FLORIDA KEYS SNORKELING 

A marine protected coral barrier reef runs the length of the Keys making Florida Keys snorkelling the best snorkelling in Florida and the continental USA. If you’re an ocean lover and are looking for a snorkelling adventure in the United States, consider a trip to the Florida Keys.

After visiting the Keys 4 times and at different times of the year,  I will share what it’s like to snorkel in the Keys. From Key Largo snorkelling at the top of the Keys to snorkelling Key West at the bottom of the Keys, there are many snorkel tour operators to be found.

SNORKELLING WITH CHILDREN

As a mother of 2 children and an avid snorkeller, I’ve been preparing both my sons for snorkelling since they were toddlers so they could join me on snorkelling adventures around the world. In this guide to snorkelling the Florida Keys, I share tips to help you prepare your children for an open water snorkel trip and give specific snorkelling location tips.

I’ve compiled a list of the reefs we visited and will share what we saw. I will include general tips to prepare you for a snorkelling trip and what we experienced with six different operators. Plus, I’ve made a shortlist of snorkel gear.

latest update: May 2019

Click to jump to the related section in this post.

• • MY PICS FOR THE BEST FLORIDA KEYS LOCATIONS
  • TIPS TO PREPARE CHILDREN FOR A SNORKELLING TRIP 
  • GENERAL SNORKELLING TRIP PREPARATION TIPS 
  • NOVEMBER 2016 SNORKEL TRIP 
  • JANUARY 2017 SNORKEL TRIP 
  • NOVEMBER 2017 SNORKEL TRIP 
  • MARCH 2019 SNORKEL TRIP
  • SNORKEL GEAR
  • WHERE TO STAY IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

 

MY SNORKELLING EXPERIENCE

The first time I snorkelled, I was 16 years old and in Barbados with my dad. I picked up some gear from a kiosk on the beach of our hotel in Christ Church and swam to the reef not far from shore. I didn’t know how to snorkel correctly or knew what I would find there. Every time I saw a fish, I went the other way. True story.

I’ve since snorkelled many times including snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and the remote Mergui Archipelago of South Myanmar, also known as the Myeik Archipelago. My appreciation and love for the ocean have grown over the years, and my fear of its inhabitants has dissipated. Not to say that poking my head underwater still doesn’t give me pause, but I no longer swim the other way.

I love to travel to destinations that offer opportunities to see marine life in their natural environment. It is important for me to be able to share those experiences with my two sons in hopes that they too will love our natural world and appreciate the ocean.

FLORIDA KEYS BARRIER REEF

The Florida Keys are home to the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world and is the only tropical coral reef in the continental United States. The reef runs the length of the Keys and can only be accessed by boat. The reef is approximately 3-6 miles offshore depending which Key you’re leaving. With so much talk of the damaged and dying coral reefs around the world, it is hopeful to see the abundant coral and marine life in many of the sites we visited. There are over 200 species of fish in the Florida Keys reef system.

MY PICKS FOR THE BEST FLORIDA KEYS SNORKELING LOCATIONS:

 

• Most variety of colourful tropical fish: Sombrero Reef (Marathon)
• Sea turtles: Molasses Reef (Key Largo)
• Sharks (Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks): Looe Key Reef or Molasses Reef
• Goliath groupers: Looe Key Reef (Ramrod Key)
• Most shallow coral reef: Grecian Rocks (Key Largo) or Coffins Patch (near Islamorada or Duck Key)
• Backcountry snorkelling: Key West

TIPS TO PREPARE CHILDREN FOR A SNORKELLING TRIP

• Enroll your children in swim lessons so that they are comfortable in the water and have necessary swimming skills.
• Invest in a dry top snorkel set with just the mask and snorkel or a set of fins that can grow with them. A dry top snorkel helps to keep the water out of the top. You can borrow fins from the various tour operators, but if you plan to snorkel on your own, fins are helpful. Dry top sets are not usually available on snorkel trips.
• Be sure to practice swimming in lakes close to home. If you can practice swimming from a boat offshore, close to shore, that will help them get used to the open water feeling.
• Practice snorkelling in swimming pools at home or on vacation if you can.
• Practice snorkelling from shore before your snorkel excursion. Sombrero Beach (Marathon) Bahia Honda State Park (after the 7-mile bridge towards Key West) and Clarence Higgs Memorial Beach Park (Key West) are our favourite Florida Keys beaches.
• Do some research to know what marine life you might see; it will help to get them involved and excited. I’ve found the small laminated ID guides to be a great source. You can find the guides in dive shops or some book stores in the Keys.
• Talk about all the colours of marine life.
• Learn the hand signals for some of the marine life or make up your own.
• Discuss rules and safety and talk about not touching anything on the reef.

GENERAL TIPS TO PREPARE FOR A SNORKELLING TRIP

All tour operators include masks, snorkels, fins, snorkel vests and offer water noodles. Some offer wetsuits. They all have an anti-fog solution and a rinse bucket available. We brought our dry top snorkel and mask but borrowed fins. The snorkel vests were mandatory on most trips, but you could inflate or deflate the snorkel vest as much as you wanted. I enjoyed using the noodle as it helped keep my hands free and steady to capture video footage.

• Always use reef-friendly sunscreen, I found some at The Looe Key Dive shop.
• Consider a long-sleeve UV protected swim shirt or rash guard; the Keys have a variety of jellyfish, and you’ll use less sunscreen.
• Take anti-fog solution (toothpaste also works), so you can snorkel before or after your snorkel excursion.
• Take an easy to pack a wet bag. It’s especially helpful if you have to fly out the same day, and your swimwear hasn’t had time to dry.
• I recommend a small dry bag for your valuables, great for car/hotel room keys, money and cell phones.
• Bring water shoes for shore snorkelling if you need to walk in a bit. I have a small, lightweight mesh drawstring backpack that I use to carry a small dry bag in with valuables, extra batteries, water shoes and a microfiber towel.
• Consider bringing a snorkel vest for kids to snorkel from shore.

• Consider an anti-nausea medication if you ever feel queasy on rides or road trips. It can take 30-60 minutes to get to the reef.
• If you encounter jellyfish, remember they are slow-moving so you can go around them. The little transparent jellyfish are harmless though you might feel a slight sting. A long sleeve shirt helps.

NOVEMBER 2016 – 3 TOUR OPERATORS IN THE MIDDLE & LOWER KEYS

SUNDANCE WATERSPORTS 

We spent two nights at Hawks Cay Resort (read our experience here) on Duck Key and booked our first snorkelling trip in the Keys with Sundance Watersports.

After a friendly check-in, we boarded Blue, a 65-foot catamaran, on a beautiful sunny day. Blue is a perfect boat for snorkelling trips as it has sturdy ladders off the back for easy entry, seats along the perimeter offering great views, wide open space in the middle, and shower heads on board to rinse the salt water off after snorkelling. Blue was a perfectly thought out snorkelling boat.

We arrived at the Stake and were greeted by small flying fish. After instructions from the Captain and staff, we took to the glistening azure waters. The waves were a little choppy, but visibility was excellent. We saw French, Queen and Gray Angelfish, Blue and Stoplight Parrotfish, Great Barracuda, Blue Hamlet, Wrasse, Trunkfish, Sergeant Major, Yellow Jack, Butterflyfish and countless other tropical fish species.

Thanks to the team at Sundance and their helpful instructions on how and where to snorkel, my son had an incredible first experience snorkelling in the open ocean; we were the last ones back to the boat.

Who: Sundance Watersports – https://sundancewatersports.org

Where:  As of December 2017, Sundance departs from Robbie’s of Islamorada due to the rebuilding of the marina at Hawks Cay Resort after Hurricane Irma.

Note: My experience is based on a departure from Hawks Cay Marina at mile marker 61. I visited Robbie’s in November 2017 & March 2019; there are restrooms on the premises, a restaurant and bar and some shopping. From Hawks Cay Marina you travel about 4 miles offshore to The Stake at Coffins Patch.

Snorkelling with Children: Coffins Patch appeared to be the most shallow of the three reefs we went to on the November 2016 trip. That made underwater viewing easier as the reef and thus the fish are closer to the top. My son had no problem snorkelling there.

I recommend this reef for children 6-7 years old+ who can swim, are comfortable in the water/salt water and with getting splashed as there will most likely be some waves even if the waves are small. Consider your children’s personality and abilities. There was a young child about 4-5 years old on board; he was in the water for only a few minutes as he was afraid. It’s a fantastic beginner reef with much to see.

About Coffins Patch from Franko Maps:

To 25 feet. Beginner. Brain coral, fire coral, and pillar coral are seen. Visibility is sometimes good here, sometimes not so good. A great place for snorkelling. Caution: Surgy, fire coral. 

SPIRIT SNORKELING – a departure from Marathon 

When I called to book with Spirit Snorkeling, they weren’t sure if they were going out as the forecast had called for high wind. Fortunately, it wasn’t windy, and we were off to Sombrero Reef for our second snorkelling excursion in the Florida Keys on our November 2016 trip.

It was another sunny day, and the ride to the reef took us under the 7-mile bridge to the Sombrero Lighthouse. It was a smooth ride out, and visibility was good. We saw a variety of fish and coral, much like Coffin Patch plus some marine life we hadn’t yet seen such as Blue Tang, Banded Butterfly, Scrawled Filefish and Jellyfish. Some snorkelers in the group saw an eel, sea turtle and nurse shark. Sombrero is a spur and groove coral reef and was deeper than Coffins Patch, but we could still see the marine life, just not as close as our previous trip. With calm seas and good visibility, it is a special place in the Florida Keys.

Kim (divemaster) was friendly and helpful. The boat has ladders off the side and back, but the side ladder was in use. It also had a rope platform to sit on in the front of the vessel. After snorkelling, we were given lollipops to help get rid of the saltwater feeling on our lips. What a great idea and it worked.

Who: Spirit Snorkelling –  http://captainpips.com/snorkeling/

Where: Depart from Captain Pip’s Marina at mile marker 47.5 and travel about six miles offshore to Sombrero Reef at the Sombrero Lighthouse

Notes: There is a change room/bathroom available at the marina should you need it. There were plastic round tubs to keep our bags dry. They also offer snacks and sodas on board.

Snorkelling with Children: My 11-year old son had no problem snorkelling there. It is deeper than Coffins Patch, but some parts of the reef came closer to the surface, which made it easy enough to see the fish. There was a 6-year old girl on board who snorkelled for an hour; I don’t know her previous swimming or snorkelling experience.

I recommend Sombrero Reef for children who can swim, are comfortable in the water/salt water and with getting splashed as there will most likely be some waves even if the waves are small. Consider your children’s age, personality and abilities as it is further out and deeper.

About Sombrero Reef from Franko Maps:

To 35′ Beginner-Intermediate. Marked by the 142-foot Sombrero Key Light, built in 1858. This classic spur-and-groove reef system provides sand channel alleys and finger reefs just loaded with fish and giant brain coral, which make for cleaning stations for barracuda, turtles and other customers who come to be picked clean by the tiny cleaner wrasse. This site is terrific for snorkelling. Caution: Currents.

LOOE KEY DIVE CENTER – a departure from Ramrod Key

We moved to Key West for our last night in the Keys. Our final snorkel trip was to Looe Key Reef with a fully outfitted dive centre, and we had several divers on board. In my research about Looe Key, I kept coming across the phrase “not for the faint of heart.”  My understanding is that Looe Key is on the edge of the barrier reef and therefore, the fish are more substantial. The reef was deeper than the previous two reefs we snorkelled, but with the large reef patches that came close to the surface, viewing was exceptional. If some members of your group or family scuba dive, this is a fantastic reef for you. If you’re interested in seeing the critically endangered goliath groupers, this is the place. We got to see them both times we visited the reef. It’s an exciting reef with so much to explore.

We lucked out with the third day of sunny skies and good visibility. This time we were aboard Kokomo Cat II, a 45-foot Catamaran with ladders on the side. We saw many of the same fish we had seen at the other two reefs and others I haven’t ever seen before like the Horse-eye Jack and Black Durgon. We saw a lot more Great Barracuda and the ones we saw were larger and swam closer to the surface. We also saw moon jellyfish and had an incredible sighting of three goliath groupers, one in the first location and two in the second. The moon jellyfish and groupers made my son a bit nervous, but he handled it well and again we were amongst the last to get back on the boat. The goliath groupers are a protected species, and they had to be about 150-350 lbs or more. I was secretly hoping for a sighting of a nurse shark. Others in our group saw a Caribbean reef, hammerhead or nurse shark.

Looe Key Dive Center is an excellent, friendly and professional snorkel and dive operator. The staff were knowledgeable and helpful. They also have a motel and tiki bar on-site.

Who: Looe Key Dive Center & Resort – https://www.looekeyreefresort.com/looekeyreefresort/dive.htm

Where: We departed the Looe Key Dive Center Marina at mile marker 27.5 to Looe Key Reef, about 5 miles offshore. We snorkelled in two locations for an hour each.

Notes: Arrive a little early to browse the shop, and you need to sign a waiver before boarding. You can purchase reef-friendly sunscreen here. It’s the closest operator to Looe Key reef, so you spend less time on the boat and more time in the water. They sell snacks and soft drinks on the boat.

Snorkelling with Children: My 11-year old did well at this reef though he was a little nervous about the moon jellyfish. Admittedly, I was a bit too as I hadn’t ever snorkelled with jellyfish before. However, they are slow swimmers, so there is time to move away from them. Be aware if you’re snorkelling in August and September as I understand that is moon jellyfish season.

I recommend Looe Key Reef for children who are quite comfortable in the water, and with the possibility of seeing larger marine life such as groupers and sharks. As with all snorkelling in the Florida Keys, there is a chance that there will be some waves even if the waves are small. The fishes were bigger than the fish at the previous two reefs. There is a possibility of seeing sharks as well as the giant groupers. My son was nervous about the groupers, but they didn’t come too close. Consider your children’s personality and abilities. There was a 10-year-old on board who was audibly nervous. He didn’t have previous snorkelling experience but snorkelled for about an hour. He didn’t snorkel in the second location.

About Looe Key Reef from Franko Maps:

EAST END to 35′ Intermediate.  “The name comes from the British Man-O-War, HMS Looe, which ran into the reef here and sank in 1744.  The reef is made up of parallel limestone ridges that come within 10 feet of the surface.  Looe Key dive is brilliant over an 800-yard stretch.  Here you will find a variety of soft and hard corals, sea plumes, sea fans, sea rods, and sea whips.  A good snorkelling site.  Caution:  Surgy.”
WEST END  to 35′  Intermediate.  The Looe Key consists of 800 yards of magnificent underwater variety, which is perhaps equal to the entire Florida Keys’ collective assortment.  In fact, a common nickname for this reef is the Jewel of the Middle Keys.  The west end is a classic spur-and-groove reef formation where you will find brain, star, and giant star corals, brown tube and orange elephant ear sponges, elkhorn coral, yellowtail snapper, sergeant majors, surgeonfish, French grunts, damselfish, barracuda, mutton snapper, and Nassau groupers.  This is also a good snorkelling site.  Caution:  Surginess can make for an added challenge, but the Gulf Stream Current can be very difficult.  The current sometimes rips along at over 3 kts., making this a great drift dive, but it is very demanding on the dive boat operator to make sure you don’t wind up heading for Europe.

JANUARY 2017 – A return to the Florida Keys and windy days

I returned to the Florida Keys in early January, this time with my adult niece in hopes of snorkelling again. We spent one night on Long Key and two nights on Little Torch Key. Here are my follow-up experiences with the same three snorkelling tour operators:

Sundance Watersports

We attempted to book a snorkelling trip with Sundance, but unfortunately, all excursions high winds forced the tour operators to cancel the snorkel trips. I have to shout out to Fourie (sp?) at Sundance as he was helpful in explaining the situation and pushing our reservation to the following days while we were in the Keys in hopes the winds would die down, sadly, they didn’t.

Spirit Snorkeling

This time there were high winds as mentioned above, and the Captain decided to go out. As we made our way past the 7-mile bridge, the seas were rough, and the waves got increasingly bigger as we got closer to the Lighthouse I wondered if we were going to turn back because as the front of the vessel dipped into the waves, water spilt into the boat. The guests seated at the front were soaked. The boat filled with some water, fortunately, the boat is made for that, and the water quickly flowed out of the drainage holes. I wondered about visibility in the water and was also concerned about the senior snorkelers on board as it was hard to walk around the boat and navigate the ladder due to the waves. Visibility was not good, at maybe 3-4 feet. Despite that, I managed to see about five different species of fish in the ten minutes we had in the water before we were abruptly called back to the boat due to the black clouds and the storm rolling in. We got caught in the rainstorm on the way back to the safe harbour.  The ride back in was smoother than the way out to the reef due to the wind being at our backs.

I believe the Captain did the best job he could, given the conditions. However, I feel a partial refund should have been offered as we only had ten minutes to snorkel, and many had less than that. I don’t think I would have allowed my 11-year old son to get in the water had he been with me that day. Once my head was down and looking underwater, the waves didn’t bother me. My issue was poor visibility.

I would still recommend a trip with Spirit Snorkelling on days that don’t have strong winds as my first experience with them was perfect. I would have preferred to have been told that visibility would be reduced and that the seas would be rough when I called or at check-in with the option to cancel or reschedule. I feel that we should not have gone out that day because what is the point of snorkelling in such poor visibility and rough seas. We were told that the storm was due to arrive at 4 pm and we were to be back at the dock by about 3 pm. It came early.

Tip: If there is a visible sway of palm trees (wind) and you are at all concerned, call another operator to see if they are going out. Make your decision based on what other operators are doing,  if you could handle rough seas and your abilities.

Looe Key Dive Center and Resort

I stopped at the Looe Key Dive Center and asked if they would be going out that day or any dates that week. All excursions were cancelled due to the high winds expected for several days/weeks but recommended we check with an operator that has a larger boat in Key West, to see if they would be going out. We called Fury in Key West, but they too did not go out.

NOVEMBER 2017 – A re-do, 3 operators and a visit after Hurricane Irma

I returned to the Florida Keys with my 12-year-old son, my 7-year-old son and my niece. After my trip in January, I knew I needed to return with my niece as she didn’t see the Keys and snorkel it the way I did in November 2016. I had hoped to snorkel in the middle Keys again as we had planned to stay on Cudjoe Key. Unfortunately, Hurricane Irma had other plans, and our accommodations were cancelled due to damage. The lower keys were the most impacted by the hurricane. I struggled with the idea of whether to cancel the trip or to go ahead with it. I didn’t want to get in the way and wasn’t sure how to feel about going on holiday while others worked to rebuild or lost everything. I followed the rebuilding closely and finally decided to continue with our visit as I wanted to support tourism and the independent smaller businesses in the Keys. Key Largo in the Upper Keys and Key West at the bottom end didn’t suffer as much as the rest of the Keys, so we stayed for four nights in Key Largo and two nights in Key West.

There were visible signs of damage, and US 1 was lined with debris from the length of the Keys with the lower Keys having significantly more damage. Most of the restaurants, hotels and attractions in Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and Key West were reopened.

Although I couldn’t compare the state of the reefs from before and after Irma, it was my understanding that most of the reefs faired well.

KEYS DIVER – a departure from Key Largo 

The first snorkelling excursion of our trip began with Keys Diver in Key Largo. I called the office to inquire about the trip and ask some questions. I wanted to know what the process was if my 7yo old son wanted to get out of the water and stay on the boat in case I needed to stay in the water with my 12 yo. Whoever answered the phone answered my questions, and I booked the 3 location trip. I was concerned about how my 7yo would feel being in the open ocean. It wasn’t about him being far from shore but how he’d be able to handle the waves if there were like the ones my oldest son and I had experienced the year before. Keys Diver allows children to stay on the boat without parental supervision.

It was a sunny day, and visibility was high. We snorkelled in three locations starting with Grecian Rocks. The waves weren’t bad at our first stop. We saw a variety of fish and coral as well as a giant barracuda. The water was shallow, which made visibility even better. Some snorkelers saw Conch. We then went to the Christ of the Abyss statue for about 20 minutes and ended with Dry Rocks. The boat was equipped with ladders off the back of the boat and a small restroom. They sell snacks and soft drinks on the boat. Wetsuits are available onboard.

Who: Keys Diver – http://www.keysdiver.com

Where: We departed from the docks near the Holiday Inn in Key Largo. We snorkelled in three locations starting with Grecian Rocks. We then went to the Christ of the Abyss statue for about 20 minutes and ended with Dry Rocks.

Notes: You have to go to the shop first. There they give you directions as to where to board. As with other operators, you need to sign a waiver.

Snorkelling with Children: My 7-year old snorkelled the shallow Grecian Rocks for almost an hour and then ingested some saltwater as he looked straight below him, the top of his snorkel dipped forwards into the water. We swam back to the boat, but it was near the end of the first stop. He decided not to snorkel the other locations and did well for his first open water experience.

Conditions were rough at the statue as it’s not a protected spot, but my 12 yo and niece seemed okay with it but were tired from the swim to/from the statue. You could feel it on the boat as we rocked side to side. My 7yo and I could’ve used some anti-nausea medicine while waiting for the snorkelers, but we managed to fight it off. Others on board were not so lucky. Tip – Stare at the clouds or into the distance at the horizon if you feel queasy. We also chewed some peppermint gum I happened to have with me. Captain Bedford was wonderful and brought my son to the upper deck to blow the horn at the end of our second stop. Unfortunately, none of us went in the water for Dry Rocks so I can’t speak of the conditions. My 12yo did well at both locations he snorkelled.

SAIL FISH SCUBA – a departure from Key Largo

I can’t say enough about Sail Fish Scuba. I wanted our first trip to be with them, but they were booked for a few days into our trip. From Holly in the shop answering all my questions and concerns to Glenn our snorkel guide to Captain John, we had a fantastic experience. Glenn was hands-on with my 7yo as he snorkelled the Winch at Molasses Reef. There was a current, but having Glenn with us was a welcomed relief as it allowed me to enjoy the experience thoroughly.

Glenn not only helped my 7yo son in the open water but also guided my niece through a group of moon jellyfish as she was nervous. He calmed any of our fears we had about the jellies. He helped us see and identify a variety of fish and sea turtles. We saw a Caribbean reef shark, nurse sharks and several sea turtles.

Having a guide in the water with you is wonderful. It’s also fantastic to have someone else to take the photos; you are given access to them through Dropbox. Photos were also made by the diver’s guide that was on the boat. It was a treat to be welcomed back with some snacks; my sons loved that.

Our view of the nurse shark and the dive guide below us at Molasses Reef. Photo courtesy of Sail Fish Scuba.

Who: Sail Fish Scuba – https://sailfishscuba.com

Where: We departed from the canal behind the shop. We snorkelled in two locations on Molasses Reef.

Notes: As with other operators, you need to sign a waiver before boarding. Wetsuits are available, and the dive shop is well equipped. There is a restroom to change as well as a variety of hair care products you can use. If you want to use a wetsuit, they are given out at the shop.

Snorkelling with Children: Molasses Reef is a deeper site, ranging from 16 to 40+ feet in depth. It is closer to the edge of the barrier reef which brings larger fish, sharks, sea turtles and stingrays. Visibility was excellent, and the current wasn’t too bad. We did see a variety of fish, but with the excitement of our shark and turtle sightings, I can’t recall what else we saw.

My 7yo decided not to go back in the water after we returned to the line in the water for a break. Captain John kept him company and took great care as he hung out at the back of the boat. I highly recommend Sail Fish Scuba to anyone even if you are an experienced snorkeller. A guided snorkel is especially fantastic for beginner-intermediate snorkellers. They have a 6 to 1 ratio, so all trips are small groups. This is the best tour operator for snorkelling the Keys with children because of attention from the guide. We were the only snorkellers; there were also two divers and their guides on the boat.

My 7-year loved this experience. He was so happy to have seen a shark and sea turtles. He decided not to snorkel the second location; Captain John was delighted to hang out with him on the boat while the rest of us snorkelled in relative proximity to the boat. Visibility was high, and the current wasn’t too bad. Because of our experience the day before, we all took anti-nausea medicine, and it seemed to work well. We didn’t feel the slightest bit queasy.

FURY ISLAND ECO ADVENTURE TOUR – a departure from Key West

We booked this tour to experience snorkelling in the backcountry of the Florida Keys and its biodiversity as well as to experience the sandbar. The trip also included kayaking in the mangroves. Unfortunately, due to the speedboat races in the area, we couldn’t visit the sandbar.

It is more expensive than all the other tours, but with the kayaking, sandbar experience and food, I was okay with that price. I did feel overcharged since we didn’t get to go to the sandbar and wish we were told that we weren’t going there and had the option to cancel, reschedule or get a discount.

The water was shallow and calm and filled with sponge gardens where we saw many spiny lobsters, angelfish, porkfish, crabs and sponges in a variety of shapes. The boat was well equipped with a ladder off the side, a restroom, noodles and all the equipment for snorkelling.

Overall it was an excellent way to spend a half-day and take in the sunset on the way back. The Captain and crew were wonderful and went above and beyond to make our experience a good one despite not being able to go to the sandbar.

Who: Fury – https://www.furycat.com

Where: We departed from the seaport in Key West.

Notes: If you book online, you have to check it at the kiosk near where you board the boat. The island eco-tour included snack foods, sandwiches and drinks,

Snorkelling with Children: If you want to introduce your children to snorkelling in open water, this is a good tour for that. The water is calm, warm and shallow. If you’re looking for a wide variety of colourful fish, this is not that tour. It was interesting to see lobsters, starfish and the sponge gardens. Many of the marine species here like to hide so take your time. I would recommend trying to hover over a spot to wait and see what might appear. There was a bit of a current which could be a challenge for beginner swimmers/snorkellers. My sons did okay with it once they got some fins on.

MARCH 2019

A return to the Middle Keys and I think my favourite location to be based in the Florida Keys.

We’ve stayed all over the Florida Keys from budget motels to resorts. We’ve stayed in several locations on the same trip to get a feel of what the upper, middle and lower keys and their respective snorkelling locations have to offer. Here’s a list of our favourite accommodations in the Florida Keys.

• A family-friendly motel in Key Largo, Florida Keys – Seafarer Resort
• A family-friend resort motel in Marathon, Florida Keys – Coconut Cay
• A family-friend resort on Duck Key, Florida Keys
• Parmer’s Resort on Little Torch Key, Florida Keys
• Lime Tree Bay Resort in Islamorada, Florida Keys
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Mariott Key West

FLORIDA KEYS SNORKELLING TRIPS

• Fort Lauderdale to Key West Snorkelling trip
• Miami to Key West Snorkelling trip
• Key West 2-Stop Snorkelling trip
• Key West 3-hour Snorkelling trip
• Marathon snorkelling trip
• Looe Key Snorkelling trip
• Key Largo Guided Snorkelling trip
• Islamorada Snorkelling trip

SNORKEL GEAR WE USE

Although most operators offer a snorkel set, fins and snorkel vests, you may want to bring your own. Most of the tour operators in the Florida Keys did not provide a dry top snorkel set except for Looe Key Dive Centre. I find that to be an essential piece of equipment for beginner snorkelers, especially when you are snorkelling with children. It’s not a guarantee to keep water out of your snorkel, but it certainly helps. It is also essential to have your equipment when you go to the beach in shallow water to help your children practice. For these reasons, this is my list of snorkel gear I recommend and that we use on our snorkel trips.

• Children’s snorkel vest
• Adult snorkel vest
• Children’s snorkel set 
• Adult snorkel set
• Waist pouch dry bag
• Mesh drawstring backpack 
• Microfiber towel large
• Dryfoxco microfiber towel with pocket
• Olympus Tough TG-5

I hope this guide will help you experience the best snorkelling that the Florida Keys has to offer. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to connect with me. – Andrea

Disclaimer:

Some links are referral links to accommodations, snorkelling trips or camera gear in which I receive a small compensation if you book through my referral. It is no additional cost to you, just one way to support this site if you found the information useful.

I received a complimentary snorkel trip for two from Sundance Watersports as part of my stay at Hawks Cay Resort. As always, the choice of activities as well opinions are strictly my own.