Snorkel Newbie? Dive Right In!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words… but no photo can truly capture what it’s like to float above the Great Florida Reef. Sure, you’ll see dazzling coral and schools of tropical fish, but what you’ll feel? That’s an experience all your own!

🐠 Five miles offshore and only five foot deep?

Think of the Keys like a gentle hill, where the land is the top. Sailing away from shore to the reef, which parallels the length of the Keys, the hill descends slowly and then rises slightly as you reach the "bottom". You've reached the Great Florida Reef between 5 and 25 feet below — just the right depth to float, explore, and spot all sorts of underwater treasures. Beyond the reef, the seabottom depth drops dramatically into the deep blue Gulf Stream, but when you’re snorkeling, it feels cozy and inviting. But we are still five miles offshore which means weather can impact conditions. Waves and currents add a little rhythm to your adventure but even moderate forecasted winds can make the waves a bit much for some. We'll make sure you know what to expect on that day but only you can judge your own endurance and skill level. Don't forget you aren't standing so nothing crashes over you. You rise, you fall — it’s all part of the rhythm of the sea!

🏊 Gear up

You’ll get four essential pieces of gear to make your reef adventure safe and fun. The swim vest gives you a little extra buoyancy if you need it and its bright color makes it easy for us to spot you from the boat. You’ll also get a snorkel, mask, and fins — the snorkel might feel a bit funny at first, but how else would hang with the fish? Try one out in a pool beforehand if you can! And remember, eyeglasses won’t fit under the mask, so contacts or your own prescription dive mask work best. With these four pieces of gear, you’re ready to float, explore, and dive into your very first underwater adventure!

⚓ Mooring Balls — not atop your pasta

Mooring balls aren’t meatballs — they’re floating buoys anchored to the sea floor so we don’t damage the coral with anchors. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary places them around the reefs, though sometimes they’re a short swim from the reef itself. Think of it as a fun warm-up — maybe 100 feet — before you reach the colorful underwater world. And the best part? There are always a few perfectly positioned buoys to grab before anyone else!

🌞 Water Temps — still warmer than (insert your hometown)

Even though you’ve come to escape northern winters, the Keys can have a few cooler days. Reef waters in winter can dip into the low 70s °F, but no worries! The nearby Gulf Stream brings tropical warmth from the south, keeping most days perfectly comfortable. Wetsuits aren’t included, but you can rent one from Pennekamp State Park. Usually, it’s just that first splash that feels chilly — once you start swimming, the sun and water quickly warm you up, and before long, you’re ready to explore!

🐟 "Will we see sharks???" Or... "Will we see sharks!!!"

Snorkeling the reef is like choosing your own adventure:

• Shallow reefs are colorful playgrounds teeming with tropical fish and healthy coral — perfect for playful exploration and up-close encounters.

• Mid-depth reefs are more dramatic, with caverns, rocky outcrops, and ancient coral formations. Here is your best chance to spot larger fish (shark!).

No matter which reef you visit, snorkeling the Great Florida Reef is a magical mix of calm, color, and curiosity — a chance to float, explore, and discover a vibrant underwater world that photos just can’t capture.