Visibility: On clear days, visibility soars to 120 feet, but averages are closer to 60 to 80 feet. Winter storms can stir up chop, and along the shallow reefs visibility can drop to 30 feet or less, but when the storms pass, visibility can improve with just a couple of tidal shifts.
Water Conditions: Diving is year-round. The best conditions are from May to September, with relatively calm seas and good vis—except during tropical storms and hurricanes.
Florida Keys Snorkeling
Water Temperatures: Range from the 70Fs in mid-winter to 80Fs in summer.
Home to America’s only living-coral barrier reef, the 120-mile Florida Keys island chain is truly a national treasure. This teeming sanctuary of marine life runs the length of the Keys about five miles off offshore.
Our coral formations are famous for their abundance of tropical fish, from impressive schools of blue-striped grunts to toothy green moray eels in Islamorada.
Preserving the reef is a top priority for a good reason. There is no more versatile marine destination in the world.
We have coral laden ship wrecks and intricate natural coral formations. We have shallow reefs for snorkelers, and deeper reefs for experienced divers.