The Unique Key West Snorkeling Experience
Key West snorkeling is unrivaled in its offerings. If you have come to Florida, specifically Key West, if you leave without taking one of the many snorkeling tours available, you haven’t really experienced Key West properly. There is as much to see in the tepid waters surrounding Key West as there is on land, so make sure you leave make some room in between lazing around on the beach and enjoying a cocktail poolside to strap on some gear and head down to the underwater oasis that is the Gulf of Mexico.
The wonderful thing about Key West snorkeling (well, there’s many things), is that it’s perfect for everyone of every ability which means if you have the family in tow, it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon. There are many reasons why snorkelers and divers from around the world descend onto the Florida Keys every year, but its the shipwrecks and coral reefs that bring the discerning underwater enthusiast to Key West. The Florida Keys Shipwreck Heritage trail is an underwater array of wrecks stretching from Key Largo all the way down to Key West. It was established by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and was actualized to encourage visitors to appreciate the unique maritime heritage of the Florida Keys. Many of the centuries old wrecks resting below the surface have become home to some 500 species of tropical fish as well as 55 essential varieties of coral that have all been left to thrive because of strict protective policies.
With these wrecks resting in waters from 20 to 140 feet, wrecks along the trail provide exciting snorkeling opportunities for the novice and experienced snorkeler. Visitors have the opportunity to explore vessels dating all the way back to the early 1700’s, as well as gargantuan modern cargo and military ships. No matter their age, each wreck has its own unique establishment of beautiful and vibrant tropical species.
There are a variety of ways to make your way out to the coral reefs and renown wrecks, it all depends on what sort of experience you’re looking to have and how much time you have on your hands. From boisterous party boats that provide all the booze you can handle and an afternoon of fun filled snorkeling, to the more demure and luxurious catamaran experience that focuses on a more personal, less crowded option. Every snorkeling tour includes a team of experienced snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, including dive masters, who offer up a great deal of knowledge on the region and know all the hottest snorkeling spots. If you’re completely new to snorkeling, there will always be a team of people on board to give you thorough instructions on how to become a great snorkeler.
Key West snorkeling is second to none, anywhere in the world, and with so many snorkeling tour options, and an impressive selection of experienced snorkeling guides and dive masters on hand to show you the ropes, there’s no time like the present, so jump on a Key West snorkeling tour and find out what you’ve been missing!