Known as the “dive capital of the world” and home to the world’s largest artificial reef, if you’re heading to Key Largo, you’d be remiss to not go snorkeling. However, there’s no doubt that there are a lot of options available.

If you really want to get the best experience possible, you need to go with a reputable tour guide. We’ve done the “hard” part for you, to bring you the tours that are worth your time and money.

Without further ado, we bring you the top Key Largo snorkeling tours available!

Best Snorkel Tours in Key Largo

	A Unique Private Snorkel Tour of Key Largo	Half Day Snorkel Trip on Reefs in the Florida Keys	Key Largo Snorkeling Trips & Islamorada Sandbar Tours
	Best Private Tour	Best Half-Day Tour	Best Combination Tour
Departure:	527 Caribbean Dr, Key Largo	103800 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo	400 Ocean Dr, Key Largo
Start:	9:00 AM or 1:30 PM	8:30 AM or 1:00 PM	8:30 AM or 12:30 PM
Duration:	2.5 hours	3.5 hours	3 hours
Includes:	Use of snorkeling equipment, soda, bottled water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, shampoo & conditioner, snorkel vest & swim noodles, short wetsuit included if needed	Use of snorkeling equipment, bottled water, snorkel vest, reef-safe sunscreen	Use of snorkeling equipment, snorkel vest & swim noodles, professional swim guide, bottled water, cooler with ice, snacks, freshwater shower, towels, photo package
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Key Largo Snorkeling Tours For 2024

1. Best Private Tour: A Unique Private Snorkel Tour of Key Largo
2. Best Half-Day Tour: Half Day Snorkel Trip on Reefs in the Florida Keys
3. Best Combination Tour: Key Largo Snorkeling Trips & Islamorada Sandbar Tours
4. Best Value Tour: Key Largo Snorkeling Tour – rental mask, fins and vest included
5. Best Luxury Tour: Private Snorkel Charter to the Key Largo Reef for Group of 2 to 11 People

Key Largo Snorkel Tour Reviews

1. Best Private Tour: A Unique Private Snorkel Tour of Key Largo

Are you looking to explore the beautiful blue waters of Key Largo but have a packed schedule? We have the perfect excursion for you! The Unique Private Snorkel Tour of Key Largo lasts just 2.5 hours, but makes sure to pack a lot of fun and adventure in!

There are various start times, to ensure you can fit it in to just about any agenda. Once you arrive, you’ll meet up with your friendly guide, who will start out with a safety briefing. No matter your experience level, they’ll make sure that you know exactly what you’re doing and provide you with snorkeling equipment to use.

As this is a private tour, you don’t have to worry about navigating crowds, lines, or any annoyances. It’ll just be your group and the underwater world! The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling – especially if you’re a beginner!

You’ll be able to see the John Pennekamp State Park along with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Here, there are all kinds of beautiful sea creatures who have their homes here.

As you travel, your guide will tell you all about the surrounding flora and fauna, as well as any relevant history. To make sure you’re always feeling good, they do supply snacks, soft drinks, and water to all participants.

With reef-safe sunscreen, your skin and the underwater inhabitants will all be protected. The boats are very nice, well-maintained, and clean. It’s overall a great experience that you’ll have to take again and again!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

2. Best Half-Day Tour: Half Day Snorkel Trip on Reefs in the Florida Keys

This next tour is just slightly longer than the other, lasting 3.5 hours. The Half Day Snorkel Trip on Reefs in the Florida Keys is a great way to get to know this unique area, and see if snorkeling is something you’re into. If you want to explore the United States’ only living coral reef, then you have to check this tour out!

Meet at the dive shop located in the middle of the Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and you’ll start out by receiving a safety briefing. Your guide will gauge your experience level and make sure everyone is comfortable with technique and snorkeling gear before heading to the water.

Included, is the use of snorkeling equipment, snorkel vest, reef-safe sunscreen, and bottled water to make sure everyone is properly-hydrated. You’ll all board a comfortable, top-notch Corinthian catamaran, which is a blast, too! Keep an eye out for sea critters, and enjoy the beautiful view from either the sun deck or jump in the water!

You’ll see both the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where you’ll get to explore reefs that make up the 3^rd-biggest living reef system on the planet!

As you’ll undoubtedly see some underwater life aside from the reefs, your guide will tell you all about the different species you come across. The water is typically quite calm, which makes it easier for beginner snorkelers to feel safe and confident in the water.

Overall, it’s a fantastic way to see the natural beauty and sea life here, while experiencing the professionalism and experience of the captain and crew.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. Best Combination Tour: Key Largo Snorkeling Trips & Islamorada Sandbar Tours

Next up, we have another incredible adventure: the Key Largo Snorkeling Trips & Islamorada Sandbar Tours. This 3-hour excursion is a blast, and unique amongst the rest because it’s not a large tour operator putting it on.

This smaller operator offers a more personalized experience that can be customized to what you specifically are interested in! As they only allow groups of a maximum 6 people, you will have a different kind of tour where you get more time with the guide and can ask more questions.

When you book, you’ll be reserving the entire boat only for the people in your group, so you can feel free to roam around.

Speaking of the boat, these are ultra-modern in both technology and looks. The sleek 27’ center console is designed to entertain, with a large cooler filled with ice and all kinds of refreshments. They are super clean, from the snorkeling equipment they provide you with, to the boat itself.

After receiving a safety briefing and instructions, your captain will make sure that everyone is on the same page. The professional swim guide will even hop in the water with you and lead the tour, keeping safety at the forefront.

Head out to the legendary reefs of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which are home to all kinds of diversified marine life. Not only that, but you’ll get to see the famous Christ of the Abyss bronzed underwater statue, which is the number 1 underwater attraction in the Keys.

If you’re looking for a great tour for the entire family to get involved with, or even just with a partner, we can’t recommend this one enough.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Best Value Tour: Key Largo Snorkeling Tour – rental mask, fins and vest included

Are you trying to find a great snorkeling experience around the Keys but are on a tight budget? If so, just do yourself a favor and put this one at the top of your list! The Key Largo Snorkeling Tour – Rental Mask, Fins and Vest Included is budget-friendly, easy to fit into any schedule, and perfect for beginners.

If you want to take the entire family along or it’s your first time snorkeling, pay special attention to this one. The only real requirement is that everyone involved needs to know how to swim. If not, then they can stay onboard and of course enjoy the fun boat ride!

Something that really makes this tour a stand-out option is the crew’s great communication and organization. Lasting 2.5 hours, they really manage to ensure everyone has a fantastic time. They’ll provide you with a mask, fins, and vest, though you will need to purchase or bring your own snorkel.

After going through the basics, you’ll all get in the water. The guide will be there with you and the rest of the group to make sure everyone feels comfortable. The waters tend to be very calm and with great visibility, which only adds to the quality of the tour.

Then, you’ll explore the underwater world of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. See the only living coral barrier reef in North America, all kinds of fish, seagrass beds, and much more.

The friendly crew make sure to point any animals you may see while in the water or on the boat. They’re also great at providing informative commentary on the other points of interest, making for an educational yet fun time!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Best Luxury Tour: Private Snorkel Charter to the Key Largo Reef for Group of 2 to 11 People

If you like the idea of a personalized experience with small groups only, then you’re in the right place. The Private Snorkel Charter to The Key Largo Reef for Groups of 2 to 11 People fits right into your wants! No need to hop onto another crowded boat tour where you’re just another in a big group of people.

Instead, you’ll have a personalized experience with a crew who’s keen to answer any questions you may have! They are all fun, personable, and clearly very knowledgeable in the sport of snorkeling and the area’s history.

Get ready to enjoy exploring the Florida Keys with high-quality gear, beautiful flora and fauna, an attentive crew, and delicious refreshments.

Before hopping on the boat, you’ll be fitted with snorkel gear to ensure your comfort and safety. Then, you’ll get on board the vessel and head 6 miles offshore to the legendary coral reef. As you ride, the crew will give a briefing on snorkeling in this area specifically, and anything to watch out for.

Even if you’ve never snorkeled before or aren’t that comfortable with water, the staff really cares and will try to talk you through it.

Mooring at 2 separate areas for an hour each, you’ll be able to see the over 500 species of fish that live in the Key Largo Reef. Parrotfish, wrasses, snappers, lobster, sea cucumbers, shrimp, and urchins all live in the area! If you’re lucky, you may even see some sea turtles, rays, and even dolphins!

On board, they always make sure to keep iced water stocked, and if you’d like you can also bring along some snacks and other drinks. If so, they will provide you with their large cooler to keep them fresh.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Key Largo Tour Guide

Getting There

Air – You won’t be able to catch a commercial flight directly to the Keys, but you will be able to fly to Miami International Airport and be in Key Largo in around an hour! You can also fly into Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, if that’s easier for you. However, it will be around a 2-hour drive instead of a 1-hour from Miami.

From the airports, you can either rent a car or take a shuttle bus, which is more convenient for many people.

Car – From Miami International Airport, you can take LeJeune Road South to 836 West, then take the Florida Turnpike South toward Key West. It will end up at US 1 in Florida City, so you’ll take US 1 South all the way to the Keys.

Shuttle – The Keys Shuttle is the best one to take, offering 3 trips daily. Not only that, but their service runs door-to-door every day, so you don’t have to do much planning or pay extra for cabs/ubers to your destination. If you don’t mind paying a bit more, you could even do their private charter service from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale International!

Train – Did you know you can even take the Amtrak all the way to Ft. Lauderdale? This may be a more relaxing option if your main priority is sightseeing and you don’t want to drive. After arriving in Ft. Lauderdale, you can transfer to the Keys using the shuttle.

Sea – Yes, you can arrive to the Keys by sea! We recommend the Intracoastal Waterway, though if you are a more secure boater you could use the Atlantic side of the Keys as well.

Getting Around

If you’re staying in Key Largo, be prepared to use automotive transportation. Due to the low population, there’s no reason to have a local bus system. Driving a car is probably going to be the easiest way to get around.

Should you need to travel shorter distances, there are plenty of taxis and shuttles available. If you’re unsure of the options in your specific area, you can always ask your hotel concierge. You can also rent a bike, which is a great way to get to know Key Largo. However, there are places where bike paths aren’t complete, which can be inconvenient.

Where to Stay

There are all kinds of hotels, B&Bs, villas, and resorts in Key Largo to suit any taste or budget. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Coconut Palm Inn – This is a more upscale hotel located right on the beachfront. It gets its name from the beautiful coconut grove it’s nestled in the middle of. If you’re into water sports or simply want pristine views of the water, you’ll love it here.

Stay here, and you’ll have access to a pier, marina, fishing, diving, pool, patio, private beach, hammocks, grills, bikes, kayaks, and more!

Atlantic Bay Resort – This one also has its own private beach, beautiful palm trees, private patios, and more. However, the views depend heavily on which type of room you reserve. All of them come with kitchenettes, living rooms, and dining tables. This is great for longer stays or if you’re bringing the entire family along.

Dolphin Point Villas – This luxury resort involves 6 private villas located very close to the Key Largo dolphin rescue. Staying here means you have the chance to see them up close to these incredible beings! Dolphin Cove and John Pennekamp State Park are a mere mile away, and many other parks and notable places are within a few miles, too.

The villas offer 1-bedroom, 3-bed, and 5-bed villas, along with a 1-bedroom suite option.

Amoray Resort – If you’re bringing the entire family along, this is another great option. It’s also a prime selection if you’re on a budget but still want some great features. It has a friendly staff, and a homey, welcoming feel to it.

Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection – With a welcoming staff and Caribbean feel, you’ll feel right at home here. The palm-lined outdoor pool, luxury spa, almost 15 acres of shoreline, and amazing views only add to the experience.

Restaurants and Eating Out

Key Largo actually has some amazing food with notable southern and Caribbean influences. However, you’re bound to find a wide array of cuisines, and there really is something for everybody.

Key Largo Conch House – This family-owned eatery makes it feel like you’re going to a friend’s house who happens to make incredibly delicious food. The ambiance is cozy, as it’s located in an actual house!

If you’re not a fan of conch, sorry, you have to try it here. It’s just too delicious. The Conch Fritters are the most popular dish, but the Cracked Conch Benedict is a must-try for breakfast or brunch.

Buzzard’s Roost – As one of the most popular restaurants in Key Largo, it offers amazing views of the Garden Cove Marina that jives perfectly with their tiki décor. Serving up fresh catches from the nearby sea, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious seafood dishes along with vegetarian options.

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen – From it’s 1976 inception, this restaurant is a longtime crowd favorite. The kitschy café vibe is as interesting as it is inviting, adding another layer of interest to the already-tasty dishes. Home-cooked favorites like chili, crab cakes, and chowder are the most popular.

The Fish House – Specializing in seafood and offering a laidback place to enjoy it, it’s the epitome of “Florida”. It seamlessly combines nautical culture with a festive feel, while cooking up some fresh catches. Grab a delicious craft beer or specialty cocktail to wash it all down.

DiGiorgio’s Café Largo – For more authentic Italian eats, this place is the way to go. Over 50 years in business, they’re definitely doing something right. You’ll find a combination of traditional dishes combined with those that meld modern with the classic.

Hideout – Are you on the hunt for that warm and cozy southern hospitality? Then look no further! From biscuits and gravy and country benedicts to pulled-pork sandwiches and all-you-can-eat fish frys, it’s always a good choice.

Bayside Grille & Sunset Bar – This is a great choice for a date, or hanging out with friends. The amazing bayside views make it super popular around sunsets, but their food keeps it busy all day long. Seafood nachos are a must, though their calamari with orange chili sauce is fantastic.

Nightlife and Entertainment

During high season, you can expect not only a lot of tourists, but even celebrity spottings out on the town. During fall, it tends to calm down a bit, but there’s always something available for a fun night.

Breezers Tiki Bar and Grille – No time in Key Largo would be complete without a trip to a tiki bar. Breezers is one of the most popular, and it makes sense why. Locals love coming here, and tend to be inviting and happy to strike up a conversation. The air-conditioned bar inside is perfect on particularly hot days, though their floor-to-ceiling doors can be opened up for some fresh air.

Caribbean Club – This one will really take you back in time – to a simpler time. With Humphrey Bogart memorabilia hanging all over the walls (connected to his classic film, “Key Largo”), it’s perfect for watching a sunset or playing some pool.

Snook’s – This is another fun tiki bar, where you can grab some refreshing fruity cocktails and enjoy great live music!

Pilot House – After you go on a snorkeling tour, you have to stop at Pilot House! Located right next to a reef state park, they have such a fun vibe, great snacks, and seafood plates.

Sharkey’s Pub and Galley – Serving food from 11 am to 10 pm, it’s one of the most interesting places to fill up at. It’s not uncommon to see divers coming in after with all their gear, which always makes for a great conversation starter. Downstairs at the pub, you can play pool, darts, enjoy live music, and catch a football game.

Caribbean Club – Speaking of Humphrey Bogart, him and Lauren Bacall actually filmed some of “Key Largo” here at Caribbean Club. It’s also a great way to appreciate some of the local lifestyle and history, enjoy some craft beer, pizza, and more.

Weather

Weather in Key Largo does fluctuate a bit, but if you go in the summer you can expect it to be pretty hot. Even during the summer, however, rain and cloudiness isn’t out of the ordinary. Winters, on the other hand, are pretty clear and comfortable. However, they can be a bit humid and windy at times. Overall, you can expect around 80s so it doesn’t really get cold and unpleasant.

Attractions

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – We’ve already covered this state park quite a bit already in the tours reviewed above. Set up in 1963 in an effort to protect the country’s last living coral reef, it was named after John D. Pennekamp, who was the former editor of the Miami newspaper. He made quite the effort in preserving the area, which is why they chose his name.

African Queen Canal Cruise – This is one of the most popular activities in Key Largo. Starting through the Port Largo Canals to the beginning of the Atlantic Ocean, this boat has been in use for over 100 years. Originally it was used in what’s now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, so it actually was used in Africa!

Later on, it ended up being used in the movie “The African Queen” which became quite the hit. Since 1982, it has been used in Key Largo for tours and cruises.

USS Spiegel Grove Wreck – If you feel more adventurous and are interested in diving sites, check out this one. Measuring 500 feet long, it was once utilized for dock landings for 30 years by the Navy. Horse-eye jacks, coral, and barracuda (among other creatures) call this place home now.

Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail – Looking for an inexpensive way to enjoy the area? Maybe you’d like to get in some fresh air and exercise? Then check out the over 70 miles of trails where you can bike, walk, run, skate, and more.

Island Dolphin Care – This experience is a great way to see how amazing animals are. This program offers physical, emotional, and educational aid to people with special needs through “dolphin therapy”. However, there are also guided tours of the facility where you can watch these dolphins up close.

Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehab Center – Located 7 miles from downtown Key Largo, it rescues injured or harmed birds and rehabilitates them. If you take a tour, you’ll get to see rare birds and also learn all about keeping them safe.

Jules Undersea Lodge – Technically this is a hotel accommodation, which we do recommend if you’re up for something unique. However, it’s also a top tourist attraction as you are literally underwater! There are Mini Adventure Tours available if you don’t want to stay overnight. You just have to throw on a scuba suit to do so!

Tips

1. We recommend visiting between December and March. During this time, you’ll be able to escape the cold of many mainland US states while enjoying all the Keys have to offer. During the holiday season, they have all kinds of celebrations like their annual cook-off and a holiday boat parade!
2. Avoid hurricane season, which is between June and late October. If extra heat and the chance of tropical storms doesn’t bother you, however, it’s a great way to save some money on hotels.
3. Don’t feed manatees. Key Largo does have quite a few manatees that live in the area, and they do sometimes like to come up to kayakers and snorkelers to say “hi”. However, it’s completely prohibited to touch, feed, or disturb them in any way.
4. Rent a car. While there are taxis and shuttles available, if you don’t want to wait around for anyone else you can just rent a car. This will offer you more freedom to check out parks, grab some food, and see more remote locations as you wish.