Sea Turtle Species & Best Months in Key Largo
| Species | January–March | April–June | July–September | October–December | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Sea Turtle | Possible | Possible | Possible | Possible | On the reef |
| Loggerhead Turtle | Possible | Possible | Possible | Possible | On the reef |
The turtles around Key Largo are green and loggerhead sea turtles that feed and rest on the coral reefs offshore. They share the water with rays, groupers, nurse sharks and reef fish. Sightings vary by day and reef, so treat a turtle as a lucky extra. All sea turtles are protected under US law, so keep your distance and never touch or chase them.
What to Expect on the Day
1
Check in at the marina
Meet the boat at the Key Largo marina, about an hour's drive south of Miami.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen; the reefs sit in a protected state park and marine sanctuary.2
Cruise to the reef
Ride out to one of the Pennekamp reefs, such as Molasses or Grecian Rocks, depending on the conditions.
3
Snorkel the coral
Slip in over the living coral to snorkel among tropical fish, rays and the turtles that pass through, with a guide keeping watch.
4
Relax on the ride back
Dry off and enjoy the cruise back to the marina along the Key Largo shore.
No turtle sighted? Key Largo tours are reef snorkels, so turtles are one of several things you might see rather than the focus. For a trip built around turtles feeding in the shallows, book a resident-turtle swim in <a href="/swim-with-turtles-akumal/">Akumal</a> or a Carlisle Bay cruise in <a href="/swim-with-turtles-barbados/">Barbados</a>.
Sea Turtle Behaviors to Watch For
Cruising the Reef
Green and loggerhead turtles move between the coral heads of the Pennekamp reefs, feeding and resting. A slow, steady swimmer is easy to watch from a few metres back.
On the reef
Surfacing to Breathe
Turtles rise for air every few minutes to about an hour. Give them a clear path to the surface and never block the space above one.
On every snorkel
What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)
✓ Bring
- Reef-safe (oxybenzone-free) sunscreen
- Swimsuit worn under your clothes
- Towel and a change of clothes
- Waterproof phone case or GoPro
- Motion-sickness tablet if you are prone
- Your booking voucher (printed or phone)
✗ Leave at home
- Regular sunscreen (harmful to the coral)
- Anything you would touch a turtle or the coral with
- Single-use plastics
- Gloves, which encourage touching the reef
Seasickness tip: The reef sits a few miles offshore and the ride can be choppy on windy days. Take a tablet the night before if you are prone, and check the forecast for a calm morning.
Where Tours Depart From
| Port / Area | Details | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Key Largo marina | Boats leave from Key Largo, about an hour south of Miami on the Overseas Highway. | Reef snorkel trips |
Key Largo is the first of the Florida Keys, about an hour's drive south of Miami on US-1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the main launch point for reef trips, with parking on site.
How to Choose an Ethical Tour
What ethical operators do
- Brief a strict no-touch, no-chase policy
- Keep a respectful distance from turtles
- Never block a turtle’s path to the surface
- Require reef-safe sunscreen from all guests
- Cap group sizes for calmer encounters
- Support reef and sea-turtle conservation
Red flags to avoid
- Let guests touch, ride, or chase turtles
- Feed turtles to lure them in
- Crowd or corner a turtle in the water
- Stand on coral or trample seagrass
- Oversized groups with no guide in the water
- Any “hold a turtle” photo op