There is an aquarium under your feet a few steps from the beach in the turquoise waters of Bahia Honda State Park, one of the Florida Keys’ vast nature preserves. Corals glisten and seagrass sways in the gentle motion of the Atlantic Ocean tide. Schools of fish of every color and shape glide through the water or dart out from under rocks. Snorkeling is a magical year-round experience and attracts visitors to the Keys from around the world.
State parks in the three regions of the Keys– upper, middle, and lower– have inexpensive daily rental fees for a mask, snorkel, and fins. Snorkeling off the beaches with no assistance and no lifeguards on duty is very popular. Or, sign-up for an adventuerous boat journey with expert guides who go out to the reefs for snorkel encounters with more exotic creatures, including nurse sharks and barracudas. You’ll find reputable snorkel reef excursions for as little as $35.00 per person.
