Snorkeling is a great way to explore the vast wonders of the ocean, but if you’re new to the pastime you might be asking yourself: is snorkeling hard? Are there any special skills I need to learn before my first snorkeling trip? 

 

This handy guide will cover everything you need to know about snorkeling for kids and beginners, and how to pick the right spot for your excursion in the Florida Keys. Depending on your skill level and interests, there are over a dozen breathtaking sites to choose from, and our expert guides will be there with you every step of the way. 

Understanding Snorkeling in Key Largo with Silent World

At Silent World, our goal is to make everyone feel safe and comfortable so that you can focus on taking in the beauty all around you. All of our snorkeling trips are small-group excursions, ensuring a stress-free, non-crowded experience. 

Requirements for Snorkeling with Silent World

  • Snorkeling participants must be at least 5 years old 
  • Must know how to swim without assistance

What Silent World Provides for Snorkeling 

  • Snorkel mask
  • Fins
  • Snorkel vest 
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Complementary drinks and snacks 

Why Snorkel in the Florida Keys?

The Florida Keys islands are home to some of the most stunning underwater vistas in the world, including the only living coral barrier reef in the United States. Silent World snorkelers have the opportunity to see wildlife, sunken ships, and iconic dive sites like Christ of the Abyss. 

 

John Pennekamp State Park—the country’s first underwater state park—is also located in the Florida Keys, spanning over 70 nautical miles. 

Selecting the Right Spot – Factors to Consider

While snorkeling is suitable for anyone who can swim, some dive sites are further out than others and may require more planning. 

 

The Calypso—our snorkel-only boat—is a great choice for beginners, as these trips are designed specifically around the best snorkeling spots, including:

 

  • Carysfort Reef & Carysfort Ledge
  • Christ of the Abyss
  • N. North Ledges Reef
  • Grecian Rocks

 

Silent World provides boat-accessible snorkeling tours only, where participants enter the water from one of our charter boats. If you’re not comfortable with a long boat ride, or swimming/floating for an extended period of time, these 3–4-hour excursions may not be the right choice for your first time. Luckily, the Florida Keys are also home to dozens of beach-accessible snorkeling sites if you want to get a few practice rounds under your belt.

Safety and Comfort While Snorkeling

If you’re still wondering: is snorkeling hard? Our answer would be: not really, but younger kids and beginners may face a bit of a learning curve at first. These tips will help you feel more at ease your first time in the water:

  • Take deep breaths

The hardest part of snorkeling for a lot of people is getting used to breathing through a tube with your face submerged in water. Gasping, shallow breaths will make it harder for you to stay lying flat, so concentrate on taking full, deep breaths.

  • Stay with the group

Our guides keep track of their snorkeling groups, but you should still be attentive to your surroundings and make sure you’re not drifting. Staying with the group will help keep you safe.

  • Relax

Like your breathing, you should try to keep your body relaxed while snorkeling. Swim when you need to travel in the water, but remember to float and relax (with the help of your snorkel vest) as well. 

  • Use well-fitted gear

Make sure your mask, fins, and vest fit snug—not too tight, and not too loose. Our guides will help get you situated with the right gear before jumping in the water.

Book Your Snorkeling Adventure with Silent World Today!

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned snorkeler, we’re confident that an excursion with Silent World in Key Largo will be an unforgettable experience. Book your trip today and revel in the quiet, dazzling atmosphere of the open ocean.