Diving and Snorkeling for Guests of Key West Vacation Rentals

North America's only living-coral barrier reef extends from Key Largo southward to the Dry Tortugas. With this incredible reef situated just a few miles offshore, Key West snorkeling and diving allows visitors staying in Key West house rentals to experience an underwater wonderland of colorful fish and coral.

Vacationers will find Key West snorkeling close to shore at the Key West Marine Park (305-294-3100), located along the south side of Key West. This park, designed to protect the near shore reef, offers designated areas for swimming and boating, making it safer for swimmers and snorkelers. Fishing restrictions within the park increase the abundance of fish for snorkelers to enjoy.

Several outfitters offer Key West snorkel and dive excursions to the larger reefs located just a few miles offshore. Delphine Charters (305-619-0731) offers a half-day snorkeling/fishing combo trip for $59. Avacat Charters (305-294-7245) and Dream Catcher Charters (305-745-2114) offer private snorkeling charters, while Fury Water Adventures (305-294-8899) features several snorkeling excursions.

Key West Dive Center (877-243-2378) and Dive Key West (800-426-0707) offer Key West diving and snorkeling excursions as well as diving classes. Two-tank Key West diving trips cost about $95, including equipment. For something different, try Snuba, a combination of snorkeling and diving that requires no dive certification. Contact Snuba of Key West at 305-292-4616.

Some popular Key West diving and snorkeling locations include Sand Key, which has ten miles of coral reefs marked by an iron lighthouse and the Ten-Fathom Ledge, where divers can explore coral caves and overhangs teeming with aquatic life. Snorkelers enjoy exploring the soft corals of the shallow-water Nine Foot Stake, while the Kedge Ledge reef contains the remains of a pair of coral-encrusted 18th century anchors.

Joe's Tug, which sits upright in 65 feet of water, is a great place to spot Goliath Grouper, barracuda, and spotted moray eels. The 180-foot, steel-hulled buoy tender Cayman Salvor serves as an artificial reef and provides refuge for a variety of fish.

Less than two hours north of Key West is the magnificent John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park, located just south of Key Largo. The park, which is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sunset, features a fabulous reef as well as a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, natural history exhibits, nature trails, and swimming areas.

Several dive shops from Key Largo to Tavernier offer snorkeling and diving trips within the park, and there's even a diving concession located in the park. Vacationers staying in Key West condos can go snorkeling for about $29 and dive trips start at about $50. A glass-bottom boat ride (about $22 for adults) is another way to appreciate the spectacular beauty of the reef and its inhabitants.