The 7 Best Key West Snorkeling Tours of 2020

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Amber Nolan
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Amber Nolan

Updated 09/06/19

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The Rundown

01 of 07

Best Overall: Half Day Cruise with Kayaking and Snorkeling

Kayaks in Mangrove

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Hop aboard a sailing vessel that holds a maximum of 21 people for a half-day trip with Danger Charters — one of the most well-established, experienced sailing companies in Key West. The 4.5-hour journey includes a relaxing sailing experience with snacks, wine, sodas and beer with morning or afternoon departures from downtown Key West. Then, visitors have an opportunity to kayak some of the mangrove-like canals to see wildlife up close before snorkeling in some of Key West’s beautiful patch reefs of the National Wildlife Refuge, which is filled with colorful fish and sponges. Guides provide an overview of kayaking and snorkeling, plus a history about the area. Viator members noted that the crew was fun and upbeat and they made the trip even more enjoyable. 

02 of 07

Best Small Group Snorkel Eco Tour: Java Cat Sail and Snorkel

Java Cat Sail and Snorkel

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Those interested in delving deeper to learn more about the ecosystems and local flora and fauna should consider the Java Cat Sail Kayak and Snorkel Charter. The small group, six-passenger catamaran departs from the Historic Seaport in Key West and spends a relaxing hour headed out to the reef while passengers can spread out and unwind on the deck or the trampoline. From there, you’ll drop anchor and board kayaks to search the seagrass beds for hermit crabs, jellyfish, starfish, sea cumbers and other marine critters. Then, head back to the boat for a trip to a patch reef for snorkeling with over 600 different species of sea life.

03 of 07

Dolphins and Snorkeling Combo: Shipwreck Snorkel and Wild Dolphin Encounter

Shipwreck Snorkel and Wild Dolphin Encounter

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For a chance to combine dolphin spotting with a snorkeling trip, book the Shipwreck Snorkel and Wild Dolphin Encounter. The four-hour adventure includes snacks, refreshments, fresh fruit, beer and wine, with the first stop being a wild dolphin playground. Here, passengers can watch wild dolphins swimming, feeding, jumping out of the water and following alongside the boat in their natural habitat. Next, hop off the 28-passenger, sailing catamaran into the shallow waters for a chance to snorkel above a coral reef, shipwreck or sponge garden. The trip departs from the historic Key West Bight. Viator members said that the trip was well-organized and they saw many fish, dolphins, turtles and more. 

04 of 07

Best Day Trip: Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip

Tortugas National Park

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The Dry Tortugas National Park is a truly unique place that consists of the historic Ft. Jefferson, a Civil War-era fort on a small island chain that’s located 70 miles from Key West. It is only accessible by boat or seaplane and is surrounded by a beautiful reef. The Dry Tortugas Day Trip includes a ferry ride past some stunning areas, including Boca Grande Key, the Marquesas Keys and the Rebecca Shoal Channel. Once on the island, tour the fort and snorkel in the beautiful waters around Garden Key or relax on the beach. Breakfast and lunch are included in the price. Bring plenty of reef-safe sunscreen — there’s very little shade on the island.

Continue to 5 of 7 below.
05 of 07

Best All-Inclusive: Water Adventure Excursion in Key West

Water Adventure Excursion in Key West

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Get the most value out of this all-inclusive tour, which includes a full day of sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking in Key West. Along with water activities, a ticket to All-Inclusive Water Adventure Excursion in Key West includes a buffet lunch, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks — local taxes are even included in the cost. You'll also get to visit the Key West National Wildlife Refuge to explore the underwater ecosystem or relax at the sandbar. With a professional guide on hand, this tour is sure to save you both money and time.

06 of 07

Best Activities: Key West Full-Day Power Adventure

Key West Full-Day Power Adventure

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In addition to snorkeling, the Key West Full-Day Power Adventure tour offers a variety of water activities including parasailing, kayaking, riding on WaveRunners and more. You'll leave Key West's Historic Seaport by catamaran first, cruising along the Gulf of Mexico to take in the beautiful ocean views and marine life. Then, you'll get to participate in the tour's several watersports or simply relax under the sun. Plus, breakfast and lunch are served on board, with local delicacies like golden-fried chicken and steamed shrimp.

07 of 07

Best Backcountry: Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak

Bugeye Backcountry Tour

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Set sail on a classic, two-masted wooden schooner from the Key West Historic Seaport on the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak, a six-hour immersive experience. Join the crew to unfurl the sails, take a turn at the wheel or just relax and keep an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles. Next, a guide leads the way through mangrove channels in sea kayaks for an up-close experience in the backcountry. After that is snorkeling in a nearby patch reef surrounded by sponges and tropical fish. Morning trips include a continental breakfast of quiches, fresh fruits and pastries, while afternoon departures offer a buffet of deli meats, cheeses and Key West pink shrimp.

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