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.
Is there good scuba diving in the Florida Keys?
The Florida Keys is home to the United States’ only living coral barrier reef, making it an ideal scuba diving destination. From pristine, shallow coral reefs to epic wreck dives, the Keys offers something for every level of diver.
What is the best time to scuba dive in the Florida Keys?
When to Go. The Keys are essentially open for diving year-round, however the winter season does bring with it lower water temperatures — they range from the mid 70s to the mid 80s throughout the year — plus choppier seas and the possibility of lower visibility.
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.
Which Florida key is best 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!
Are there saltwater crocodiles in Key West?
Occasionally, Key West gets American Crocodiles. Croc’s feel more at-home in our saltwater canals than ‘gators. However, if you drive about 45 minutes up the Keys to an island called Big Pine, which has the largest freshwater lense in the Lower Keys, and head to the “Blue Hole,” you’ll probably see American alligators.
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 West a good place to scuba dive?
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 Key West a good place to dive?
The Oceanside of the Key slopes gradually down to about 65 feet in most places. The variety of depths, excellent snorkeling and diving, dry sand bar feature, and marine life like Barracuda, Eagle Rays, Nurse Sharks, and Sea Turtles make Sand Key one of the most popular Key West scuba diving sites.
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 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).
How deep is the water at Key West?
The harbor is entered through breaks in the reef by several principal channels with depths of 13 to 34 feet, and by several minor channels. Key West, on the island of the same name near the western end of the Florida Keys, is a winter resort.
Why is there no beach in Key West?
The lack of soft, white sand shoreline in Key West is the result of a beautiful live coral reef that extends from Key Largo to the Dry Tortugas National Park. The coral reef prevents natural beach formation because the waves don’t crash onshore as you might see in Miami beach.
Are there alligators in Key West?
American Alligators are very rare in the Keys since they do not like high salinity water. They are generally limited to the few islands here with permanent freshwater lakes such as Big Pine Key where the fresh/brackish water blue hole is, but our canals and beaches are too salty for them.
Can you see Cuba from Key West?
The answer the Americans do not like is “no, you cannot see Cuba from Key West. “ The problem is that the earth, being round, curves and Cuba, which is about 90 miles from Key West, falls below the horizon when you look towards it from Key West.
Can you take a day trip from Key West to Cuba?
Did you know that it’s now possible to take a day trip from Key West to Cuba? With Our Key West, a local concierge company, you can now take the 50 minute flight to Havana, and make it back in time for dinner the same day!
Why is Key West so special?
Key West, the southernmost point in the United States, is famous for watersports, lively nightlife, beaches, historic sites and its pastel, conch-style architechture.
How long is the boat ride from Florida Keys to Cuba?
From Key West, the sailing distance to Cuba is around 90 nautical miles, a mere 4 hours away.
Why can’t we go to Cuba?
The U.S. government has limited travel to Cuba since 1960—after Fidel Castro came to power—and to this day, travel for tourist activities remains controlled largely due to a fear of communism in Cuba.