05 square nautical mile and is the only preserve that protects inshore patch reefs.Ĭheeca Rocks is southeast of Upper Matecumbe Key, and Hen and Chicks is south, southeast of Plantation Point in Islamorada. The Hen and chicks is a large cluster of coral that resembles a mother hen, followed by her chicks. The Hen and Chicks and Cheeca Rocks are preservation areas, as is John Penne Kamp State Park. The underwater sea life here makes them destinations for snorkelers and divers alike. The Cheeca Rocks and Hen & Chicks are patch reefs. The middle keys in the Islamorada, Big Pine Key, and John Penne Kamp Coral Reef State Park area are some of the best waters for snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys. Which Florida Key has the best snorkeling? In addition, there is camping, hiking trails, fishing, cycling, and, of course, sunbathing available at Bahia Honda State Park. The beaches here are world-class and compared to those anywhere in the world. Up the Keys and north of Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda State Park has two miles of beach and snorkeling and diving areas. Whether you are taking a swim, snorkeling, or sunning, you will want to add this location to your list of places you have been. Located at the most southernmost point in the United States, South Beach, Key West is a must-visit location. South BeachĪ small public beach at the end of Duval Street, South Beach is near the heartbeat of Key West and its amenities. Families find this beach suitable for kids because the shallows go out far from shore, and the currents are light. Visitors here enjoy parasailing, swimming, kayaking, parasailing, volleyball, and sun-worshipping. There is no fee to visit Smathers Beach however, you may have to pay to park. Smathers BeachĪnother of Key West’s public beaches, Smathers Beach, is two miles of white sand on the south-central coast of the Key. Harvey’s by the locals, but it is a quaint stretch of Key West beach, by any name. At a short 300 yards long, the beach here is wide and sandy, with rows of palms leaning into the breeze. Like Higgs Beach, Rest Beach is small too however, it offers a view toward the Atlantic that gives sun-worshippers one of the best views of a sunset, anywhere. The shoreline here is palm-fringed, and the beach is as idyllic as any in Key West, even though it’s small. That’s a big deal, and so is the fact that there is a dog park adjacent to the beach for use by your furry friends. This small beach has something others don’t free parking. Higgs Beach is a quarter of a mile of white sand and is open to the public and smaller than other beaches listed. ![]() It overlooks the azure waters of the Florida Straits. The beach below Fort Zachary Taylor is almost half a mile long. It is now under the care of the Florida Park Service, which oversees it and the other parks in the Florida Keys. Once surrounded by water, Fort Zachary Taylor was an active fort that protected the pass around the tip of Florida. However, it repeatedly draws snorkelers from all over who return year after year. One of Key West’s only natural beaches, Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, is mostly ground coral, not sand. The following list is of Key West public beaches where you can snorkel in calm waters with mild currents. In addition, you may stay at a hotel with a passageway to the water via a private beach or take out a boat rental in the area.Ī boat will take you to all the beaches of Key West and on to the other incredible snorkeling sights of the Florida Keys. ![]() ![]() You can snorkel from any of Key West’s public beaches. They are great places for beginning or advanced snorkelers. However, there are a few public beaches on Key West, where the waters are shallow. These structures also interfere with the development of long, beautiful beaches. The property without beaches has seawalls and rickrack berms around the precious waterfront land to hold the water at bay and prevent erosion. However, other beaches are shell-based or ground coral, where crabs scuttle for their meals. There are several public beaches on Key West, and a couple of them are sandy. Most of the Key’s perimeter is lined with private residences and businesses, some of which have private beaches. Instead, what has been developed in Key West is land. Instead, the beaches of Key West are narrow strips of sand or crushed coral, washed by the tides.īeaches don’t develop here as they do in other areas of Florida due to the reefs. However, they are not what one thinks of when thinking of Florida beaches, like those in Sarasota, Siesta Key, and Saint Petersburg, which are miles of sugar sand. So whether your interest is snorkeling, diving, swimming, or sunbathing, the beaches and waters of Key West await you. Whatever water activity you desire is available in the Keys. Key West has many snorkeling spots, and the turquoise blue waters and warm breezes beckon people worldwide.
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