The Florida Keys are usually thought-about to have among the finest snorkeling spots in the US, and snorkeling in Key Largo is a snorkeling lovers’ paradise.
Snorkeling in Key Largo is nice for seeing the Florida Reef and is likely one of the finest issues to do in Key Largo. Do you know Florida Reef is the one residing 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 very best snorkeling spots in Key Largo.
Really helpful Key Largo Snorkel Excursions
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. In case you don’t need to be snorkeling with many individuals, go to throughout April or Could.
The temperatures are nonetheless nice throughout this time, and also you’ll be swimming nearly by your self. Swimming throughout winter can also be doable, however you’ll want a wetsuit as temperatures might be between 67-75 Fahrenheit.
In case you’re questioning what time of day to snorkel, it’s normally finest to begin early. Folks snorkeling in Key Largo report significantly better visibility within the morning. It’s finest to be versatile although, and test the climate circumstances earlier than you set out.
Earlier than going out for the day, ensure that to seize breakfast in Key Largo. Our high two favorites are Harriette’s Restaurant and Mrs. Mac’s
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 information of the place to go. The most effective snorkeling spots in Key Largo for inexperienced persons is Pennekamp Park.
When you’ve got young children, we like this full-face snorkel. Each of our youngsters have this precise one. Atlas began utilizing it when he was 2.5 and immediately took to it as a lot enjoyable with it. The most effective methods to get them used to it’s by training with it first in a pool.
John Pennekamp State Park has two unbelievable Key Largo seashores, that are good 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 skilled to see some nice marine life. Even within the shallower waters, there are many wonderful issues to see.
Grecian Rocks can also be a high snorkeling spot in Key Largo that inexperienced persons ought to go to. Shallow waters and wind safety make this tremendous accessible to first-time snorkelers.
We’d recommend happening one of many snorkel journeys with a small group or personal tour so you’ll be able to go at your personal tempo and go to all the very best 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 among the best snorkeling spots in Key Largo, possibly 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. It’s also possible to see lobsters, urchins, shrimp, and sea cucumbers. There’s possibly an opportunity you’ll be able to see dolphins and sea turtles too.
Begin your snorkeling at both of Pennekamp Park’s seashores. It is a excellent spot for households and inexperienced persons, as it’s quick access you go straight from the seashore. When you’re accomplished with snorkeling, you’ll be able to loosen up on one in every 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 likely one of the finest locations to cease within the Higher Florida Keys on the street journey.
This snorkel tour visits John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and is appropriate for newbie snorkelers, however you do have to know swim.
2. Christ of the Abyss
One of the standard 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 appeal to fish, which is ideal for snorkeling.
You could find 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’ll be able to see embrace barracuda, rays, and colourful tropical fish. There aren’t tons of fish right here, however the statue alone is value a go to. Deliver your GoPro and get some epic footage 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 a neighborhood dive store as a part of a two-tank dive journey.
3. The Elbow
The Elbow’s wholesome reef makes this among the best snorkeling spots in Key Largo. Elbow Reef is positioned six nautical miles southeast of Key Largo.
This spot is the very best snorkeling in Florida in the event you’re searching for 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.
In case 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 unbelievable underwater images spot to see the fish among the many wreck. In case you’re fortunate, you may even spot nurse sharks and turtles.
4. Dry Rocks
In case you’re snorkeling in Key Largo, you’ve obtained to take a look at Dry Rocks. This Key Largo snorkeling spot is likely one of the hottest. It is usually residence 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 various vary of coral.
Make sure to try Minnow Cave, one other good spot when snorkeling at Dry Rocks. It is a far much less standard spot however with all the identical underwater delights. Folks have a tendency to go to the Christ of the Abyss, so this can be a a lot quieter location.
It’s comparatively shallow, and the daylight comes via the water. Shoals of fish encompass the coral cave, creating breathtaking formations.
5. Grecian Rocks
In case you’re snorkeling in Key Largo on a windy day, strive Grecian Rocks. It’s extra shielded from the wind, so many dive corporations will take you right here. This snorkeling tour goes right here.
Loads of the reef is shallow, which is ideal for first time snorkelers. However skilled snorkelers additionally like it right here as a result of some areas are 25 toes deep. It’s also possible to simply swim from the snorkel boats to this snorkeling spot.
There’s an array of brightly coloured tropical fish to find, equivalent to goatfish, parrotfish, barracuda, blueheads, and blue tang (sure, like Dory from Discovering Nemo). Along with fish, the coral can also 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 likely one of the finest snorkeling spots in Key Largo for avoiding crowds, because it isn’t one of many extra standard sights.
One other huge draw of Sea Gardens is the massive corals in fairly shallow water. In case you’re a newbie, it’s snorkel location to study. You continue to get all of the underwater pleasure with out the deep water.
The most effective issues about Sea Backyard is the various 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.
7. Molasses Reef
Molasses Reef isn’t simply among the best snorkeling spots in Key Largo. It’s world-renowned. Folks love Molasses Reef due to its unimaginable visibility and various vary of species.
Take a look at the climate earlier than you head to Molasses Reef so that you’re not disenchanted. When the climate is calm, Molasses Reef has among the finest 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 monumental mind coral, in addition to groove and spur coral.
If seeing nurse sharks and turtles are in your bucket listing, positively go to Molasses. It’s also possible to see eels, in addition to quite a few different multicolored fish.
8. White Financial institution Dry Rock
White Financial institution is good in the event you’re a snorkeling newbie. The shallow water positioned proper close to the shore makes for the very best place to observe. 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 identify 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 a number of colourful fish, in addition to the prospect to see eagle rays, turtles, and nurse sharks.
9. Mosquito Financial institution
Mosquito Financial institution doesn’t sound interesting, however it’s a unbelievable Key Largo snorkeling spot. Mosquito Financial institution encompasses Sea Gardens and is discovered between Key Largo and Molasses.
In case you’re searching for a snorkeling and celebration 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 folks benefit from the sunshine and ocean views. In addition to a hangout spot and snorkeling location, it’s additionally standard for scuba diving.
10. Snapper Ledge
This place is called after the Yellow Tail Snapper. There are tons of snappers at this snorkeling location. Snapper Ledge could also be a small coral reef, however it’s a stupendous one. Positioned inside the Nationwide Marine Sanctuary, it’s a must-visit snorkeling space.
There are two outlined ledges that appeal to an amazing 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 big shoals of schoolmasters, grunts, and snappers. Nurse sharks, eels, and sea turtles are additionally quite common.
If you would like a unbelievable diving location to ensure seeing underwater wildlife, that is it. Snapper Ledge can also be unbelievable for each skilled and newbie snorkelers and divers. Snapper Ledge is round 25 to 30 toes deep. This implies there’s loads of time to watch beneath the water earlier than heading up.
Did we miss any of the very best areas? Do you will have every other snorkel charters or constitution boats we must always embrace?
Go away a remark under. We’re all the time trying to replace our articles to incorporate all the very best snorkel areas.
