Snorkeling in Key West
Snorkeling in Key West comes down to warm, calm water. The most comfortable months are April to July and November, with highs around 86°F (30°C) and the sea at about 81°F (27°C).
Photo: Julian Lupyan, CC0
Top snorkeling in Key West
Key West Reef Morning Snorkeling with Breakfast and MimosasFrom $54View 
Key West Sailing & Snorkeling: A Reef AdventureFrom $79View 
Key West Afternoon Reef Snorkeling with Open BarFrom $59View 
Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & SunsetFrom $125View 
Key West Reef Snorkel – Morning Mimosas or Afternoon MargaritasFrom $49View 
Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Tour - Eco AdventureFrom $73View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
Local operators and places
Names that come up for snorkeling in Key West:
How to pick a good snorkeling trip
- Check whether gear, a wetsuit and reef-safe sunscreen are included or extra.
- Morning trips usually have calmer, clearer water before the afternoon wind picks up.
- If you're a nervous swimmer, ask for a flotation vest and a guide in the water.
- Smaller boats reach quieter spots; big boats often moor at the busiest reef.
Key West month by month
Averages for Key West Int'l, Florida, 1991–2020; sea temperatures offshore, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 76 (24) | 77 (25) | 80 (26) | 83 (28) | 86 (30) | 89 (32) | 90 (32) | 91 (33) | 89 (32) | 86 (30) | 81 (27) | 78 (25) |
| Low °F (°C) | 65 (19) | 67 (20) | 69 (21) | 73 (23) | 76 (25) | 79 (26) | 81 (27) | 80 (27) | 79 (26) | 77 (25) | 72 (22) | 68 (20) |
| Rainy days | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| Sea °F (°C) | 71 (22) | 71 (22) | 73 (23) | 77 (25) | 80 (27) | 84 (29) | 85 (30) | 86 (30) | 85 (30) | 83 (28) | 77 (25) | 74 (23) |
| Sunset (15th) | 6:00 pm | 6:21 pm | 7:36 pm | 7:49 pm | 8:03 pm | 8:17 pm | 8:19 pm | 8:02 pm | 7:32 pm | 7:01 pm | 5:40 pm | 5:41 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for snorkeling in Key West?
April to July and November. Expect highs around 86°F (30°C) and the sea at about 81°F (27°C). The least comfortable months are January and February, when the sea drops to about 71°F.
How warm is the water in Key West?
The sea averages 71°F (22°C) in February and 86°F (30°C) in August. Below about 75°F most people want a wetsuit for a long swim or dive.
Where can I book snorkeling in Key West?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
