Plan Your Florida Keys Snorkeling Vacation

Savvy vacationers know that the Florida Keys are more than just nightlife and sunbathing, but it’s located beneath the island’s azure waves. The archipelago and its surrounding waters are home to the only tropical coral reef in the continental United States, and exploring the reef through snorkeling is one of the best parts of a Florida Keys vacation.

If you’re planning a snorkeling vacation, there’s no better place in this country than the Florida Keys. Whether you choose to book a full-day offshore tour or try your luck at a local beach, snorkeling in the archipelago is sure to add color to your tropical vacation. We’ve highlighted some of the best places to stay and do for your next Florida Keys snorkeling vacation.

Snorkel in Bahia Honda State Park

Whether you choose to frolic on the Atlantic side or the bay side of Bahia Honda Island, the entire underwater world awaits you. Key’s State Park offers tranquil swimming and beautiful underwater scenery (keep an eye out for starfish lurking on the sandy bottom). If you want to spend a full day exploring, book an offshore tour and snorkel at Looe Key. Stay at Little Torch Key vacation rentals like this one and enjoy snorkeling on Bahia Honda Key.

• Live near Loko Island Little Torch Island Bahia Honda State Park.

Snorkel at John Pennykamp Coral Reef State Park

Why take a glass-bottom boat ride to experience John Penneykamp Coral Reef State Park at your feet when you can see John Penneykamp Coral Reef State Park at your feet through a snorkel mask? This stunning state park is easily accessible from the base camp on Key Largo Island. Put on your swimsuit and snorkeling gear and meet the underwater inhabitants at America’s first underwater park. Bring your underwater camera as you take photos with the iconic Sunken Deep Sea Christ statue.

• Stay at Lorelane Lookout near John Pennekamp State Park on Key Largo Island.

Snorkel at the Alligator Reef

Just off the coast of Islamorada, you’ll find several great snorkeling spots, including the area around the Crocodile Reef Lighthouse. The aircraft carrier Crocodile sank here in 1822, and today, the lighthouse that marks the site is surrounded by colorful marine life that thrives in the crystal clear waters. Parrotfish, grouper, and angelfish are just a few of the fish commonly found in lighthouses. Head to Crocodile Reef for snorkeling before returning to your Islamorada holiday home.

• Stay near the Paradise Beach Isla Morada Crocodile Reef Lighthouse.

Snorkel at Zachary Fort Taylor State Park

In addition to the historic fort of the same name, this state park is also known for having Key West’s main snorkeling spot, and you don’t even need to book a boat tour to get there. Simply wade into deeper waters and discover the marine life on the beach. Key West may not be known for its beaches, but it offers a great setting for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. Luckily for you, finding a lovely Key West holiday home is easier than spotting those schools of silver snapper.

• Stay at Island Retreat located near Key West-Zachary Fort Taylor State Park.