We’ve all seen those stunning videos on Instagram of people swimming in crystal clear water, surrounded by beautiful marine life. There are places like this all over the world, but one of our favorites is Key West, Florida. It’s one of the top destinations for snorkeling and scuba diving in the world, and also happens to be the third largest living and thriving reef on earth. Key West is sure to make the perfect vacation, the only challenge is picking where to snorkel because there are so many great options! Of course, we have a few favorites that we figured we’d share with you, just to help you out a little.
Scuba Diving
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ve got explore the water here. Not only are the Keys known for their beautiful reefs, but they’re also known for their abundance of underwater shipwrecks for you to explore. The Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg is a huge wreck that you can check out, and it is actually one of the biggest artificial reefs in the world. The air force tracking ship only just sunk in 2009, so it’s a fairly recent wreck. This one is recommended for advanced divers, but if you’re a beginner, definitely add it to your bucket list.
The second shipwreck in Key West that we recommend checking out is Joe’s Tug. Joe’s Tug sits in about 65 feet of water and is great for both beginners and advanced divers. The tug first sank in 1986 and has since been ripped apart by hurricanes passing through, so it really is a sight to see. The site is known for its abundance in marine life and even attracts plenty of nighttime divers that go to see all creatures that come out when it gets dark!
Snorkeling
If going deep underwater isn’t quite your thing, then snorkeling might be more of your style. Snorkeling offers an easier, tamer way of exploring all that these reefs have to offer. Snorkeling also is great for families, as there are plenty of places with calm water that is closer to shore. Many local businesses in Key West and other nearby areas of Florida also offer tours, which are perfect for an exciting day trip.
The best place to snorkel in all of Key West is definitely the Sand Key Lighthouse Reef. The lighthouse is surrounded by one of the healthiest reefs around, and with depths ranging from one to fifteen feet, it’s perfect for all ages. You’re guaranteed to see a wide array of marine life here, with anything from tropical fish to Dolphins. You could swim past some colorful fish, a sea turtle, or maybe even a shark, but don’t freak out! These are all small sharks that will just mind their own business. Believe us, if you just float and observe, you’ll find it all pretty amazing.
Hopefully, you’ll all be venturing out to the Florida Keys soon to explore some wildlife and shipwrecks. Trust us, you’re in for a once in a lifetime experience!