Key West is blessed with abundant coral and marine life which offers snorkelers and divers a world-class experience. On local reefs, the grouper and barracuda prowl the gullies and coral fingers, and the outer ledges drop to more than 18 meters/60 feet.
Is diving better in Key Largo or Key West?
When it comes to snorkeling and diving, Key West has some great diving, but the snorkeling and diving around Key Largo surpass the opportunities around the southernmost Key by far. The reefs around both islands are incredibly healthy, beautiful, and mostly easy to access.
Which Florida Key is best for scuba diving?
Key Largo dubs itself the “Dive Capital of the World“, and yes, it is home to some of the most renown dive sites in the Florida Keys. It is also where John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located, the country’s first undersea park. It includes approximately 70 nautical square miles of adjacent Atlantic Ocean waters.
Do I need a wetsuit to dive in Key West?
Most people don’t even need wetsuits for snorkeling or diving since your bodies can adjust to the cooler waters surprisingly fast. (But wetsuits definitely are available close to the various Key West diving and snorkeling trips).
Is Key West good for scuba diving? – Related Questions
Are sharks a problem in Key West?
It’s no guarantee that you’ll spot a shark while snorkeling in Key West, but it happens more than you might think. We see sharks at the reef at least once a week, and probably more often than that!
Does Key West have a lot of sharks?
The Florida Keys are home to more sharks than any other area in the world. Here’s a list of the sharks you can see with Keys Shark Diving. Keys Shark Diving is the best way to see sharks up close and personal in the Florida Keys.
Do you need a wetsuit to dive in Florida Keys?
Exposure Suit – You’ll want to wear a full wetsuit in winter, and at least a skin or shorty the rest of the year. The temps are typical for this part of the Caribbean: mid- 70Fs in winter, mid 80Fs in summer. The exposure suit you decide to pack depends on the season and your susceptibility to the cold.
Do you need a wetsuit to scuba dive in Florida?
As we get in to our colder seasons here in Florida, wearing a wetsuit while diving is necessary as water temperatures drop about 10 to 15 degrees. There are many different factors that go into buying a wetsuit including the style of suit, the thickness, and color.
Can a shark bite through a wetsuit?
The wetsuits are made of a “high tech polymer, the same material used to make tow ropes for pulling ships,” says Shark Stop inventor Hayden Burford. And while a shark’s bite might penetrate the fabric, it will only cause small puncture wounds as opposed to the brutal injuries those attacked by sharks normally sustain.
Are there saltwater alligators in Key West?
Probably not. There’s simply not enough fresh water in Key West, which has no lakes, no rivers, and gets significantly less rainfall than the Upper Keys, Everglades, or Miami. Occasionally, Key West gets American Crocodiles.
Why do the Keys not have beaches?
The Keys don’t have wide sandy beaches because the coral reefs we enjoy as snorkelers and scuba divers prevent the erosion and sand from building up along the shore. So while the beaches aren’t what make the Keys special, there are still some pretty special beaches in the Keys.
Can you swim in the ocean at Key West?
Yes, Key West has several swimmable beaches. The island is located in the Florida Keys, which is known for its clear blue waters. Some of the best beaches for swimming include Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. What is this?
Why are there no waves in the Florida Keys?
Key West , like the rest of the Florida Keys is not known as a ‘beach destination’ There is a good reason for this: America’s only living coral reef (and the world’s third longest barrier reef). The barrier reef does it’s job of protecting the Florida Keys from large ocean waves.
When should you not go to Key West?
The two worst times to visit Key West are the winter and during hurricane season. Key West is a winter hot spot since many people live in areas where season changes are significant. After about a month or two of winter, people get annoyed by the snow and want a tropical getaway.
When should I avoid the Florida Keys?
The rainy season also brings very high humidity, making days feel hotter than the mercury reads. For ideal weather, aim to visit the Keys in the dry season, between November and April. You’ll still enjoy temperatures in the 80s, but you’re less likely to encounter rain — and you avoid the summer hurricane season.
What year will the Keys be underwater?
Experts are estimating that parts of Key West will be underwater by 2040, and the money it would cost to prepare for this is in the billions.
How many shark attacks have there been in the Keys?
In total, the county Key West is located in – Monroe County – has seen 18 unprovoked shark attacks since records were first kept in 1882.
How many crocodiles are in the key?
American crocodiles are primarily found in South Florida and can be seen often swimming in Keys canals. They are federally protected after their numbers dwindled in the 1970s. Scientists estimate there are now about 2,000 of them living in South Miami-Dade and the Keys, and they are happy about that.