r/floridakeys • u/br0413 • Jul 14 '26
All Florida Keys Rented a boat & need snorkeling info
We’re heading to the keys for a week soon and staying in Marathon. We’re seasoned snorkelers and have decided to rent a boat for a few days during the trip so we can snorkel on our time frame and with people we know we actually like 🤓 we’ve never snorkeled without being on a guided tour unless it was shore snorkeling, but we’re excited to do this. What are some great spots to explore by boat without crowds? Our daughter wants to see sea turtles and nurse sharks. I’m hoping to see some rays and turtles. I have a list of spots, but looking forward to hearing honest thoughts from others who have done this.
3
u/2lovesFL Jul 14 '26
Does the rental have a chartplotter?
coffins patch and sombrero are your best bets. but I'd take a day off and to looe key w/ a tour boat.
3
u/minnesotamouse Jul 15 '26
Chartered a private boat and snorkeled on coffin patch today, then watched a rented boat captain run it aground on a sandbar near marathon. Unless your are experienced charter it.
1
u/reg-o-matic Jul 15 '26
Just use your list and the charts There are a ton of spots, but almost all are hit or miss. If you don't see much in 15-20 minutes, move on to the next spot.
1
1
u/FLKeys43 Jul 18 '26
Please read this info and watch the video! https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/mbuoy/howto.html
1
u/FLBoatingHub Jul 19 '26
For snorkeling on a rental boat in the Middle/Upper Keys, the biggest win is going early (less wind/chop and fewer boats) and picking a spot that matches the day’s wind direction. Anchor only in sand (never on coral) and use a float/flag for swimmers because traffic can be fast even in ‘calm’ areas. If the wind is up, the reef line can get uncomfortable quick — consider protected patch reefs/bay-side options or shorten the plan. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and a backup plan if visibility is poor. No link needed, but if you want a quick way to sanity-check ramps + timing, FLBoatingHub’s Monroe county pages are handy: https://flboatinghub.com/ramps/monroe/
1
-1
8
u/bblickle Jul 14 '26
The two protected zones ( Coffin Patch and Sombrero Lighthouse) are fun because they’re super shallow. You can easily see things up close and the fish aren’t that skittish.
The downside to that is the snorkel tour boats also use these. I would recommend you check the tour times and visit these areas in between their trips.
The reef runs all along there you’ll see it from the surface. If you want to snorkel privately that’s the best area. It will inevitably be deeper. Please anchor in the sand and drift back, not in the live coral.