Can you swim in the water in Key West?

Yes, Key West has several swimmable beaches. The island is located in the Florida Keys, which is known for its clear blue waters. Some of the best beaches for swimming include Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.

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.

Why are there no beaches in Key West?

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.

Where can I swim in the ocean in Key West?

The best public swimming beaches on mainland Key West are Fort Zachary Taylor, Higgs Beach and Smathers Beach; resorts such as the Casa Marina Resort or Southernmost Beach Resort also offer private access to swimming beaches.

Can you swim in the Florida Keys water?

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.

Key West: The Don'ts of Key West, Florida

Is Key West water clear?

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.

What months Can you swim in Key West?

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).

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.

How long before Key West is underwater?

Experts are estimating that parts of Key West will be underwater by 2040, and the money it would cost to prepare for this is in the billions.

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.

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!

Why does it stink in Key West Florida?

That ubiquitous smell is decaying sargassum, islands of floating, brown sea algae that is piling up along the beaches of Key West, the Florida peninsula, Mexico and other Caribbean islands. Happens every summer when the winds and currents come from the south.

Are there alligators in Key West?

Occasionally, Key West gets American Crocodiles. Croc's feel more at-home in our saltwater canals than 'gators. However, if you drive about 45 minutes up the Keys to an island called Big Pine, which has the largest freshwater lense in the Lower Keys, and head to the “Blue Hole,” you'll probably see American alligators.

Why is Key West water so clear?

Our waters stay clear and clean thanks to the protection from the Choctawhatchee Bay. Nearby rivers drain directly into the Bay and it acts as a filter for sediment, brackish waters, and carries any potential river runoff away from our crystalline coast.

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.

How cold is the water in Key West?

Water temperature in Key West by month

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.

What is the best time to go to Key West?

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.

Are there poisonous snakes in Key West?

Four venomous snakes haunt the Florida Keys. Cottonmouths inhabit coastal marshes, swamps, lakes and wet prairies. These thick-bodied pit vipers are typically red-brown, gray-brown or black. Juveniles have dark bands that fade with age.

How long is the ferry ride from Key West to Cuba?

From Key West, the sailing distance to Cuba is around 90 nautical miles, a mere 4 hours away.

Why is Key West so special?

Key West, the southernmost point in the United States, is famous for watersports, lively nightlife, beaches, historic sites and its pastel, conch-style architechture.

Can you take a day trip from Key West to Cuba?

Did you know that it's now possible to take a day trip from Key West to Cuba? With Our Key West, a local concierge company, you can now take the 50 minute flight to Havana, and make it back in time for dinner the same day!

Can you sit on the beach in Key West?

You can picnic, swim, and snorkel right off the beach in the turquoise waters. There are bathrooms, rinse showers, and beach chairs for rent. An on site beach café called 'Cayo Hueso Café' offers snacks, drinks, and sunscreen, and is also available for catering. Guided tours of the fort are available daily.

What month is hurricane season in Key West?

The Atlantic hurricane season formally begins June 1 and ends November 30. Historically, the chances of hurricane activity are greater between August 15 and October 15. Can I travel to the Florida Keys during hurricane season? Absolutely.

What is hurricane season in Key West?

Hurricane season in Key West technically lasts from June 15 through November 30, but the worst storms tend to hit between August 15 and October 1.

Is there quicksand in Key West?

The oolitic-limestone unit present in the Lower Keys extends westward from beneath Key West and underlies the Marquesas Keys and Quicksands areas, which are between Key West and the Dry Tortugas.