snorkeling in the keys

[fast97cobra]

Does anyone know of any areas in the souther keys that has reefs close enough to shore to swim out to? I am going next weekend...probably staying in Key West and I would like to check out some small patch reefs or something but won't have access to a boat. Any help would be great.

 

[BirdManFSU]

For the lower key's I'd say Looe Key Reef. Its a spur and groove reef thats relatively close but will require you to take a boat to get out to it. Nevertheless, its a good dive for snokelers and plenty of charters go out to it.

 

[NowasReef]

about 5 years ago while I was in the keys I snorkeled at Bahia Honda...not much as far as a reef but I saw a lot of fish and some rays....just stay away from the railroad bridge...gets deep and loads of bull sharks and hammerheads

 

[thor32766]

in key west the closet reef is about 5 miles out. But smathers beach on key west is pretty cool. there are poles that run along the beach and have some pretty good life growing around them.

 

[NowasReef]

how far out are the poles at Smathers? I didn't see much of anything when I was there...but probably was not looking in the right spot.....I did like Ft Zachory Taylor....but snorkeling wasnt great