Florida Keys barrier reef is one of the longest and holding the 3rd place on our planet. Islamorada snorkeling is an excellent way to enjoy a wonderful undersea world of this live coral reef. Despite Key West and Key Largo are the most advertised, the Middle Keys including Islamorada possess the healthiest snorkeling locations.
Treat Of Islamorada Snorkeling
All the best Islamorada snorkeling spots are located several miles offshore, hence, the most awesome snorkeling is by boat. This area offers a huge amount of stunning snorkeling sites and this makes the Florida Keys one of the finest zones in the world to snorkel.
Islamorada is placed in the North of Matecumbe Key, but the snorkeling sites in the …show more content…
There is one bigger patch reef (Hen) surrounded by a bunch of little coral patches (Chickens). The spot can be reached by snorkeling tour boat from Islamorada. This snorkeling site is notorious for its great live hard corals and beautiful topography. There is a plethora of little and medium size fish. You have great odds to see turtles and rays in this area as well. The average depth is 15 feet.
Alligator Reef Lighthouse is another perfect Islamorada snorkeling destination. Opposite to the previous 2 snorkeling spots this site is located at the barrier reef and the boat ride will be longer but it definitely worth it. It is about 6 miles southwest of Windley Key. The reef is marked by an old lighthouse. Alligator Reef is featured by blue waters and ideal visibility thanks to constant water flow from the ocean.
You may start snorkeling from the remains of Alligator ship that went aground in this waters in 1825. A mound of ballast stones covered by corals that is what has left of the vessel nowadays. Continue snorkeling just underneath the lighthouse where crowds of tropical fish enjoy the tower's shade. The next stop is in a quick boat ride to the East from the lighthouse. In this deeper waters (about 20 feet) big fish may be found like yellowtail snapper, grouper, amberjack, barracuda and sometimes even nurse and hammerhead