Shore snorkeling and snorkel tour questions

Question

We are 2 adults staying in the Key Largo-Tavernier area for a few days in March. We love snorkeling. We have our own gear. Is it worth bringing on a plane trip for any decent shore snorkeling? If so where?

We will also probably do a snorkel boat tour too. Is there a better place to do this?

We can go any where between Biscayne NP in Homestead to Bahia Honda SP in the keys.

Thanks!!

Answer

The Florida Keys, especially around Key Largo and Tavernier, offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, both from the shore and via boat tours. March is a great time for water visibility and comfortable temperatures. Since you already have your own gear, it can definitely be worth bringing it on the plane, particularly for shore snorkeling spots that don’t require a boat.

For shore snorkeling in the Key Largo–Tavernier area, the options are somewhat limited compared to boat-accessible reefs, but there are a few worthwhile spots where you can enter the water directly from the beach or a dock and see healthy coral and fish:

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Located in Key Largo, this park has several easy shore-access snorkeling areas such as Cannon Beach and the mangrove trails near the Visitor Center. While the best reefs are offshore, the shallow areas near the shore provide a good introduction and are ideal for casual snorkeling.
Anne’s Beach – In Islamorada, a short drive south from Tavernier. It has calm, shallow waters and sandy bottom with seagrass beds and small reef patches. Easy access from the beach makes it convenient, especially if you want a relaxed swim without a boat.
Founders Park Marina – Islamorada, offers dock and shallow-water snorkeling opportunities. You may spot small fish, sea urchins, and juvenile corals. Best for a short shore session before or after a boat tour.

For the best snorkeling experience in the area, a boat tour is highly recommended because it gives you access to the coral reefs that are farther from shore and teeming with marine life. Key Largo is known as the “Diving Capital of the Florida Keys,” so you’ll find many excellent operators offering guided snorkel trips:

John Pennekamp Reef Tours – Departing from Key Largo, they visit shallow and deep reefs, including Christ of the Abyss and other popular coral sites. Ideal for first-time visitors and those with personal gear.
Robbie’s of Islamorada – Offers half-day and full-day snorkel trips to nearby reefs. Includes rentals if you don’t want to bring gear, but you can also use your own.
Florida Keys Reef Adventures / Fury Water Adventures – Departing from Key Largo or Islamorada, these tours go to multiple reef sites with experienced guides. Great for seeing colorful fish, coral, and occasionally rays or small sharks in safe areas.
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park Tours – Some guided kayak + snorkel combo tours are available here for those wanting a mix of paddling and snorkeling in shallow reefs and mangrove areas.

If your goal is to maximize reef encounters and fish diversity, a boat tour is the best way to go. Shore snorkeling can be enjoyable for a couple of hours, especially if you want to snorkel at your own pace in calm, protected waters. Bringing your gear is worthwhile since some of the shore-access spots and boat tours allow you to use your own equipment, saving rental costs and ensuring you’re comfortable with your masks and fins.

In summary, for March in Key Largo–Tavernier:

Bring your gear for shore snorkeling at John Pennekamp, Anne’s Beach, and Founders Park for easy, relaxing options.
Book a boat tour for the full reef experience—John Pennekamp Reef Tours or local operators in Islamorada offer the best access to vibrant coral and abundant fish life.
Shore snorkeling is good for short, casual sessions; boat tours are better for seeing the true coral reef ecosystem.

This combination ensures you’ll have both relaxed, accessible snorkeling from shore and the more exciting reef exploration that makes the Florida Keys famous.