Can you swim in the ocean in Key West?

Boasting temperate waters and more than 3,400 hours of annual sunshine, the beaches of Key West are some of the most popular destinations on this tropical island paradise. You can enjoy the sun, sand and warm water as well as a variety of activities like swimming, snorkeling and fishing.

Can you swim in the ocean in the Florida Keys?

Yes, you can swim in the Florida Keys. Florida – the sunshine state of the United States has some gorgeous beaches, but our unwavering attention falls on the coral cay archipelago nestled in the ocean waters – 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida.

Why can't you swim in Key West?

Why can't you swim in Key West? The lack of soft, white sand shoreline in Key West is the result of a beautiful live coral reef that extends from Key Largo to the Dry Tortugas National Park. The coral reef prevents natural beach formation because the waves don't crash onshore as you might see in Miami beach.

Is the ocean water clear in Key West?

The white sand that gives way to perfectly clear blue waters is the stuff that island dreams are made of. No matter where you are on the island, beaches in Key West are easily accessible by car, foot, or trolly, and each one offers something unique, from water sports to family-friendly national parks worth exploring.

Can you swim in Key West year round?

The water at Key West is warm enough for swimming all year round. The ocean reaches its warmest point of the year in July and August when the temperature averages 87 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius). The coolest month is January, when the temperature is usually around 69 °F (21 °C).

Snorkeling | Key West, Florida (World's Third Largest Coral Reef)

Why are there no beaches in the Keys?

The Keys don't have wide sandy beaches because the coral reefs we enjoy as snorkelers and scuba divers prevent the erosion and sand from building up along the shore. So while the beaches aren't what make the Keys special, there are still some pretty special beaches in the Keys.

How deep is the ocean at Key West?

The harbor is entered through breaks in the reef by several principal channels with depths of 13 to 34 feet, and by several minor channels. Key West, on the island of the same name near the western end of the Florida Keys, is a winter resort.

Why is Key West water Brown?

Sargassum is a brown marine algae, commonly known as seaweed. It grows in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.

Why are there no ocean waves at Key West?

You see, Key West and the rest of the Florida Keys are coral islands – former reefs, created when the ocean was deeper and the region was submerged below the sea. Today, the ocean is shallower and the living coral reefs are six miles offshore, providing a barrier to waves and swells.

Why are there no waves on beach in Key West?

The barrier reef does it's job of protecting the Florida Keys from large ocean waves. There is no surfing in Key West because there is no surf. Without those big waves hitting the Keys, the mechanism required for creating sand naturally is missing. Most beaches in the Keys are man-made for this reason.

Are sharks a problem in Key West?

It's no guarantee that you'll spot a shark while snorkeling in Key West, but it happens more than you might think. We see sharks at the reef at least once a week, and probably more often than that!

Are there sharks around Key West?

Types of Sharks Found in Key West

The most common type of shark in Key West is the nocturnal, docile nurse shark. If you're out on a snorkel or dive trip, you have a good chance of spotting one of these sharks snoozing on the seafloor underneath a coral ledge.

When should you avoid Key West?

The two worst times to visit Key West are the winter and during hurricane season. Key West is a winter hot spot since many people live in areas where season changes are significant. After about a month or two of winter, people get annoyed by the snow and want a tropical getaway.

Are there crocodiles or alligators in the Keys?

The crocodiles you will find in the Florida Keys play a role in the delicate Everglades ecosystem, preying on reptiles, fish, birds and small mammals. While the crocodile population in the Florida Keys may be small in numbers, these unique creatures have captivated the interest of researchers and civilians alike.

Are there actual beaches in Key West?

There are lots of beautiful beaches in Key West to choose from. Smathers Beach is a 3,000-foot stretch of beach, one of Key West's longest. It features a variety of water sports rentals, providing you with more than you need for a fun day on the beach. There are also volleyball nets, picnic areas and restrooms.

How warm is the ocean in Key West?

Average annual water temperature on the coast in Key West is 79°F, by the seasons: in winter 72°F, in spring 78°F, in summer 85°F, in autumn 81°F. Minimum water temperature (68°F) in Key West it happens in January, maximum (89°F) in August.

Why is Key West water so blue?

The Caribbean is such a light a shade of blue due to the tendency of the Caribbean coast to scatter sunlight. The fact that the sand is light colored and the water is relatively shallow also makes the water appear turquoise.

Are the Florida Keys sinking into the ocean?

In a TNC study on sea-level rise, areas of Big Pine Key will be under water in a matter of decades. The second largest of the Florida Keys, Big Pine is best known as home to the Key deer. Hurricanes Wilma and Irma demonstrated clearly how serious the risks of rising seas and storm surges are for land near sea level.

Can a tsunami hit Key West?

The maximum height would likely be on the order of 18 to 22 inches in Key Largo, and near 12 inches in Key West. Basically, this would be a hazard to our numerous marinas, and could require an incoming cruise ship to reverse course to avoid grounding on the reef.

What should you not do in Key West?

What is the best time of year to visit Key West Florida?

The best time to visit Key West is between March and May. The winter crowds will taper off, the hotel rates become reasonable and the weather is remarkably similar to winter's blissful 70s and 80s. Speaking of winter – that season is the island's busiest and priciest.

Where is the clearest water in Florida?

Are there alligators in the ocean in Key West?

Probably not. There's simply not enough fresh water in Key West, which has no lakes, no rivers, and gets significantly less rainfall than the Upper Keys, Everglades, or Miami. Occasionally, Key West gets American Crocodiles. Croc's feel more at-home in our saltwater canals than 'gators.

Can you see Cuba from Key West?

The answer the Americans do not like is “no, you cannot see Cuba from Key West. “ The problem is that the earth, being round, curves and Cuba, which is about 90 miles from Key West, falls below the horizon when you look towards it from Key West.

Where is the clearest water in Key West?

Fort Zachary Taylor Park Beach, Key West

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a National Historic Landmark that offers some of the clearest blue waters for snorkeling and diving in Key West.