If you and your family enjoy snorkeling, then I would strongly recommend visiting the Florida Keys.

Snorkeling in the Florida Keys is a lot of fun for the entire family!

The clear greenish-blue water off the coast of the Florida Keys makes this paradise an ideal place to explore using your mask and snorkel gear.

The most extensive living coral reef system in North America lies approximately 4-5 miles off the shores of the Florida Keys. It is the third largest reef system in the world, which makes it a great place to snorkel with your family.

Most snorkeling takes place on the barrier reefs of the Keys. These barrier reefs have claimed a graveyard of sailing vessels, many filled with gold, silver, and other precious cargo.

The shallower the reef is the brighter the colors of the coral. Strong sunlight is needed for reef growth. Schools of fish sway back and forth keeping time with the rhythm of the waves.

For most part you can freely snorkel anywhere in the Keys. There are some Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary regulations that you should be aware of and follow. Be careful around bridges. The currents are swift and the tidal pull is strong.

The most popular and easiest way to snorkel in the Florida Keys is to go out with a snorkeling tour. Most reputable dive centers in the Keys are members of the Keys Association of Dive Operators, which sets standards of safety and professionalism. Crews are trained in CPR, first-aid, and handling dive emergencies. Many of them can help you identify the sea life you may find on your adventure.

The in Upper Keys snorkeling tours I recommend are the following:

Sundiver Snorkeling Tours

Sundiver III is a 46' foot custom built snorkel special that was designed for maximum comfort and enjoyment to snorkelers. She is fast and stable for an enjoyable cruise out to the reef and has a fresh water rinse on board with comfortable seating on both decks. The water level platform has two large ladders that make it easy to get in and out of the water. They specialize in family fun and definitely deliver. They have three tours daily. The tour lasts two and a half tours and visits several different reefs within the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which is the first undersea park in the United States. They are located at mile marker 103 in Key Largo at the Key West Inn. Reservations are recommended. Call 800-654-7369.

Coral Reef Park Company

Snorkel-only excursions located inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park leave the docks three times daily. The shallow-reef sites vary, depending upon the current, wave action and best visibility conditions. The snorkel trip lasts two and a half hours with an hour and a half of actual snorkeling time at Molasses Reef, White Bank Dry rocks, Grecian Rocks, Key Largo Dry Rocks, or Cannon Patch. Coral Reef Park Company is located inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at U.S. 1 Mile Marker 102.5 Key Largo, Florida 33037. Reservations are recommended. Call (305) 451-1202

If you want to snorkel on your own from shore, I would recommend either John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park or Bahia Honda State Park.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park contains tropical vegetation, shore birds, and marine life. Exploring the coral reef is what visitors enjoy the most about this park. The coral reefs are among the most beautiful and diverse of all living communities.

Bahia Honda State Park is unique among other park on the Keys because it has a lot of white sandy beach area and deep waters close enough offshore to provide swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling at Bahia Honda State Park is enjoyed by the young and old alike to experience the breathtaking beauty of this shoreline. Beware of the strong current by the old Bahia Honda Bridge!

Insiders’ Guide to The Florida Keys and Key West is where I found a ton of useful information and tips for planning our family vacation. Snorkeling in the Florida Keys is something my family will remember for a long time.

Laura Greenawalt is a working mom with 3 sons. Visit Mommy Day Camp for more ideas on what to do with your family that won’t cost you a lot of money.