Snorkeling in Key West
Snorkeling in Key West means reefs, mangrove water and one standout site about 70 miles out. Most visitors reach the best of it by boat or seaplane on a full-day trip to Dry Tortugas. Closer to town, the waters around Fort Zachary Taylor and the Key West National Wildlife Refuge offer shorter outings, usually by boat for the refuge.
Places to go
Key West National Wildlife Refuge
Key West National Wildlife Refuge is a set of mangrove islands about 30 miles west of Key West, reached only by boat. Visitors go for snorkeling, fishing, and watching wildlife and birds in the mangroves.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a Civil War-era fort on the western end of Key West, set beside a pretty beach. People come to swim, snorkel, dive, walk the nature trails and watch the sunset.
Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is a 3,000-foot stretch of sand on Key West, one of the island's longest beaches. Visitors swim, snorkel and sunbathe here, with water sports rentals and volleyball nets along the shore.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
The Dry Tortugas trip is the headline. A day boat or seaplane takes you west to Garden Key, where the reef around Fort Jefferson is the main place to snorkel. The crossing takes most of the day, so check the departure time when you book. Time on the water is limited, and you will see little of the island itself.
Closer options are shorter. Afternoon sail and snorkel trips and dolphin-watch trips run about three hours and combine a sail with a stop at a reef or sponge garden. The Key West National Wildlife Refuge is a set of mangrove islands about 30 miles west of town, reached only by boat, and its waters are good for snorkeling. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park also offers snorkeling from its beach, which is the easiest option if you want to stay close to town.
Where to go
- Garden Key reef, Dry Tortugas. Reef snorkeling around Garden Key and Fort Jefferson. Watch for invasive lionfish near the fort and keep a safe distance. About 70 miles west of Key West, by day boat or seaplane. A trip that goes here: Schooner Eco Tour, 5 Hours, $162 a person
- Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Mangrove islands with water considered prime for snorkeling. Reached only by boat, so trips are arranged in advance. 30 miles west of Key West, by boat. A trip that goes here: Reef and Ritas, 3 Hours, $100 a person
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. A state park beach where snorkeling is offered. The park also has a pretty beach, nature trails and a fort with a moat. A trip that goes here: Schooner Eco Tour, 5 Hours, $162 a person
Getting there
Dry Tortugas is about 70 miles out and takes around 120 minutes one way, so it is a boat or seaplane trip booked through a tour.
When to go
Snorkeling is available year-round, and Dry Tortugas trips run daily. Plan around the departure time, since the crossing takes most of the day.
Good to know
- Book the Dry Tortugas trip in advance, since boat and seaplane seats are the only way out there.
- Watch for lionfish near Fort Jefferson. Their stings are very painful and can be dangerous, so do not touch them.
- Bring water, sun protection and a rash guard, since the trip is long and sunny.
Questions
Where is the best snorkeling near Key West?
The best-known site is the reef around Garden Key and Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas, about 70 miles west of Key West. It is reached by day boat or seaplane. Closer options include the Key West National Wildlife Refuge by boat and the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
Can I snorkel at Dry Tortugas on a day trip from Key West?
Yes. Daily trips by ferry or seaplane go to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. The crossing takes most of the day, so check the departure and return times when you book.
Is snorkeling in Key West good for families?
Families are among the people snorkeling here suits best, as long as swimmers are comfortable in open water. Shorter afternoon trips and the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor offer gentler options.
