Snorkeling the Key West Backcountry
Explore Key West's Underwater Playground
There’s no better way to experience the magic of Key West than to snorkel the waters surrounding it. The Florida Keys are home to the world’s third largest barrier reef, stretching approximately 350 miles from Miami to the Dry Tortugas. Warm temperatures, clear water, and diversity of life make this one of the most incredible places to snorkel.
The Florida Keys “backcountry” is identified as the shallow water environment that lies on the Gulf side on the chain of islands. The backcountry is characterized by shallow seagrass beds, sandbars, and mangrove islands that provide calm and clear water year round. The backcountry lies within the bounds of the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary making it a truly special place to spend the day exploring. Things to do in the backcountry include fishing, snorkeling, lobstering, and relaxing on the sandbar.
There are lots of places to go snorkeling in the Florida Keys backcountry. Snorkeling here provides calm, clear and shallow waters (often less than 15 feet deep). Some of the more popular areas are frequented by larger snorkeling operations with dozens of people on the same boat and splashing around in the water. If you want to have the snorkeling spot to yourself, book a private charter that can you take you to sites off the beaten path!
A backcountry snorkel trip begins with a quick trip from the dock through a Key West wildlife refuge. Within minutes you can be in the water diving with a variety of marine species including tropical reef fish, sea turtles, stingrays, lobster, and more! Depending on the length of the trip you choose, we can see a variety of snorkeling spots, exploring the seagrass, sponge beds, and coral patch reefs. Swimming and diving around works up an appetite.. When you’re ready for a break, have lunch at the private beach on the last island you can reach before the Marquesas – Boca Grande!
Book your backcountry snorkel trip today!
