Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary extends along Key West and beyond to the Dry Tortugas. Key West National Wildlife Refuge further protects the pristine waters. Most divers don't make it this far out in the Keys, but if you're looking for a day of diving as a break from the nonstop party in Old Town, expect to pay about $65 and upward for a two-tank dive. Serious divers can book dive trips to the Dry Tortugas. The USS Vandenberg is another popular dive spot, known for its world’s-first underwater transformative art exhibit on an artificial reef.

Captain's Corner. This PADI-certified dive shop has classes in several languages and twice-daily snorkel and dive trips to reefs and wrecks aboard a 60-foot dive boat, the Sea Eagle. Use of weights, belts, masks, and fins is included. 125 Ann St., Old Town, Key West, Florida, 33040. 305/296–8865; www.captainscorner.com. From $45.

Dive Key West. Operating over 40 years, Dive Key West is a full-service dive center that has charters, instruction, gear rental, sales, and repair. You can take either snorkel excursions or scuba trips with this outfit that is dedicated to coral reef education and preservation. 3128 N. Roosevelt Blvd., New Town, Key West, Florida, 33040. 305/296–3823; www.divekeywest.com. Snorkeling from $69, scuba from $249.

Snuba of Key West. If you've always wanted to dive but never found the time to get certified, Snuba is for you. You can dive safely using a regulator tethered to a floating air tank with a simple orientation. Garrison Bight Marina, Palm Ave. between Eaton St. and N. Roosevelt Blvd., New Town, Key West, Florida, 33040. 305/292–4616; www.snubakeywest.com. From $109.