Key West Reef Snorkel & Sail: North America's Only Living Coral

The Only Living Coral Reef in North America: Seen From a Sailboat

You board a sailing yacht in Key West, spend an hour traveling to the only living coral reef in North America, snorkel for an hour with provided gear and instruction, then sail back while enjoying complimentary drinks. The whole experience takes three hours, groups stay small, and you see the reef the way locals do, without the crowds or the rush.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel and sail at Key West reef

• Board 54’ sailing yacht Floridays
• Sail one hour to coral reef
• Receive snorkeling gear and instructions
• Snorkel the Florida Keys reef
• Observe marine life up close
• Enjoy complimentary beverages onboard
• Sail one hour back to dock
• Rinse off with fresh water hose

The experience

The moment the boat cuts through the water and the reef comes into view, you see why people come back. The colors shift from turquoise to deep blue as you move out from Key West, and the water changes texture. That's when you know you're close. It's about an hour out to the reef, and the whole trip happens on a 54-foot sailing yacht with maybe a dozen other people, which means no crowds, no chaos, just the sound of the sail and the ocean. Once you're there, you have an hour in the water to actually look around, not rushed, not herded through like a tour group.

The reefs themselves are different depending on which side of Key West you're heading to, north or south, and your guide will pick based on conditions that day. You'll see tropical fish moving through the coral, probably some eels or anemones, and if you're lucky, a turtle or even dolphins passing through. The instruction covers how to use the mask and snorkel (they provide everything, all sanitized), and they ask that you're comfortable swimming in water over your head, which is fair. The gear includes a flotation vest, so you're supported the whole time. After an hour in the water, you've got an hour back to the dock, and that's when the drinks come out: water, soda, craft beers, white wine, margaritas, champagne. You sit under the sails, salt drying on your skin, and watch Key West get closer.

What makes this different from other snorkel tours is the boat itself and the size. Floridays keeps groups small on purpose, not because it sounds nice in the description, but because that's how they actually run it. You're not competing for space on the reef or waiting for someone else to move so you can see something. The fresh water rinse after you get back is included, which matters more than it sounds when you're covered in salt and reef.

What’s included

Use of snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, flotation vest), professional instruction on gear, fresh water rinse after snorkeling, complimentary beverages including water, soda, craft beer, white wine, margaritas, and champagne during the return sail.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00, 13:00 and 14:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (under 13)

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Floridays

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the only living coral reef in North America without arranging your own boat or gear: the small group size and included instruction mean you spend your time looking at the reef, not figuring out logistics.

Traveler reviews

4.67★★★★★★★★★★

569 verified traveler reviews

5 ★483

4 ★34

3 ★22

2 ★10

1 ★20

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the boat ride to the reef?

About an hour each way. You snorkel for an hour once you arrive, so the total trip is three hours.

What marine life will I see?

Common sightings include tropical fish, eels, turtles, anemones, and urchins. Dolphins occasionally pass through, but sightings vary by day and location.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No. Sanitized mask, snorkel, fins, and a flotation vest are all provided. A fresh water rinse is available after you get back.

What drinks are included?

Water, soda, craft beer selection, white wine, margaritas, and champagne are complimentary during the return sail.

How many people go on each trip?

Groups are kept small, typically around a dozen people, so you avoid the crowds of larger tour boats.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You should be comfortable in water over your head and able to swim. A flotation vest is provided. Instruction on gear use is included.

What time does the tour depart?

Specific departure times are not listed in the standard description. Check with the operator for the current schedule.