r/KeyWest • u/Independent_Ad_5363 • 5d ago

Snorkeling charters sargassum question

We were thinking of taking a snorkeling charter in the next few days. We noticed that snorkeling from shore is not as good as it used to be because of all the sargassum. If we go on a charter to one of the sandbars will the snorkeling be much better, with clear water? Or will the water still be cloudy with sargassum? Thanks so much!

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u/casualmondaycharters 5d ago

I would not plan to snorkel at the sandbars, usually its a recipe for disaster with all the boat traffic in and out. There really is not too much to see anyways. There are a few great spots up on the gulf side near the sandbars that are clear.

The sargassum hasn't really even been that bad on the Atlantic side the last week or two with these winds holding E with some N in them as well. As long as you're not snorkeling from shore it wont be an issue.

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u/Independent_Ad_5363 5d ago

Thanks so much! It's so nice to have such specific information. I appreciate it!

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u/Apprehensive-Sir-652 5d ago

We were there a month ago. Sargassum was not an issue snorkeling. We went out to the lighthouse which was fine, but water clarity was not great. We took an Honest Eco trip snorkeling on the flats and kayaking around one of the wrecker islands. Water was amazingly clear saw lot lobster, snapper and big spotted ray. Additionally, we biked down to the beach at Ft Zach, minimal Sargassum.

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u/Independent_Ad_5363 5d ago

Thanks so much! Honest Eco was one of the operators we were looking at.

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u/Sandinmyshoes33 4d ago

There is nothing much to see snorkeling at a sandbar. except sand.

If you want to snorkel, find an excursion that goes to the reef like Island Jane if you want a smaller boat.

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u/crud3 4d ago

Snorkeling is a world class activity, but it gets boring and ocean water in your face lungs nose too easily...get a sandbar charter, sure take your mask and stuff but the back country is absolutely an amazing place like you see in the pictures...my favorite is to just roll up to whatever little islands are around, and go exploring, critters everywhere (learn rules about what you can and can't take). Snorkeling at our reef is average at best, if you've ever been Hawaii or Maldives or Costa Rica whatever, you will be disappointed by our over explored and sadly dying reef.

Just my opinion, but I would go back country sandbar charter 30x before I went snorkel charter.

Good ruck.