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.
Which Florida Key has the best 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.
Where is the best place to dive in the Florida Keys?
Molasses Reef
The reef’s vibrant marine life and ease of access make it one of top dive and snorkel locations in the Keys. Several dive shops, including Sea Dwellers Dive Center, offer guided dives to Molasses Reef from Key Largo.
Is Key Largo or Key West better for diving?
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.
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!
What is the best month to go to Key West?
The best time to visit Key West is between March and May. The winter crowds will taper off, the hotel rates become reasonable and the weather is remarkably similar to winter’s blissful 70s and 80s. Speaking of winter – that season is the island’s busiest and priciest.
Is Key Largo good for scuba diving?
Key Largo is a dream dive destination where well-preserved natural coral reefs lie only a few miles from the shore – shallow reefs for snorkelers and deeper coral-encrusted wrecks for experienced divers. A perfect paradise for both divers and snorkelers.
How good is diving in Key Largo?
The waters of Key Largo are filled with various types of coral, marine life, and many other surprises. Water visibility is generally really good. Average visibility ranges from 40-100+ feet. Reef dives are generally 30-50 feet deep while wreck dives are 70-130+ feet.
Is Key Largo the diving capital of the world?
Key Largo, Florida is known as the scuba diving capital of the world. This is because there is a very large amount of dive sites easily accessible to divers. The Florida Keys is located along the 3rd largest barrier reef in the world.
Which Florida Key has the clearest water?
Dry Tortugas National Park is located approximately 67 miles west of Key West. What is this? The remote islands are a bit difficult to reach, and the trip is expensive unless you visit by private boat. But, the Dry Tortugas have the clearest water in Florida, by far.
What is the prettiest beach in Key West?
The Best Beaches In Key West
- 1) Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson. To many, this secluded cluster of islands 70 miles west of Key West is home to the most beautiful beach in the Florida Keys.
- 2) Fort Zachary Taylor.
- 3) Smathers Beach.
- 4) Higgs Beach.
- 5) Bahia Honda State Park.
Where is the prettiest water in Key West?
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a National Historic Landmark that offers some of the clearest blue waters for snorkeling and diving in Key West. It hosts the city’s favorite beach at its southern end, making it ideal for those activities along with paddling, fishing and picnicking.
What is the cheapest time to go to Key West?
The fall (September–November) is the low season in Key West, and room rates can drop by 50 percent or more. The hot, storm-prone summer months also see lower prices, and you’ll find decent discounts in April and May after the winter crowds thin out.
How many days is enough for Key West?
Key West is worth a day trip, but the more time you have, the better! You could easily spend a week in Key West, but 3-4 days is optimal if you want to do it all and still have time to relax.
What is hurricane season in Key West?
Hurricane season, which runs from June to November, is another time you might want to steer clear of traveling to Key West. Florida, in general, tends to get the brunt of the severe weather in the summer months because of its location in the tropics.
What month is hurricane season in Key West?
The Atlantic hurricane season formally begins June 1 and ends November 30. Historically, the chances of hurricane activity are greater between August 15 and October 15. Can I travel to the Florida Keys during hurricane season? Absolutely.
Do you need a car in Key West?
You don’t really need a car in Key West unless you’re planning to do a lot of shopping or are heading out to multiple far-fetched points in the Keys. The island is only four miles long and about one mile wide, so almost everything is located within walking distance.
Is the drive from Miami to Key West worth it?
Miami to Key West is a 159 mile drive that takes you across the Overseas Highway and offers some of the most stunning scenery in Florida. It can be completed in a few hours but it’s definitely worth taking a few days to do this trip as there are plenty of spots along the way you’ll want to stop and explore.