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Snorkeling in Key West, Florida: Amazing America Explores the Coral Reef

by Kevin Kotwas and Tonya McCleary

Thu, January 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
The coral reef, the largest in the continental US, is considered a barrier reef and is around 350 miles wide.
The reef lies just offshore of the Florida Keys, making it easily accessible for snorkeling and diving.It is home to more than 6,000 species of marine life, including corals, fish, sea turtles and sponges.
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he reef helps protect Florida’s coastline by reducing wave energy and storm surge.
A Bluestriped Grunt Fish swims around a coral reef in Key West, Florida, on July 16, 2023. (Courtesy: Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP)

KEY WEST, FL (Amazing America TV) — Seven miles offshore in Key West, Florida, is home to America’s only living coral reef in the continental United States. It is protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

As the third-largest coral reef system in the world, it is home to 500 species of fish and more than 100 species of coral. Amazing America’s Kevin Kotwas takes a deep dive and takes us along.

The reef is part of a 350mile ecosystem that stretches from the Dry Tortugas up to the St. Lucie Inlet. The accessible section includes Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, and Key West.

Along with snorkeling, the area is known for diving and glassbottom boat tours.

Check out Kevin's trip to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy.

For more amazing stories, click here to subscribe to Amazing America TV on YouTube and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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