Is the ocean water clear in Florida Keys?

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 Florida Keys are synonymous with sparkling turquoise waters, towering palm trees, striking sunrises and sunsets, and picturesque white sand beaches. A popular year-round vacation destination in the Sunshine State, the Florida Keys also attract visitors with world-class sport fishing and diving opportunities.

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Dry Tortugas National Park is a sparkling gem in the Florida Keys. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, and accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is made up of seven small islands and 100 square miles of crystal clear waters, dreamy coral reefs, and lush gardens.

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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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Lemon sharks get their name from their pale yellow coloring and are one of the species that is most abundant in the Florida Keys, as these are their native waters. They prefer shallow waters and are often seen on the flats, reefs, and even venturing into fresh waters at times.

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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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Why is the Florida Keys water so blue? The light blue line south and east of the islands is a living coral reef system—among the largest in the world. Deeper water beyond the edge of the Florida platform appears dark blue. Many of the Florida Keys fall within the boundaries of national parks.

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The water is very clear. There's a long stretch of beaches by the airport. Most of the Key West activity takes place on and around Duval Street, which ends at the ocean. Water varies with time of year and mother nature but clarity of water is best at the Fort Zack state park.

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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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Cannon Beach It's one of the most popular beaches in Key Largo, and for a good reason. The beach is beautiful with its white sand and turquoise waters. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

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10 Best Towns and Villages to Visit in the Florida Keys
  • Dry Tortugas.
  • Calusa Beach.
  • Key Colony Beach.
  • Marathon.
  • Anne's Beach.
  • Bahia Honda Key.
  • Long Key State Park.
  • Coco Plum Beach.


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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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American crocodiles are most prevalent throughout Central and South America; however, small populations reside in the very southernmost area of Florida. The crocodiles you will find in the Florida Keys play a role in the delicate Everglades ecosystem, preying on reptiles, fish, birds and small mammals.

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Probably not. There's simply not enough fresh water in Key West, which has no lakes, no rivers, and gets significantly less rainfall than the Upper Keys, Everglades, or Miami. Occasionally, Key West gets American Crocodiles.

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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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The 20 best clear-water beaches in Florida are:
  • St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach.
  • Bean Point Beach, Anna Maria Island.
  • Inlet Beach, South Walton.
  • Clearwater Beach, Clearwater.
  • Destin Beach, Emerald Coast.
  • Smathers Beach, Key West.
  • Navarre Beach, Florida Gulf Coast.
  • Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa Beach.


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A true taste of paradise, the area is famed for its beautiful coastline, crystal clear water, and tropical climate.

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