Key Largo Bayside Snorkeling

When the wind blows and snorkeling on the reef is not possible we have the option to snorkel on the Bayside of Key Largo.

Bayside snorkel 2
Bayside

How do we get there?

Meeting at our dock at the Pilot House Marina in Key Largo we head out into a sheltered part of the Ocean, through South Creek and into Key Largo Sound. After a quarter of a mile we  turn into Marvin Adams Cut.  This is a man made canal that takes us past some of the nicest homes in Key Largo.  We will pass under the US1 and you will notice the large fresh water pipe where all of the fresh water for the whole keys comes from!  We will travel out onto the bay and to one of our secluded coves.

Whats on the bayside?

Snorkeling on the Bayside of Key Largo is very different than the Key Largo reef.  Certainly it is a very important part of the eco system of the Florida Keys.  Referred to as the ‘nursery’ for the reef it is where a lot of juvenile fish and critters hatch and develop.  Depths in the bay are typically under 10 feet deep and the water is often very clear.

How do you snorkel on the Bayside?

We will take you to one of the secluded coves and drop anchor.  Normally there there is very little wave action even when its windy. This is due to the Mangroves soaking up wave action and how they protect the island from hurricanes.  Certainly without the mangroves the island would probably be blown away by now!

Sit on the swim step on the back of the boat and ‘Superman’ into the water and glide across the shallow crystal clear waters of the bay.  Its important that you float on top of the water here to stop your fins from kicking up the bottom and creating cloudy water.

Bayside Snorkel location
Bayside Snorkel location

Swim towards the mangroves where they meet the water and get right up close to the mangrove roots and look underneath the roots.  You will have to let your eyes acclimatize and if you look hard you will see an amazing sight of hiding fish and critters.

There are some amazing sights to see that are beyond belief.  Ask for a guide who will be able to tell you some amazing facts about the critters you will see.

We will go to 2 different areas of the Bay and you can relax on the boat during your snorkel as the water will be calm. Because the water is calm its suitable for all ages and we do not experience sea sickness

What will I see?

Sponges

Juvenile fish

Seagrasses

Seahorses

Seastars

Snails

Jellyfish

Juvenile sharks

These tours all last for 3.5 hours and is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon

Bayside 3.5 hour snorkel $599 + tax for a private charter.