Our Key West Snorkeling Tour gives you a chance to sample some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. About seven miles away from our shore, these reefs are full of tropical reef fish, soft corals, hard corals, crabs, rays, sea turtles, lobsters, and many other sea creatures. In total, there are more than 100 species of corals, and over 500 species of fish.
Coral reefs are fascinating to look at and study, given that they are made up of millions of tiny polyps. A polyp is a live animal, and that surprises a lot of people. When the polyp is combined with zooanthellae (a microscopic algea), the symbiotic relationship results in the coral reef.
Key West Snorkeling Tour Tips
When taking one of our Key West Snorkeling Tours, it is important to be know the basics so that your safety is maintained. In addition, the reefs must be protected, given that they are the only live coral reefs within the continental United States.
While you may think that the coral reef is extremely solid, it is a very fragile ecosystem. The slightest touch or interaction can cause irreparable damage, which is why we forbid touching. Not only do the reefs get damaged easily, but they only grow about one eighth of an inch every year. Snorkelers should have a hold on all skills, which will ensure that no part of them accidentally collides with the reef.
Key West Snorkeling Tours Locations
The entire Florida Keys barrier reef system last for more than 220 miles, which gives us plenty of great locations to hold tours. Here is an overview of the three most popular Key West Snorkeling Tours:
1. Sand Key
Sand Key is the most visited spot on the tour, given how close to the shore it is (seven miles). It is also the best protected, allowing for large groups to go into the water without any problems. The Sand Key Lighthouse, which was built in 1853, is also located at this spot.
2. Rock Key
Rock Key is only a few miles away from Sand Key, and is home to plenty of beautiful coral and marine species. There are colorful sergeant majors, yellowtail snappers, and parrotfish located here.
3. Eastern Dry Rocks
The third most popular of the Key West Snorkeling Tours, Eastern Dry Rocks is often known as the "finger canyons". This is because of the unique experience of being inches from the coral reef, which gives our visitors a beautiful sensation of watching both the coral and the fish.
Snorkeling Gear
We include all gear, but if your have your own we reccommend brinigng your snorkeling mask, snorkel, fins, sunscreen, vests, and underwater cameras. The camera is optional, but it is a great way to get pictures that will stay with you as a reminder of your unique experience.
Snorkel Safely
When you are on one of our Key West Snorkeling Tours, it is of paramount importance that your safety and the safety of the coral is maintained at all times. To ensure this, you wont ever snorkel alone and our crew will be available at all times to assist you.
Snorkeling History
The act of snorkeling has been happening for over 5000 years, with the earliest evidence coming in 3000 BC. Those peoples were known as free divers, and the first diving took place through the sponge farmers in Crete. The Assyrians, Alexander the Great, the ancient Spanish, and the British Empire are just a few historical people/groups that had a passion for snorkeling.
Snorkeling Basics
To have the best snorkeling experience, it is vital that any snorkeler is comfortable both with wearing the mask, and with breathing through the snorkel.A snorkeler must also be comfortable with clearing the snorkel, and clearing the mask. Both processes are very straightforward once you get the hang of them. Our crew will give you instruction and tips to ensure this.
