Snorkeling in the clear waters of Marathon, a beautiful city in the Florida Keys, is a not to be missed opportunity to explore the wonders of the ocean. This location is home to some of the world’s most stunning coral reefs and bubbles with colorful fish, rays, and sea turtles.
From the enchanted coral formation of Sombrero Reef to the shallow patch reefs at Coffin Patch, Marathon snorkeling tours ensure endless fun for everyone.
Whether you are a seasoned snorkeler or you want a taste of this wonderful adventure, discover top snorkeling spots, things to do, and tips for a memorable experience in this article.
Top Snorkeling Spots in Marathon
Snorkeling enthusiasts know that there are not many places in the world that can compete for the best spots with Marathon. Let’s explore some of the best locations in this adventure-filled place.
Sombrero Reef
The best time to explore Sombrero Reef is when the weather is favorable, such as during the day when sunlight provides maximum visibility. Located about eight miles offshore, Sombrero is the third-largest barrier reef in the world and ranges in depth from 2-30 feet.
This makes it a thriving habitat for corals, sponges, plumes, sea fans, angelfish, scorpionfish, barracuda, and countless other fish and lobsters. The site is also home to various small canyons and sea cave arches that can be explored. There are lots of adventures and species to see! Accessing Sombrero Reef is easy. There is no entry fee, and you can reach it via boat trips or guided tours from Marathon.
Coffins Patch
Like many reefs in this part of the Florida Keys, Coffin Patch was named after a shipwreck (supposedly a ship carrying coffins). This patch is about three and a half miles offshore and is made up of six separate patches of reef in a variety of depths.
Snorkeling Coffins Patch is entertaining and worth doing because it has nice shallow areas that allow close viewing of different varieties of fish. There are trumpetfish, goatfish, spotted trunkfish, Spanish hogfish, gray angelfish, grunts, blue tangs, and lobsters.
West Washerwoman Shoal
This snorkeling location is suitable for snorkelers of all levels, whether beginners or veterans, and it features crystal-clear waters that are 10 to 60 feet deep. Like other areas, the West Washerwoman Shoal seafloor is adorned with large coral heads and diverse marine life, including angelfish, sea turtles, and barracuda, making it the perfect destination for underwater photography. Another thing you can expect at this spot is the presence of cleaning stations, where shrimps and fish are being purified of parasites.
The Thunderbolt Wreck
The Thunderbolt Wreck, resting 120 feet underwater, has become a captivating site for experienced snorkelers and divers seeking adventure. This place was created when the USAMP Major General Wallace F. Randolph was sunk in 1986 to create an artificial reef.
Now, it is home to marine life such as barracuda, grouper, and amberjack. Snorkelers often spot green moray eels and spotted eagle rays when exploring the structure. However, the wreck’s depth and strong current make it suitable for experienced snorkelers only.
Tips for Successful Snorkeling in the Marathon Keys
Below are five tips to keep in mind during your snorkeling tour.
- Choose the right equipment: Preparing for any underwater activity is a must for your safety. You should make sure you have a snorkeling mask, a snorkel, and full-foot fins. You can get the equipment you need for rent in any of the dive shops located in Marathon. Make sure you try the gear on to confirm that they fit you well.
- Prepare to defog the mask: Fog in the mask will hinder visibility and make it difficult to see the beautiful underwater world. For enhanced visibility, use a defogging gel designed for snorkels. Gently rub the gel on the inside of the lens to remove fog and other debris.
- Warm up before diving: Rushing into diving without warming up first can put you at risk of harming yourself. That is why you warm your body up a little to raise your core body temperature and get blood circulating. Simple exercises like arm and leg swings can help prepare your body, prevent muscle stiffness, and enhance mobility and comfort.
- Find a safe snorkeling spot: This is especially true for beginners! Look for a location without strong currents or large waves, as swimming against the current will exhaust you quickly. And since snorkeling is easier to learn on a beach than on a boat, you should choose a location close to the beach so that you can easily swim back if necessary.
Conclusion
Marathon snorkeling tours offer an unforgettable experience for diving enthusiasts. Each tour promises unique sights, from exploring underwater caves to spotting rare marine species that anyone, whether beginners or veterans, will find entertaining. Don’t miss this chance to build lasting memories and immerse yourself in a world filled with life and color.