Is scuba diving good in 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.

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.

Which Florida Key is best for scuba?

Key Largo

Florida is home to the only coral reefs in the nation and some of the best are off Key Largo. Molasses Reef and French Reef are two of the most popular and are great for all levels of divers as the reefs are shallow.

Is diving better in Key West or Key Largo?

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.

How deep is the reef in Key West?

The reef lives in waters as shallow as five feet and as deep as 50 feet. Most Keys reef divers log a maximum depth of 20 to 30 feet.

How is the scuba diving in Key Largo?

The scuba diving in Key Largo is an amazing experience that every scuba diver should try. Most the year water temperatures at depth are above 80 degrees. Visibility varies between dive sites and changes daily. On good day visibility can exceed 100 feet, on average its at least 35 feet.

What is the prettiest Key in Florida?

Most Scenic Views in the Florida Keys

Key West – Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.
Big Pine Key – National Key Deer Refuge.
Marathon – Bahia Honda State Park.
Marathon – Seven Mile Bridge.
Pigeon Key.
Islamorada – Florida Bay.
Key Largo – John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

How do I not look like a tourist in Key West?

Shorts and T-shirts or tank tops are a necessity to stay comfortable during the day. Stick to breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, chambray, or rayon. Sandals are also a staple for Key West living. They are perfect for beach days, while keeping your feet cool for a long stroll down Duval Street.

How healthy is the reef in the Florida Keys?

WATER QUALITY DECLINE
Corals require clean, nutrient-free waters to thrive. A healthy coral reef has from 30-40% live coral coverage. However, in the Florida Keys, coral coverage is now reduced to an alarming 3%. Coral spawning has been reduced due to lack of healthy coral colonies and clean water.

Where is the largest reef in the United States?

Florida
Florida’s Coral Reef is the largest coral reef ecosystem in the continental U.S., with its extensive shallow coral reefs that span 358 miles from the Dry Tortugas near Key West, north along the Atlantic coast to Martin County. Our treasured coral reefs provide Florida with many benefits.

Where is the best diving in the Keys?

UPPER KEYS

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo.
Molasses Reef.
The Duane.
Sombrero Reef.
Coffins Patch.
Looe Key.

Is scuba diving good in Key Largo?

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.

Why are there no beaches in Key West?

Many visitors are surprised to find that the island paradise of the Florida Keys does not have a lot of beaches. You see, Key West and the rest of the Florida Keys are coral islands – former reefs, created when the ocean was deeper and the region was submerged below the sea.

What is the best month to visit the Florida Keys?

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.

What should you not do in Key West?

What NOT To Do On Your Key West Vacation

Don’t Drive in Key West.
Don’t Think Duval Street Has All the Restaurants.
Don’t Let Prices Scare You Off.
Don’t Forget These Key West Essentials:
Don’t Feel Bad Taking a Trolley or Train Tour.
Don’t Miss Sunset in Key West.
Don’t Expect Sandy Beaches.

What should you not buy in Key West?

Avoid these 5 tourist traps to keep your Key West vacation relaxing and enjoyable

T-Shirt Shops. For years, Key West had a well-documented problem with Duval Street t-shirt shops.
$5 Shops. Many of the shady t-shirt shops have tried a new line of attack – the $5 store.
Jewelry Stores.
Shady Art Galleries.
Cosmetic Shops.

How deep are the coral reefs in Florida Keys?

In the Florida Keys, much reef diving is shallow and easily navigable. The only living coral reef in the continental United States lies just a few kicks from the surface in waters as shallow as 5 feet and often only as deep as 50 feet. What are the benefits of shallow diving?

Why the coral reefs in the Florida Keys are not doing so well?

Florida’s Corals Are Dying Off, But It’s Not All Due To Climate Change, Study Says. Diver swimming over Elkhorn Coral in the Florida Keys. Elevated nutrients as well as elevated temperatures are causing a massive loss of this iconic branching species in Florida.

Are the Florida Keys a reef?

The 125-mile Florida Keys island chain is home to the continental United States’ only living-coral barrier reef. This teeming backbone of marine life runs the length of the Keys about five miles offshore and offers Florida Keys scuba diving vacation memories that last a lifetime.

How many reefs are in the Florida Keys?

6,000 individual reefs
Coral reefs are also found in Dry Tortugas National Park west of the Marquesas Keys. There are more than 6,000 individual reefs in the system. The reefs are 5,000 to 7,000 years old, having developed since sea levels rose following the Wisconsinan glaciation.

Can you scuba dive in the Keys without certification?

No dive certification required. With SNUBA® you can breathe easily underwater without wearing heavy, restrictive dive gear. Discover incredible coral formations and schools of tropical fish as you glide effortlessly under the surface. SNUBA® is safe family fun, and it’s easy to learn.

What is the prettiest Florida Key?

While Key Largo is undoubtedly the prettiest of all the Florida Keys, it’s also one that’s home to plenty of activities for the avid beach goer.

What is the nicest Key in Florida?

Key West. Easily the most famous of the Florida Keys, there’s a reason why Key West is the most popular destination in the Keys. With everything from gorgeous historical buildings (like Hemingway’s Home) to bumping nightlife and great food, a stop here is a no-brainer.

What is the cheapest time to visit the Florida Keys?

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.

What airport do you fly into for the Florida Keys?

Key West International Airport
EYW — Key West International Airport — Visitors can fly to Key West International Airport via connections or direct flights from a host of Florida cities. The airport offers a host of ground transportation options, including local shuttle buses and rental cars. Getting around Key West is fun and easy!