Snorkeling in March - reservations?

Question

My husband and I will be coming to the Keys in March - KW for one night, then to Lime Tree Bay for 3 nights. We love to snorkel and planned to make a reservation for Looe Key through Bahia Honda while at LTB. Thinking that we might want to do another trip on our way back to FLL (we have the whole day since we don't fly out until the next am) so I was looking at the John Pennekamp State Park snorkel trip as well.

My question is - I've seen posts that say "wait to see what the weather is like" and also "book because spots fill up". What is your recommendation knowing the weather in late March? I hate to book almost $200 worth of snorkel trips if it will be windy and cold, but I don't want to miss out if the weather is perfect. Water temp doesn't bother us much, we're from Michigan, so it will probably be like swimming in the Great Lakes in the summer.

Thank you for your help!

Answer

Visiting the Florida Keys in March is generally a great time for snorkeling. The weather is usually mild, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s and lower humidity than in summer. Water temperatures typically range from 73–77°F, which is comfortable for most people, especially if you're used to Michigan summers. However, spring weather can still be unpredictable, with occasional windy days that can make the water choppy and affect snorkeling conditions.

Regarding reservations:

Looe Key snorkeling: This is a very popular trip, especially for small-group or guided tours. Spots often fill up, particularly in March which is a busy season for the Keys. Booking in advance ensures you get your preferred date and time.
John Pennekamp State Park: This park offers both guided snorkel trips and self-guided rentals. March can be busy, but there are often multiple departures daily. You could book in advance and check the weather forecast; most operators have flexible cancellation policies if conditions are unsafe.

Recommendations:

For your main Looe Key trip while staying at Lime Tree Bay, it’s wise to book in advance since this is the highlight of your stay and slots fill up quickly.
For the last-day Pennekamp trip, consider waiting until the day before to assess weather conditions, or choose a company with a flexible cancellation policy. Many operators will allow a full or partial refund if they cancel due to weather.
Keep an eye on the local forecast; calm mornings tend to be better for snorkeling, and sometimes afternoon winds can make trips rough.

Overall, for a Keys snorkeling trip in March, booking the “must-do” trips in advance is recommended, while leaving optional trips flexible based on the weather is a smart approach. That way, you maximize the chance of clear, calm water experiences without losing money if conditions turn unfavorable.

Snorkeling in March - reservations?

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