Do people swim in the ocean in the Keys?

Boasting temperate waters and more than 3,400 hours of annual sunshine, the beaches of Key West are some of the most popular destinations on this tropical island paradise. You can enjoy the sun, sand and warm water as well as a variety of activities like swimming, snorkeling and fishing.



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Runoff and spills have periodically resulted in high levels of fecal coliform and enterococci bacteria in the Florida Keys, resulting in swimming advisories for nearshore waters and beaches.

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Calusa Beach It's located within Bahia Honda State Park, between Big Pine Key and Marathon, on the Gulf side, which means its waters are sheltered and calm. The gentle Gulf is great for families with children who want to swim. Plus, Calusa Beach has ample parking and covered areas for picnicking.

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The reason for the lack of soft sandy shoreline in the Florida Keys may seem a mystery, but it's actually the result of the numerous coral reefs offshore. That doesn't mean there aren't any spectacular Florida beach locations because there are.

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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.

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You can also swim and enjoy other water sports like windsurfing and snorkeling as well as kayaking and paddleboarding in the clear, clean water inhabited by tropical fish.

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Smathers Beach, Key West Smathers Beach is the largest and most popular public beach in Key West. Located along the Atlantic Ocean, this beach will dazzle and inspire you with its clear, crystal-like waters that gently lap against the shore, inviting you to take a dip and cool off from the tropical heat.

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The FKAA treated water is pumped 130 miles from Florida City to Key West, supplying water to the entire Florida Keys. The water provided to customers in the Florida Keys is continuously monitored and tested to ensure the water quality is consistent, safe, and meets all federal and state drinking water standards.

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Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key For years, there has been widespread agreement that the best beaches in the Florida Keys are the beaches at Bahia Honda State Park at MM 36.8.

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The 'coldest' month is January, but daytime highs still average a warm 75°F (24°C) — although to Floridians, this might feel cold!

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Water at the warmest beaches — Key West and Naples — averages 87 °F (31 °C) when the temperature peaks in July and August. That's the hottest ocean water to be found anywhere at any time in the United States.

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May will offer the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys. The weather is warm during May, and the waters are perfect for snorkeling – calm and clear!

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Boasting temperate waters and more than 3,400 hours of annual sunshine, the beaches of Key West are some of the most popular destinations on this tropical island paradise. You can enjoy the sun, sand and warm water as well as a variety of activities like swimming, snorkeling and fishing.

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Are there Sharks in the Florida Keys? You bet. It is common to catch nurse sharks while fishing on the flats. These bottom dwellers are generally docile and will only act defensively if provoked, so if you see one out snorkeling or diving there is no need for alarm as long as you do not disturb it.

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