Snorkeling at Fort Jefferson

Just when you think Key West snorkeling couldn’t get any more beautiful and exotic, Fort Jefferson comes along to show it up. Fort Jefferson’s areas for snorkeling is a protected marine sanctuary that is the home to thousands of different species, including the queen conchs, starfish, majestic corals, and dolphins. Come to Fort Jefferson to explore the tropical colors of the life underneath the sea. Fort Jefferson is home to one of the most amazing underwater life sanctuary in all of North America, called the Dry Tortugas National Park. Located just 70 miles from Key West and the Florida Keys, the shallow waters range from 5-15 feet and give the chance for any experience level of snorkeler and skin diver the chance to discover the natural beauty of the Dry Tortugas.

After arriving to Fort Jefferson from a short boat ride on the Yankee Freedom or arrival by the swift Sea Plane, the friendly and courteous crew will provide you with a snorkel, mask and fins to explore the reefs. If you would like to do some lounging in the sun before getting in the water, there are long stretches of white, soft sand. The island also offers picnic and campgrounds, which are just a few steps of the boat’s dock.

If you are looking to get straight in the water, and start snorkeling one of the island’s many designated snorkel areas, make sure to have time to snorkel the island’s most popular spot. Located about 75 yards from the western edge of the moat wall, this visitor’s favorite contains some of the most alluring and colorful species of animals in North American waters. While snorkeling on and around the island of Dry Tortuga, you will also find the South Coaling Dock Ruins, which are made up of metal pilings of old coaling docks for more skillful snorkelers to explore. For the less experienced snorkelers and kids, there are shallow patches with active coral reefs with a lively ecosystem to observe.

And for your safety, we strongly advise that you use a buddy system while snorkeling, and have a friend stick with you while snorkeling. Your guides will give you a short safety lesson upon arrival. It is also important to educate visitors on how to avoid harming the coral reefs, like if you need to stand while out in the water, find a patch of sand to steady your feet on, instead of reef or seagrass. Visitors are also asked to display a dive flag outside of the designated snorkel area and to check your equipment before your snorkel trip. And please keep in mind, the weather may have an affect on the snorkeling conditions.

We also warn our future snorkeler’s to look, but don’t touch the wildlife, including the coral reefs, as they are highly protected, and it is against the law. If snorkeler’s touch the corals, it can damage the delicate polyps and can make the coral vulnerable to diseases. We ask snorkeler’s to not touch the reef to preserve the endangered wildlife in order for future generations to enjoy.