When looking for a great place to go for a tropical getaway, Key Largo is often at the top of the list. Its stunning reefs, crystal-clear waters, and, of course, diverse wildlife make it an ideal destination for a beach vacation. And one of the main draws of Key Largo is the abundance of sea turtles – if you’re lucky enough, you might even spot one while you’re there.
The most common species of sea turtles in Key Largo are the loggerhead and the green turtle, although other species, such as the hawksbill, can be seen from time to time. Loggerhead turtles can be found in the waters surrounding Key Largo year-round, while green turtles migrate to the area from April to October, so if you’re interested in spotting green turtles, it’s best to visit during these months. In addition to sea turtles, you can also spot manatees, dolphins, and a variety of fish such as snapper, grouper, and barracuda.
To avoid disturbing the wildlife, it is best to enjoy the natural beauty of Key Largo from the shore. Although diving is allowed in certain areas, it is important to note that the waters surrounding Key Largo are home to a variety of coral reefs and other fragile ecosystems, so it’s best to observe from a safe distance. Alternatively, you could also go on one of the many boat tours to get a closer look at the wildlife.
So if you’re looking for an unforgettable beach vacation, Key Largo is the perfect destination. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of nature. And, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle during your stay.
Where To See Sea Turtles In Key Largo
Key Largo is the perfect place to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat. The warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico make it a prime location for sea turtle viewing. In addition to their natural beauty, sea turtles are an important part of the marine ecosystem. They feed on jellyfish, algae, and other marine life, keep coral reefs healthy, and provide a food source for many other marine animals.
If you’re looking for the best places to view sea turtles in Key Largo, you have several options. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a great place to start. The park is home to several species of sea turtles, including loggerhead, green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles. You can take a guided boat tour of the park, or rent a kayak or canoe to explore on your own.
Another great spot for sea turtle viewing is the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The National Marine Sanctuary is home to over 600 species of fish, as well as several species of sea turtles. You can take a guided tour of this area, or take a self-guided tour with a kayak or canoe.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to view sea turtles, there are several dive sites in Key Largo that offer excellent viewing opportunities. One of the most popular dive sites is Molasses Reef, which is home to several species of sea turtles, including loggerhead, hawksbill, and green turtles.
No matter where you decide to go in Key Largo, you’re sure to have an amazing sea turtle viewing experience. You can explore the underwater world on your own, or take a guided tour for a more comprehensive experience. Either way, you’ll have the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Price information:
| Activity | Price |
|---|---|
| John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Boat Tour | $35/person |
| Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Tour | $25/person |
| Molasses Reef Dive Trip | $75/person |
Features:
- Observe sea turtles in their natural habitat
- Explore the underwater world on your own or take a guided tour
- View several species of sea turtles, including loggerhead, green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles
- Experience the beauty of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
- Dive the waters of Molasses Reef for an even more immersive experience
Where To Find The Best Sea Turtle Tours In Key Largo
Key Largo is one of the world’s best spots for viewing sea turtles in their natural habitat. From the endangered green sea turtle to the more abundant loggerhead, you can see them swimming in the Caribbean waters and even nesting along the shore. There are many opportunities to experience these amazing creatures up close with a sea turtle tour in Key Largo. Here we’ll take a look at some of the best sea turtle tours available in Key Largo.
The first tour we’ll look at is a 4-hour tour offered by the Florida Keys Dive Center. This tour offers guided snorkeling and viewing of sea turtles in their natural habitat, with knowledgeable tour guides who provide information about the species and their behavior. In addition, the tour also includes a boat ride to view other marine life in the area, such as dolphins and manatees. The cost is $90 per person.
The second tour is offered by Sea Turtle Encounter. This is a 3-hour tour that includes a guided snorkeling session and a boat ride to view sea turtles in their natural habitat. The tour also includes an educational video presentation and an interactive game about sea turtles. The cost of this tour is $79 per person.
The third tour we’ll look at is offered by Florida Keys Adventure Tours. This 4-hour tour includes a boat ride to view sea turtles in their natural habitat, as well as a guided snorkeling session. The tour also includes an educational presentation about sea turtles and their behavior. The cost of this tour is $99 per person.
The fourth tour is offered by Key Largo Eco Tours. This 4-hour tour includes a boat ride to view sea turtles in their natural habitat, as well as a guided snorkeling session. The tour also includes an educational presentation about sea turtle conservation and their behavior. The cost of this tour is $125 per person.
| Tour | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Keys Dive Center | 4 hours | $90 |
| Sea Turtle Encounter | 3 hours | $79 |
| Florida Keys Adventure Tours | 4 hours | $99 |
| Key Largo Eco Tours | 4 hours | $125 |
With so many great sea turtle tours available in Key Largo, it can be hard to choose the perfect one for your needs. All four of these tours provide an up-close look at these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, while also providing knowledge about the species and their behavior. No matter which tour you pick, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
No, no permit is required to swim with sea turtles in Key Largo.
Four species of sea turtles, including Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, and Leatherback are found in Key Largo.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the best place to view sea turtles in Key Largo.
Sea turtle nesting season runs from March to October in Key Largo, so this is the best time to see sea turtles.
Sea turtles in Key Largo feed on algae, sea grasses, jellyfish, and crabs.
The biggest threats to sea turtles in Key Largo are habitat destruction, pollution, and fishing gear entanglement.
Yes, there are regulations in place to protect sea turtles in Key Largo, such as no fishing or swimming within 300 feet of nesting areas.
No, it is against the law to touch or disturb sea turtles in Key Largo.
Yes, there are several organizations that work to protect sea turtles in Key Largo, such as Turtle Hospital and Turtle Watch.
If you see a sea turtle in Key Largo, you should keep your distance and observe the turtle from a safe distance, without disturbing it.