Shore Snorkeling in the Keys

[photohikedive]

I know there is no shore diving in the keys, but are there any places to hop in with a snorkel worth seeing?

 

[DebbyDiver]

If you snorkel in Pennekamp's lagoon and get up under the mangroves, there is a lot of juvenile fish life and occasionally you might see a manatee or two. I used to have a place near there and I'd swim laps across the lagoon late in the afternoon...I'd free dive down to the deep cut out part of the basin and see lots of state-protected lobsters laughing at me. Very late in the afternoon as the sun is setting you might find yourself swimming with schools of tarpon.

 

[dk2943]

I have snorkled around the jettys in Tavernier. I saw a small ray and some interesting fish and lots of grass

 

[DebbyDiver]

People will tell you that snorkeling in Harry Harris Park is good, but it isn't. It is wonderful exercise to snorkel around there, and it is a great park for a picnic or launching a boat, but you won't see anything worthwhile...or at least I never have. I just found it to be a real nice beach to take out of town folks to; there is a protected lagoon for swimming and you can relax on the beach.

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

If you make it past Marathon, Bahia Honda State Park (mile marker 37 oceanside) has a great beach and pretty good snorkeling. Be sure to carry a dive flag if you venture outside of the buoyed off swim areas. The maximum penalty for being caught without one is decapitation!

 

[photohikedive]

thanks guys, this seems to be exactly what I am looking for. but then, I have get that twitchy greedy feeling and am forced to say.......

































but I can, it's my thread

 

[DebbyDiver]

Oh, you want a picture? why didn't you say so in the first place! glad to oblige.

Hey, it IS a PICTURE, right? You didn't say what you want a picture OF!!

 

[photohikedive]

she got me there......

I was thinking, more along the lines of what one might see while snorkeling these sites

 

[wreckchick]

Pinfish

 

[RonFrank]

I know there is no shore diving in the keys, but are there any places to hop in with a snorkel worth seeing?

I know you asked about the keys. Not sure where in FL you are, springs sounds north, maybe Tampa area? In any event while there are not reefs you can snorkel on in the Keys from shore, Lauderdale by the sea does have two reefs within swimming distance that would make for much better snorkeling vs. the Keys.

If you are going to to spend some time in the Keys, and want to snorkel, I'd recommend getting on a boat. It's a nice way to spend the morning or afternoon, and it's not that expensive. I'm thinking around $25 for a trip PP. Brent's outfit is right next to a snorkel op or two, so he could likely respond with more better pricing info.