24 Things to Do in Key West – Where to Snorkel & Dive in Key West

With the only living coral reef in the continental United States, Key West is often a popular option for snorkeling and diving. However, as proud citizens of the Conch Republic, we do have our favorite spots to observe marine life. Allow us to suggest some spots on and off the reef.

Florida Reef

The Florida Keys Reef Tract is the obvious first choice for divers and snorkelers alike. Around 1,400 different species of marine life inhabit the Florida Reef, from anemones, crabs, pufferfish and even barracudas. One of the easiest ways (and one of our favorites) to get to the reef is through a Fury Water Adventures tour. Fury takes you out on the catamaran to the reef, either in the morning or in the afternoon through the Reef & Ritas tour.

Fury Water Adventures, 241 Front Street, Key West, Florida 33040, phone: 855-990-0197

Bahia Honda State Park

With its shallow water and near-shore marine life, Bahia Honda is an excellent spot for snorkelers and beginner divers. Follow the tropical fish, spy on spiny lobster and keep company with the queen conchs in this nature reserve. Yet Bahia Honda is also home to dolphins, butterflies and many wading and shore birds. After snorkeling, roam Bahia Honda’s hiking trails and have a picnic on the grounds of the state park.

Bahia Honda State Park, 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, Florida 33043, phone: 305-872-2353

The Vandenberg

Although an “artificial” reef, the Vandenberg is one of the most interesting reefs in Key West in its own right. Once a U.S. Air Force missile-tracking ship, the General Hoyt S. Vandenberg was intentionally shipwrecked on May 27, 2009, to help take the stress off the natural coral barrier reef and give divers another option to explore. Since its sinking, the Vandenberg has become home to a plethora of diverse marine life as well as a popular diving spot off the beaten path.

Lost Reef Adventures, 261 Margaret Street, Key West, Florida 33040, phone: 305-296-9737

Dry Tortugas National Park

Located 70 miles west of Key West, the Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by ferry or seaplane. While it may be a bit of a trek, the Dry Tortugas offers multiple snorkel and dive sites, such as the Windjammer shipwreck to the Texas Rock site, which is literally filled to the brim with marine life. The Texas Rock is also home to numerous deep-water sea fans and even black coral, a rare type of coral not commonly found. For a special treat, dive the Fort Jefferson Moat Wall at night for a chance to see the site’s resident octopus and various crabs, shrimp and squid.

Dry Tortugas National Park, phone: (305) 242-7700
Ferry Ticket Office – 240 Margaret Street, Key West, Florida 33040
Ferry Terminal – 100 Grinnell Street, Key West, Florida 33040