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Is it safe to swim in the ocean in Key West?

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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Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach Located at the southern tip of Key West, this sun-soaked spot is the ultimate place for a picnic, swim, snorkel, or paddle. And while you're at it, you can squeeze in a little history.

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Our shores have shallow waters often resulting in sandbars, so the sun can reflect off the white sea floors and the surrounding microscopic plankton, which creates the gradient effect of clear-to-emerald-to azure-to-navy waters as you progress further out into the Gulf.

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The majority of the best beaches in Key West are found on the south side of the island facing the Atlantic Ocean. So the water is a bit chilly to be honest.

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The Florida Keys have a year-round swimming season from January to December. The water temperature in the Florida Keys does not fall below 68°F throughout those months, making swimming enjoyable.

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47th Annual Swim Around Key West on June 3, 2023.

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Key West beaches are similar to The Bahamas, with white sand, coral rocks, and shallow turquoise water with tropical fish right off shore.

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No alcohol, please. The Florida Keys & Key West do enforce open container laws that prohibit open containers of alcohol on most public beaches, parks and streets; including world-famous Duval Street. Be mindful of signs that indicate where alcohol containers are prohibited.

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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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Sombrero Beach, Marathon Sombrero ranks at the top of the list of best beaches in the Florida Keys. In fact, in 2023 Sombrero was the only South Florida beach to make the “best beaches in the US” list on TripAdvisor.

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Siesta Key Beach, Siesta Key Regarded as one of the best places to visit in Florida, Siesta Key is a paradisiac island in the Gulf of Mexico. The island's main beach is a coveted destination thanks to its dreamy white sand and shallow, crystal-clear water that is ideal for a refreshing swim.

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10 Best Beaches in Florida Keys
  • Dry Tortugas National Park.
  • Sombrero Beach.
  • Zachary Taylor State Park Beach.
  • Higgs Beach.
  • C.B. Harvey Rest Beach.
  • John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
  • Sunset Park Beach.
  • Anne's Beach.


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