Snorkeling

Home to the world’s 3rd largest barrier reef, Key West can offer some amazing snorkeling or diving opportunities, but here’s a few things you might want to consider or know before you book your snorkeling excursions.

1. Set your expectations!  There are many weather/water related conditions that can decrease visibility in the water.  Especially during the winter months, visibility at the reef can be low, and leave people disappointed with their experience. For this reason, our number 1 recommendation for your snorkeling adventure is an Eco-Tour.  These teams are constantly monitoring weather conditions and finding the best locations to snorkel given the current weather/water conditions. However, you’ll be signing up for more than just snorkeling.  When visibility is exceptional at the reef, views can be amazing. with lots of sea life, corral structures and caves/ledges etc. (exceptional visibility isn’t common)

2. The reef varies in depth from less than a foot to over 30 feet deep.  Keep in mind that all the public snorkel trips are geared towards beginners, so you will most likely find yourself near a shallow area of reef, but the depth can change over a short amount of distance.  If you are an experienced snorkeler or a natural beginner, ask your crew where the best spots are to test out your abilities.  Guides and crew in Key West are very knowledgeable!!

3. When the visibility is low, there are still places to go! The Key West backcountry is an extremely shallow area of ocean that represents the separation of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.  The Back Country consists of low-lying Mangrove Islands and shallow sandbars.  These features often protect the visibility, and they are home to some beautiful patch reefs and Sponge Gardens. Due to the shallow waters, it is highly recommended that you have a guide or tour company to get you out there and back safely.

4. Please don’t touch the corral!  Some types of corrals are poisonous and can cause a good sting! More importantly, as guides, it is our duty to be good stewards of the sea.  Not everyone knows that by merely touching a corral, one can kill decades of growth! I’ve seen people standing on corral heads and holding on to them for balance.  This is incredibly sad to see, and a lot of people don’t know better.  I would be remiss if I didn’t remind people here that the reef is a very delicate ecosystem, and we are slowly losing it.  We like to say, “Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but bubbles.”

5. It is not uncommon to see Sea Turtles, Sharks, and Dolphins! However, you are more likely to see these creatures from the boat.  We call Sea turtles ``shooting stars of the sea,” because they pop out of the water and by the time someone points and says, “Look at that sea turt…,” it has already taken its breath and is diving back down to a safer depth. So, keep your head on a swivel and look for shadows in the water to best spot turtles.  Dolphins are often spotted from the boat while underway and most captains will often try and get you closer, if possible, regardless of what type of tour you are on.  Sharks are THRILLING to see.  At the reef, you may get lucky and spot a shark!  Most common are small reef sharks which are almost never aggressive towards humans in the water.  If you are lucky enough to see a larger shark, don’t panic!  Consider yourself extremely lucky and enjoy the experience! They will probably move on quickly.

6. Any Snorkel excursion you choose will not serve you alcohol until after snorkeling.  This is due to Coast Guard Rules and common sense.  Getting people liquored up and putting them face down in the water isn’t the best idea.  If you are visibly intoxicated on the boat, you may not be allowed to snorkel… Don’t shoot the messenger.

7. Bring Polarized sunglasses! Polarized glasses are a game changer when it comes to being able to see into the water from the boat.  Don’t miss out on spotting those sea creatures!