will You See Sharks Snorkeling in Key Largo?
There is a very good chance you will see Nurse Sharks while snorkeling in Key Largo. Nurse Sharks are slow moving and spend most of their time on the reef in the sand. There is a lesser chance of seeing Reef Sharks and other species of sharks too. The water is very clear in the Florida Keys and the visibility is great. The sharks can see the people and generally are not interested and swim away. If you don’t bother the sharks they will not bother you. If you see a shark while snorkeling enjoy the view!
Why Key Largo Scuba Diving?
We have the best team in the Florida Keys
Dive the third largest barrier reef in the world
Full access to dive everything in Key Largo and beyond
Private Instruction and Group Classes
Warm water, amazing visibility, and World Class Dive Staff.
Key Largo Scuba Diving is your best way to dive and snorkel the Florida Keys. Our team of local experts are passionate about scuba diving, the Florida Keys, and making sure you have an amazing time in the Florida Keys. We are open late and have local experts standing by to help you build the Florida Keys Dive Vacation of a lifetime. Call us, text us, email us, or message us on web chat. We would love to help!