Shore-Access Snorkeling/diving areas in the Florida Keys

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Magnus - 27 Jan 2005 07:50 GMT

Hi

From doing a bit googling and searching I understand that the shore-access
snorkeling/dive-spots at the Florida Key are (very?) limited. To reach the
reef you will in the most cases need boot-access.

I need some help collecting a list of possible shore-access spots along the
islands, where you easy can park your car nearby.

Any advice is appreciate. Please provide as much information as possible
(Island name, driving-direction, fees, etc)

Thanks a lot!

Regards
Magnus

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H. Huntzinger - 27 Jan 2005 11:58 GMT

> From doing a bit googling and searching I understand that the shore-access
> snorkeling/dive-spots at the Florida Key are (very?) limited. To reach the
> reef you will in the most cases need boot-access.

I seem to recall similar findings.

> I need some help collecting a list of possible shore-access spots along the
> islands, where you easy can park your car nearby.
>
> Any advice is appreciate. Please provide as much information as possible
> (Island name, driving-direction, fees, etc)

I think there's some snorkeling near Bahia Honda State Park (west of
Marathon)...around a bridge? IIRC, you had to watch out for tides and
boat traffic.

-hh

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Lee Bell - 27 Jan 2005 13:55 GMT

>> From doing a bit googling and searching I understand that the
>> shore-access
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> I seem to recall similar findings.

The only shore dive I now of that is worth of the name is the Horseshoe,
around mile marker 35. Here's a link to a description.
http://www.webdive.com/library/horseshoe.htm

There's also some interesting, if a bit shallow, diving under some of the
bridges as well. Just avoid those that have fishing catwalks. Also pay
strict attention to the tides and the location of boat channels. Currents
on both outgoing and incoming tides run strong in the Keys and boaters are
not known for watching for divers in the channels . . . or being nice when
they happen to find them anyway.

> I think there's some snorkeling near Bahia Honda State Park (west of
> Marathon)...around a bridge? IIRC, you had to watch out for tides and
> boat traffic.

There is some snorkeling near the park. It's mostly grass flats. Large,
brightly colored starfish are pretty common there. If you're observant,
you'll also find a pretty wide range of life on the flats. Diving or
snorkeling along the bridge can be nice too. There is, however, one thing
to be aware of. There are rumors of a rather large hammerhead shark that
calls this area home. Since I've seen pictures of it's attack on a tarpon,
I can confirm that it's been there. I can't, of course, confirm that it
still is. Even if he's not home, there are certainly other sharks in the
area. You may find that a plus or a minus. Personally, I don't worry about
it much, but I must admit, I make a consious effort not to look like a
Tarpon while diving or snorkeling here.

Lee

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captkeywest - 29 Jan 2005 17:13 GMT

off the S.W. tip of Key West;

http://www.reefrelief.org/MarinePark/overview.html

NOTE: The Key West Marine Park is a designated swimming area ( it is my
understanding that ) because it is a designated swimming area that
displaying the normally REQUIRED dive flag is optional.

another desiganated swimming area off Ft Zachary Taylor (S.W. tip of
Key west) was the recipient of corals rescued during the reconstruction
of a pier known as the "Navies Outer Mole"

Here is a snip from the Sanctuary website:

Resource Specialist Lauri MacLaughlin continued to direct the
transplantation of corals out of harms way in Truman Harbor, as NAS Key
West is conducting a couple projects in the area. Lauri has been
working closely with NAVY contractor, Continental Shelf Associates
(CSA) to preserve these corals. Approximately 175 additional corals
were transplanted this week to beneficial sites at Ft Zachary Taylor
State Park and new Marker 17 Northwest Ship Channel. Harold Hudson
assisted with the transplantation. Lower Region staff helped identify
additional sites for transplants.

source (first link)

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=Ft+zachary+Taylor+coral+transplant

more on Fort Taylor:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=Fort+Zachary+Taylor

> Hi
>
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Regards
> Magnus

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