The Florida Reef stretches roughly 360 miles from the Dry Tortugas to just south of Miami, and Key West sits close to some of its most beautiful sections. If you have never snorkeled before, the Keys are one of the best places in the world to start: the water is warm, visibility is often 40 feet or more, and many sites are shallow enough to see everything from the surface.
Here is what our dive master team tells every first-time snorkeler before they step onto the boat.
The best snorkel spots near Key West
Sand Key is our favorite. About six miles offshore, it is marked by a historic lighthouse and surrounded by elkhorn and brain coral in 5 to 25 feet of water. Schools of blue tang, yellowtail snapper and parrotfish are almost guaranteed.
Looe Key, about an hour north near Big Pine Key, is a protected sanctuary with spur-and-groove coral formations and exceptional marine life. It is worth the drive or a boat trip from Bahia Honda.
For a free option, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park has rock jetties just off the beach where you can see tropical fish without a boat. It is a great place to practice before heading offshore.
What you might see
- Parrotfish, crunching coral and producing the white sand you lie on
- Sergeant majors, striped and curious, often swimming right up to your mask
- Nurse sharks resting under ledges, harmless and remarkably calm
- Spotted eagle rays gliding over sand channels
- Green and loggerhead sea turtles, especially in summer
Gear and technique
A well-fitting mask matters more than anything else. To test it, hold the mask to your face without the strap and breathe in gently through your nose. If it stays in place, it fits. Our water sports hut has masks in every size, including prescription lenses for common strengths.
Float, do not stand. Coral is a living animal and a single touch can damage decades of growth. Wear a flotation vest if you are not a strong swimmer, it lets you relax, breathe slowly and enjoy the view instead of treading water.
Go in the morning. The wind usually picks up after lunch, making the water choppier and visibility lower.
The reef does not need you to touch it. It needs you to notice it.
Protecting the reef
Key West banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate because they harm coral. Use a mineral, reef-safe sunscreen, or better still, wear a rash guard. We provide reef-safe sunscreen on every Azure Bay excursion.
Never feed fish, avoid kicking up sand near coral and keep a respectful distance from turtles and rays. Our guides are certified naturalists and will point out marine life without disturbing it.
Booking your first snorkel
Our Sand Key reef snorkel departs from the resort dock most mornings at 8:30 am and includes gear, a flotation vest, reef-safe sunscreen and a naturalist guide. Children aged 8 and over who are comfortable in the water are welcome. Book through the concierge or add it to your reservation when you book your stay.
