Sunday, September 29, 2024

10 Greatest Spots for Snorkeling in Key Largo

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The Florida Keys are typically thought-about to have among the greatest snorkeling spots in america, and snorkeling in Key Largo is a snorkeling lovers’ paradise.

Snorkeling in Key Largo is nice for seeing the Florida Reef and is among the greatest issues to do in Key Largo. Do you know Florida Reef is the one dwelling coral reef within the continental U.S.?

If you wish to uncover an abundance of wildlife, shipwrecks, and statues, look no additional. Listed here are 10 of the perfect snorkeling spots in Key Largo.



When is the Greatest Time to Snorkel in Key Largo?

One of the best time to snorkel in Key Largo is between April and August. Not solely is that this time refreshing, however underwater circumstances are sometimes clear water. Should you don’t wish to be snorkeling with many individuals, go to throughout April or Might.

The temperatures are nonetheless nice throughout this time, and also you’ll be swimming nearly by your self. Swimming throughout winter can be attainable, however you’ll want a wetsuit as temperatures might be between 67-75 Fahrenheit.

Should you’re questioning what time of day to snorkel, it’s often greatest to begin early. Individuals snorkeling in Key Largo report a lot better visibility within the morning. It’s greatest to be versatile although, and test the climate circumstances earlier than you set out.

Earlier than going out for the day, be certain that to seize breakfast in Key Largo. Our prime two favorites are Harriette’s Restaurant and Mrs. Mac’s

kids on the beach in snorkel gear

Are you able to Snorkel as a Newbie?

You may positively snorkel in Key Largo as a newbie. All you want is the snorkel gear and security vest and the data of the place to go. Among the best snorkeling spots in Key Largo for newcomers is Pennekamp Park.

If in case you have young children, we like this full-face snorkel. Each of our kids have this actual one. Atlas began utilizing it when he was 2.5 and immediately took to it as a lot enjoyable with it. Among the best methods to get them used to it’s by training with it first in a pool.

John Pennekamp State Park has two incredible Key Largo seashores, that are excellent for snorkeling. Begin off within the shallow sandy waters, and as your confidence grows, head additional out.

At Pennekamp Park, you don’t need to be an professional to see some nice marine life. Even within the shallower waters, there are many superb issues to see.

Grecian Rocks can be a prime snorkeling spot in Key Largo that newcomers ought to go to. Shallow waters and wind safety make this tremendous accessible to first-time snorkelers.

We might counsel occurring one of many snorkel journeys with a small group or non-public tour so you possibly can go at your personal tempo and go to all the perfect spots, like this snorkeling journey.


1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the U.S.’s first underwater park. It is usually the most effective snorkeling spots in Key Largo, perhaps even Florida. The park covers 70 nautical miles, so there’s an abundance of locations to snorkel.

You’ll see loads of fish in Pennekamp Park. There are parrotfish, damselfish, barracudas, wrasses, snappers, and grunts. You may as well see lobsters, urchins, shrimp, and sea cucumbers. There’s perhaps an opportunity you possibly can see dolphins and sea turtles too.

Begin your snorkeling at both of Pennekamp Park’s seashores. This can be a excellent place for households and newcomers, as it’s easy accessibility you go straight from the seashore. When you’re accomplished with snorkeling, you possibly can loosen up on considered one of these Key Largo seashores.

If you’re driving to Key West, stopping by the park is tremendous simple and on route. It’s positioned simply off the Abroad Freeway at mile marker 102.5 and is among the greatest locations to cease within the Higher Florida Keys on the highway journey.

This snorkel tour visits John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and is appropriate for newbie snorkelers, however you do have to know methods to swim.

Underwater statue of Jesus at the John Pennekamp State Park - Top things to see on a road trip to Key West

2. Christ of the Abyss

Some of the in style Key Largo snorkeling sights is the Christ of the Abyss. It’s mainly a miniature underwater model of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer. This tour goes to the Christ of the Abyss.

This nine-foot-tall statue was positioned off the coast of Key Largo in 1965. These underwater statues entice fish, which is ideal for snorkeling.

You will discover the Christ of the Abyss on the reef close to Dry Rocks. The water is deep, however the statue’s head is round 2.4 meters under the floor.

Wildlife you possibly can see embrace barracuda, rays, and colourful tropical fish. There aren’t tons of fish right here, however the statue alone is price a go to. Deliver your GoPro and get some epic photos with the Christ of the Abyss.

Snorkel boat journeys and dive boats go to each day. Most scuba divers prepare a dive right here with an area dive store as a part of a two-tank dive journey.

man with selfie stick snorkeling in Key Largo

3. The Elbow

The Elbow’s wholesome reef makes this the most effective snorkeling spots in Key Largo. Elbow Reef is positioned six nautical miles southeast of Key Largo.

This spot is the perfect snorkeling in Florida when you’re in search of shipwrecks. Snorkel right here, and also you’ll discover The Metropolis of Washington shipwreck. In 1971 a cargo ship sank, and the stays nonetheless lie on the seabed. This tour visits the Elbow.

Should you go snorkeling right here, you’ll see a ton of colourful fish. Not only a single fish. There are shoals of tropical fish ready to be found. It makes for a incredible underwater pictures spot to see the fish among the many wreck. Should you’re fortunate, you may even spot nurse sharks and turtles.

underwater statue Christ of the Abyss in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo Florida

4. Dry Rocks

Should you’re snorkeling in Key Largo, you’ve obtained to take a look at Dry Rocks. This Key Largo snorkeling spot is among the hottest. It is usually dwelling to the Christ of the Abyss.

There’s an abundance of spectacularly intricate fan corals at Dry Rocks. There’s additionally mind coral, elkhorn coral, and fireplace coral. Angelfish, Yellow Tail Snapper, and parrotfish swim amongst the varied vary of coral.

You should definitely take a look at Minnow Cave, one other great place when snorkeling at Dry Rocks. This can be a far much less in style spot however with all the identical underwater delights. Individuals have a tendency to go to the Christ of the Abyss, so it is a a lot quieter location.

It’s comparatively shallow, and the daylight comes by the water. Shoals of fish encompass the coral cave, creating breathtaking formations.

5. Grecian Rocks

Should you’re snorkeling in Key Largo on a windy day, strive Grecian Rocks. It’s extra shielded from the wind, so many dive firms will take you right here. This snorkeling tour goes right here.

Numerous the reef is shallow, which is ideal for first time snorkelers. However skilled snorkelers additionally find it irresistible right here as a result of some areas are 25 ft deep. You may as well simply swim from the snorkel boats to this snorkeling spot.

There may be an array of brightly coloured tropical fish to find, similar to goatfish, parrotfish, barracuda, blueheads, and blue tang (sure, like Dory from Discovering Nemo). Along with fish, the coral can be stunningly vibrant. There are additionally Queen conch shells sitting on the ocean ground.

6.Sea Gardens

You’ll discover the Sea Gardens between Key Largo and Molasses Reef. This is among the greatest snorkeling spots in Key Largo for avoiding crowds, because it isn’t one of many extra in style sights.

One other massive draw of Sea Gardens is the massive corals in fairly shallow water. Should you’re a newbie, it’s snorkel location to study. You continue to get all of the underwater pleasure with out the deep water.

Among the best issues about Sea Backyard is the varied vary of sea sponges. These sea sponges line the seabed and provides some added underwater curiosity. The coral is tremendous wholesome right here, which attracts all kinds of fish. Angelfish, parrotfish, blue tangs, and barracudas are all swimming beneath the water.

two people snorkeling

7. Molasses Reef

Molasses Reef isn’t simply the most effective snorkeling spots in Key Largo. It’s world-renowned. Individuals love Molasses Reef due to its unimaginable visibility and various vary of species.

Try the climate earlier than you head to Molasses Reef so that you’re not dissatisfied. When the climate is calm, Molasses Reef has among the greatest snorkeling in Florida.

Molasses Reef additionally has among the most various coral species within the Florida Keys. It sits on the sting of the barrier reef about six miles off Key Largo. You’ll see huge mind coral, in addition to groove and spur coral.

If seeing nurse sharks and turtles are in your bucket record, positively go to Molasses. You may as well see eels, in addition to quite a few different multicolored fish.

8. White Financial institution Dry Rock

White Financial institution is right when you’re a snorkeling newbie. The shallow water positioned proper close to the shore makes for the perfect place to follow. White Financial institution isn’t only one reef however two, linked by a sandy channel.

White Financial institution is in the identical space because the aforementioned Dry Rocks. It will get its title as a result of at low tide, the reef emerges above the water.

The White Financial institution is a brilliant scenic space each above and under the water. You’re certain to see numerous colourful fish, in addition to the prospect to see eagle rays, turtles, and nurse sharks.

woman snorkeling off of the beach in Belize

9. Mosquito Financial institution

Mosquito Financial institution doesn’t sound interesting, but it surely’s a incredible Key Largo snorkeling spot. Mosquito Financial institution encompasses Sea Gardens and is discovered between Key Largo and Molasses.

Should you’re in search of a snorkeling and get together space, you need to go to Mosquito Financial institution. There are a number of sandbars at Mosquito Financial institution. Boats moor within the turquoise water, and other people benefit from the sunshine and ocean views. In addition to a hangout spot and snorkeling location, it’s additionally in style for scuba diving.

10. Snapper Ledge

This place is known as after the Yellow Tail Snapper. There are tons of snappers at this snorkeling location. Snapper Ledge could also be a small coral reef, but it surely’s a ravishing one. Positioned throughout the Nationwide Marine Sanctuary, it’s a must-visit snorkeling space.

There are two outlined ledges that entice an awesome variety of fish. I’m speaking extra shoals of fish than you’ll see anyplace else within the Florida Keys. You may nearly assure to see enormous shoals of schoolmasters, grunts, and snappers. Nurse sharks, eels, and sea turtles are additionally quite common.

If you need a incredible diving location to ensure seeing underwater wildlife, that is it. Snapper Ledge can be incredible for each skilled and newbie snorkelers and divers. Snapper Ledge is round 25 to 30 ft deep. This implies there’s loads of time to watch beneath the water earlier than heading up.


Did we miss any of the perfect places? Do you may have some other snorkel charters or constitution boats we must always embrace?

Depart a remark under. We’re at all times seeking to replace our articles to incorporate all the perfect snorkel places.

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