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Snorkel Charter
Key West Snorkel Trip
Every activity is based on weather, especially snorkeling. There are thousands of places to go snorkeling throughout the keys. There are many sanctuaries marked off with established mooring balls like the historic Sand Key Lighthouse.
Patch reefs like Cottrell and isolated Coral heads that most people don’t even know exist. There is also many sponge gardens throughout the backcountry. Sponge gardens are the nurseries of the marine ecosystem. But don’t think only small creatures live there.
I’ve seen 300lb Loggerhead sea turtles on the hunt for crustaceans through these areas. And of course the wrecks throughout the keys. Some are in such shallow water that they remain exposed all day. While some are too deep even for experienced divers. And everywhere in between.
Always going to take you to the calmest and clearest places possible based on weather conditions.
Snorkeling in Key West
The Florida Keys are rich with wildlife diversity, both above and below the waves. Snorkeling is a must in the Florida Keys, for anyone wanting to experience the rich underwater world alive with colorful fish, rays, lobsters, conch and the occasional turtle.
Snorkeling is a weather dependent activity, and we will always take you to the calmest, clearest water based on conditions. This may be a sponge garden in the protected back country, a patch coral reef, a wreck, or the main coral reef that runs the length of the Keys— the third largest in the world. All are unique ecosystems with something different to offer. On any type of tour we are on, we are keeping constant watch for dolphins and turtles, which are common to come across anywhere in the shallow waters surrounding Key West. The boat ride out to a snorkel location or mangrove tour is never just a boat ride— it is a chance to kick back and enjoy the wind in your hair and the incredible azure water, while keeping a sharp eye out for marine life!
Key West Reef Snorkeling
The Florida Reef runs the length of the Keys, an average of four miles offshore. It is the only living barrier coral reef in the continental United States and is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which was established to protect it.
If conditions are right, the reef offers incredible snorkeling, the best days boasting up to 100 ft of visibility with which to observe hard and soft corals, waving sea fans, turtles, rays, sharks and an abundance of tropical fish.
Patch coral reefs are replicas of the big reef system in miniature, isolated pop-up coral heads that lack the sprawling extravagance the main reef boasts. However, they offer the same diversity and abundance of life and tend to be more approachable, in that they are in shallower water and closer to shore. A perfect snorkel spot on the way to exploring a mangrove island, or if the big reef feels a bit intimidating.
Wrecks are another viable snorkel option, and there are a tremendous number of them up and down the keys. Beyond the fascinating and eery juxtaposition of seeing boats laid at rest on the sea floor, wrecks provide a sheltering ecosystem for marine life, and are gathering places for fish, lobster and occasionally juvenile nurse sharks.
Snorkeling Sponge Gardens
Sponge Gardens are a great rougher weather snorkel option. Located within the protective mangrove island shallows, when conditions make snorkeling at the unprotected reefs untenable, the Sponge Gardens are always accessible.
Sponge Gardens are exactly what they sound like— a garden of sponges growing out of the sea floor, usually in eight to ten feet of water. Sponges are living organisms that are integral to the environment in their role as the ocean’s filtration system; they can filter up to 50,000 times their own volume in a day, making them important contributors to the Key’s clear water. Sponge Gardens also serve as a marine nursery; a safe, protected spot for young fish to grow before making their way out to the reefs. In addition to juvenile fish, Sponge Gardens boast their own collection of rays, lobsters, conch and turtles, and are an excellent place to spot shy moray eels.
Snorkel charters are easy to combine with other charters, such as Eco Tour, Dolphin Watch or Sandbar. We will work with you on how you want to best divide your time.
Snorkel Charter Itinerary
When you book your custom charter, you can pick to head out in the morning or in the afternoon.
- Snorkel charters leave out of Stock Island or Key West.
- Trip departures are usually 9:00 am or 2:00 pm.
- Trips can be 4 hours or 6 hours.
During a snorkel trip, we usually stop at multiple locations, so you get to see a variety of sights.
When you book a snorkeling outing with Your Island Charter, we’re happy to combine other activities. We can stop and check out a sandbar, do some lobstering or Fishing, stay out and enjoy the sunset.
Each snorkel trip is a little different. The exact locations we visit depend on the weather and conditions on the water.
What Will I See During a Snorkel Tour in Key West?
Here are a few things you'll see on most snorkel charters with us:
- The clearest tropical water you can imagine
- Wildlife we see from the boat, like dolphins, rays, and turtles
- Underwater wildlife on the reef, like sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, and hundreds of tropical fish (angelfish, parrotfish, yellow tail snapper, grunts...the list goes on!)
- Other critters, like conch, crabs, eels, lobsters, and maybe even a Donkey Dung Sea Cucumber!
- Beautiful hard and soft corals
What Should I Bring on a Key West Private Snorkel Charter?
- Wet suits during winter months (if you want one, not needed)
- Towels
- Dry clothes
- Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen (try to find reef-safe versions)
- Sweater or jacket during the cooler months
- Cameras (waterproof is best!)
- Alcoholic beverages (BYOB)
- Any food or snacks you want to bring
What Should I Not Bring With Me?
- No more than six passengers
- Glass bottles
What's Included When I Book a Snorkel Trip in Key West?
- Adult and children’s mask and snorkel
- Pool noodles
- Cooler with ice and bottled water
- Bluetooth stereo
- Coast Guard required safety equipment and extra life jackets for kids and toddlers
