Snorkeling Florida Keys
We recently did a snorkeling Florida Keys trip, spending 17 days hitting every key, including Key Largo, Key West, and all the keys between that we call the Middle Keys. We went out on snorkelers only boat trips, and with divers, and had a great time in the water. In fact we were very pleasantly surprised by how fantastic the snorkeling is in the keys. The reefs in some areas are the healthiest we have ever seen, and are packed with life. Another surprise was that the best Florida Keys snorkeling spots are not where we expected them to be.
On the flip side, the Florida Keys are a little strange for us as a vacation destination, and once we got out of the water, the towns, restaurants and service really did not impress us. You can read more of our travel tips and experiences in the keys here.
If you are traveling from the U.S., a big plus to snorkeling Florida Keys is that the keys offer the third longest barrier reef in the world, and the only tropical coral reefs in the contiguous states.
Really the keys are stunning in many ways. Beautiful views, gorgeous waters and interesting Victorian architecture (in Key West).
But maybe the most fascinating thing of note about the keys is how they are all connected with one long road, with miles and miles of bridges connecting these little flat pieces of land. The history of the building of these bridges is pretty interesting, and you can see in many places the old original bridges right next to the modern new ones.
And as far as access to the snorkeling, unlike Hawaii where the majority of the snorkeling is accessed from the beach, snorkeling Florida Keys is almost all accessed from boats.
There is virtually no beach snorkeling, with a few exceptions in both Pennekamp and Bahia Honda parks (both very poor shore snorkeling spots).
Where Are The Best Spots
We break down snorkeling Florida Keys into three main areas:
And here was the big surprise for us snorkeling Florida Keys. While we thought that the best snorkeling would be both in the Key Largo and Key West areas, (mostly because there are the most advertising boat companies in those areas), in fact the best snorkeling is by far and away accessed from the keys between those two.
Snorkeling Florida Keys First let's talk about Key West. This is the most popular destination in the keys, and probably where most people attempt to snorkel from. I hate to say it, but there is really no good snorkeling available close to Key West. This is because the visibility in the area is generally very poor, and the reefs are not nearly as healthy, and are generally described by local boat captains as dead. The only snorkeling of note that is accessed from Key West (but is nowhere near it), is snorkeling Dry Tortugas National Park (Fort Jefferson). And you can also take a catamaran snorkel trip to Looe Key from Key West now. But we would only recommend this if you don't have access to a car, because driving up to Big Pine and taking the much shorter and less expensive boats from there will be a much better idea. But for folks who fly to Key West, or come in on a cruise ship, we are glad to see this option. Both of these trips take several hours each way by boat. Read more about our experience snorkeling in Key West here.
Snorkeling Florida Keys 
Now let's jump up north to Key Largo. The snorkeling in Key Largo is a mixed bag. While not as good as in the middle keys areas, there are lots of boat companies and snorkel spots available from Key Largo. Most of the snorkeling is focused on the areas close to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Very popular trips leave from within the state park, and many other trips head to the same waters from outside the park. Destinations include the Christ of the Abyss Statue, Dry Rocks, White Banks, Sea Gardens, and Molasses Reef to name a few.
Click here to learn more about snorkeling Key Largo. 
Snorkeling Florida Keys 
And now, the best for last. By far and away the Middle Keys offer the best snorkeling grounds. From Islamorada you will want to check out Hen & Chickens and Cheeca Rocks patch reefs. Another spot not to miss is Alligator Reef. Then from Marathon the wonderful Coffins Patch, Pillar Patch, and The Stake are well worth snorkeling, and the amazing Sombrero Reef.
Farther south, the beautiful Bahia Honda State Park is a must see (not so much for it's snorkeling, but it's beautiful beaches).
And just south of Big Pine you will kick yourself if you don't take a tour out to Looe Key Reef. Click here much more info and pictures about snorkeling from Islamorada, Marathon and Big Pine.
Explore all the links above for tons more information about each location we visited with lots of pictures. But if you are looking for more info the two links below may come in handy: Even More Snorkeling Florida Keys Info
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