Key Largo Snorkeling Locations
FLORIDA KEYS SNORKELING

Key Largo Scuba Diving runs daily snorkel trips in the Florida Keys. The reefs of Key Largo are some of the most popular reefs in the world. Upper Keys reefs vary in depth, sea life, and attractions. Key Largo Scuba Diving snorkel trips stay within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary boundary, and we often make trips to reefs within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Some notable spots we love include: Molasses Reef (healthiest reef in the keys!), Dry Rocks (home to Christ of the Abyss statue), and Grecian Rocks (be on the lookout for rays!). Snorkeling offers incredible panoramic views of Key Largo’s coral reef and sea life, and is an unforgettable experience for swimmers of all ages! 

After snorkeling these spots, many visitors return eager to dive them. We offer dive instruction and try scuba courses when you’re ready to explore the living reef at eye-leve!

Molasses Reef
The Flagship Reef Of The Florida Keys

Molasses Reef is a frequented destination for Key Largo Scuba Diving and snorkeling excursions. Within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Molasses Reef is one of the most visited coral reefs in the world for snorkeling and diving. The reef is named after the Vitric Shipwreck (also called the Molasses Wreck), a wooden schooner barge once carrying large barrels of molasses, which currently sits in 300ft of water off of Molasses Reef and the Florida Keys. Sitting 6 miles off the Key Largo coast, just at the edge of the barrier reef, Molasses is known for its great visibility as the Atlantic Ocean current frequently flushes the reef. Molasses Reef’s proximity to the edge of the barrier often brings in larger species of fish and marine life. There is an abundance of elkhorn and large brain corals, and many spur and groove reef formations. Molasses Reef depths range from 10-70+ft, with snorkel location averages between 15-25 feet. Notable areas of Molasses Reef for snorkeling include: Hole in the Wall, Permit Ledge, Fire Coral Cave, and Eagle Ray Alley.

Grecian Rocks

Grecian Rocks is a popular Florida Keys snorkel destination. Grecian Rocks sits just off the coast of Key Largo, within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Key Largo Existing Management Area. Grecian Rocks is often favored on windier days as the natural shallow reef structure creates a snorkeling environment more protected from waves and wind than other nearby Key Largo reefs. Reef depth at Grecian Rocks ranges from 4ft – 25ft, exposing the shallow-growing coral at low tide. Snorkelers can expect to see Elkhorn coral, soft corals, sponges. Parrotfish, sea turtles, and grouper are seen throughout Grecian Rocks as well. Rays can be found on the eastern, predominantly white sand, portion of Grecian Rocks.

Dry Rocks

Dry Rocks is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Florida Keys. Home to the Christ of the Deep statue, Dry Rocks is found within John Pennekamp State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, just off the coast of Key Largo. Dry Rocks depth reaches about 30 feet, with averages between 10ft-20ft. This Florida Keys reef is heavily protected because of coral degradation from tourist damage. Tourists flock to Dry Rocks to snorkel and dive the famous bronze Christ of the Deep statue. The Christ of the Deep statue stands 8.5ft tall, in 21ft of water, and weighs about 4,000 pounds. The Florida Keys statue is a replica of “Christ of the Abyss” found in the Italian Bay of San Fruttosa, originally created by artist Guido Galletti. The Christ of the Deep statue went on an Eastern US display tour before finally resting in Key Largo in 1966, with the help of Egidio Cressi and John Pennekamp. Commonly seen corals at Dry Rocks include elkhorn, boulder, and various soft corals. Frequently seen marine life  at Dry Rocks include a variety of small tropical fish, lobsters, eels, and barracuda.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, established in 1963, is the United States first underwater National Park. The park was named in honor of John D Pennekamp, a Miami Herald editor and passionate advocate for the preservation of the Florida Everglades and Florida Keys reefs. John Pennekamp directly contributed to the establishment of the Everglades National Park. As the First chairman of the Florida Board of Parks, and a US Fish & Wildlife Service adviser, John Pennekamp contributed indirectly to the protection of the Florida Keys reefs. John Pennekamp State Park is located 3.5 miles off the coast of Key Largo, within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The underwater park is 25 miles long, covering 70 nautical square mile of the Atlantic Ocean off the Upper Florida Keys. The 5,000 year old limestone foundation of the reef is a diverse ecosystem that hosts a mix of 80 species of stony and soft coral, and is home to over 260 species of fish. Commonly spotted marine wildlife at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park includes: parrotfish, barracuda, spiny lobster, rays, and sea turtles.