Key West Dive Center Blog

With the Key West Dive Center now offering Key West's only Looe Key snorkeling excursion, Key West visitors are eager to know what the reef conditions are like out there. Of course, Looe Key is said to be the best snorkeling and Key West scuba diving destination anywhere in the Florida Keys. This is, in part, thanks to the large area of coral reef found at Looe Key as well as the diversity of reef types and marine life. The good news about Looe Key is that even if the conditions are poor in one area, another part of Looe Key will have excellent conditions. Right now, with the weather warming up significantly and seasonal fish species returning to the Keys, the snorkeling at Looe Key is phenomenal, even more so than normal. It is a great time to experience this one-of-a-kind Key West snorkeling excursion and little by little visitors are catching on to just how great of a snorkeling experience the Looe Key Snorkel trip is. There are over 150 different marine animal species that make Looe Key their home. Recently, some of the most frequently spotted species include barracuda, angelfish, yellowtails, sergeant majors, and there has been at least one moray eel spotting each day. While any Key West snorkeling trip allows you to see the fascinating marine world off the coast of Key West, only Looe Key holds the reputation of being the snorkel trip for serious snorkelers. Also, the Key West Dive Center is offering the trip at the discounted rate of $70 (down from $85) as a special limited-time introductory rate. The trip is a full 5 hours and includes two snorkeling at two different areas of Looe Key and a filling lunch.

This week the weather calls for slightly higher winds so we're playing it by ear. We're not expecting any big thunderstorms though and the weather is in the 80's, which is perfect weather for diving. Most people have been opting out of wearing a wetsuit for diving since the water temperature is also extremely pleasant. Memorial Day weekend is coming up in a few weeks and we already have almost all of our Key West scuba diving excursions filled for that weekend, so make sure to call the center soon if you want to go diving that weekend. As far as Key West snorkeling goes, we do have more spots available on those trips, but we definitely would not wait until the weekend of, as they are sure to also be sold out by then!

While the fear certainly looms that the explosion and subsequent oil spill that happened off the coast of Louisiana will seep down into the delicate underwater ecosystems off the coast of Key West, the fact remains that as of right now, the oil has not reached the Keys, Key West, or the Dry Tortugas yet. Basically, we are still safe! And we are hoping for the best! The oil reaching our ecosystems can be harmful, but recent reports predict that if the oil does start heading south, it will pass way west of Key West or even the Dry Tortugas, ideally leaving the coral reef systems off the coast of Key West and all the marine life that make their home there untouched.

When visiting Key West, one of the most fun and crucial activities to take part in is a scenic and beautiful Key West dive. The warm and crisp waters surrounding the port are the perfect way to spend a day or let off some stream after a morning of sightseeing.

A trip to the gorgeous Key West islands is a holiday packed with adventure as the water is teeming with marine life and spectacularly crystal clear water, no matter when you decide to visit. Key West scuba being one of the top things to do in Key West.