Is snorkeling in the Keys Safe?
Is snorkeling in the Keys Safe? Is It Safe To Go Snorkeling In The Florida Keys? Any water sport comes with some level of danger, and snorkeling is no different. The coral reefs are living, and house dangerous sea creatures, as well as other dangers that can be in that environment. But overall, snorkeling while in the Florida Keys is fairly safe.
Which island in the Keys has the best snorkeling?
Key Largo at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of the must-visit snorkeling spots in the continental United States. You will find the only living coral reef here. Snorkelers can expect to see various sea turtles, shipwrecks, bottlenose dolphins, and tropical fishes here.
Can you snorkel off shore in Key Largo?
The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a popular spot for Key Largo snorkeling. It is the only place in Key Largo where you can snorkel from the beach. There are two designated beaches where you can snorkel in an enclosed bay surrounded by mangroves with seagrass on the bottom.
Are sharks a problem in Florida Keys?
Are there Sharks in the Florida Keys? You bet. It is common to catch nurse sharks while fishing on the flats. These bottom dwellers are generally docile and will only act defensively if provoked, so if you see one out snorkeling or diving there is no need for alarm as long as you do not disturb it.
Why is Key Largo so popular?
Most tourists who visit the Florida Keys want to know why is Key Largo so popular. The answer is simple - Key Largo is the quintessential essence of the Florida Keys! It is home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world and is easily accessible from Miami International Airport.
Do you need to know how do you swim to snorkel in Key Largo?
A: Although it is best for you to be comfortable in the water, you do not have to know how to swim. Each guest is provided with a buoyancy vest that will assist with flotation so that you can view the reef. There are also flotation noodles and body boards in the water you can hang on to.
What Florida key has the prettiest beach?
Sombrero Beach, Marathon Sombrero ranks at the top of the list of best beaches in the Florida Keys. In fact, in 2023 Sombrero was the only South Florida beach to make the “best beaches in the US” list on TripAdvisor.
What is the best month for snorkeling in the Florida Keys?
May will offer the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys. The weather is warm during May, and the waters are perfect for snorkeling – calm and clear!
Are there alligators in Key West?
Probably not. There's simply not enough fresh water in Key West, which has no lakes, no rivers, and gets significantly less rainfall than the Upper Keys, Everglades, or Miami. Occasionally, Key West gets American Crocodiles.
How healthy is the reef in the Florida Keys?
Since the late 1970s, healthy coral cover in the Florida Keys has fallen 90 percent due to disease, heat stress, and damage from boats and storms. Mission: Iconic Reefs aims to restore 7 key reefs to self-sustaining levels by 2040.
Are sharks common in Key Largo?
We see a number of different types of sharks in Key Largo, mainly Reef Sharks, Nurse sharks and some Bull sharks. There are however visitors to our shores that are a little larger.
Which Florida key is the best to stay on?
The best areas to stay in the Florida Keys Key West – Key West is best for culture and history lovers. The key is most famed for its historic Key West Old Town and Mallory Square, although it is also the birthplace of key lime pie. Key Largo – If your dream morning is spent underwater, Key Largo is for you.
Do people swim in the ocean in the Keys?
Boasting temperate waters and more than 3,400 hours of annual sunshine, the beaches of Key West are some of the most popular destinations on this tropical island paradise. You can enjoy the sun, sand and warm water as well as a variety of activities like swimming, snorkeling and fishing.
Can you see sea turtles in Key Largo?
Florida is known for a variety of species of turtles, and Key Largo is proud to host many of these beautiful creatures! Of the 7 species worldwide, the Keys is home to 5 of them.
Can you snorkel off the beach in the Florida Keys?
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Snorkelers can head right off the beach and into the underwater habitats the Keys are famous for. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent some directly from the park.