Snorkeling the Christ of the Abyss and Coral Reefs
Private Trip
Snorkeling
Explore Christ of the Abyss statue and historic shipwrecksEncounter tropical fish, rays, and vibrant coral formationsSmall group experience with Local Grown Charters guides
Get ready to slip into some of the most pristine waters in the Florida Keys for a 4-hour snorkeling adventure that'll leave you talking about it for years. Local Grown Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're taking you to the crown jewel sites – including the world-famous Christ of the Abyss statue. This isn't your typical tourist snorkel trip. We're talking about crystal-clear visibility, vibrant coral gardens, and enough marine life to keep your eyes busy the entire time. With just 4 guests max, you get that personal touch and plenty of space to explore without feeling crowded. Whether you've been snorkeling for decades or you're still figuring out how to clear your mask, this trip delivers the goods.
Your day starts with a smooth boat ride out to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, home to the legendary Christ of the Abyss statue. This 9-foot bronze statue sits in 25 feet of crystal-clear water and serves as an artificial reef that's absolutely teeming with life. You'll spend quality time here floating above this iconic underwater landmark, watching schools of yellowtail snapper and sergeant majors dart around the statue's outstretched arms. The visibility here typically runs 60-80 feet, so you'll get those postcard-perfect shots even with a basic underwater camera. After soaking in the spiritual vibe of the Christ statue, we'll cruise over to some of the area's top-rated patch reefs and historic shipwrecks. These spots are customer favorites for good reason – the coral formations are absolutely stunning, and the fish activity is off the charts. You'll glide over massive brain corals, colorful sea fans, and maybe even spot a green moray eel poking its head out from a crevice. The water temperature stays comfortable year-round, usually hovering between 75-85 degrees, so you can focus on the sights instead of trying to stay warm.
Here's the deal with gear – Local Grown Charters doesn't provide snorkel equipment, but they'll point you toward reliable rental shops where you can grab quality masks, snorkels, and fins. Pro tip: if you wear prescription glasses, definitely invest in a prescription mask or at least bring your contact lenses. The underwater world looks completely different when everything's in sharp focus. Once you're geared up and in the water, the crew will give you a quick site briefing and point out the best areas to explore. These patch reefs aren't massive, but they're packed with life, so you don't need to cover huge distances. The current is usually pretty mellow, making it perfect for relaxed swimming and photography. If you're new to snorkeling, stick close to the boat initially and get comfortable with your breathing rhythm. The Christ of the Abyss site has a sandy bottom around the statue, which makes for easy swimming and great photo opportunities. For the shipwreck sites, you'll be swimming over structures that have been transformed into artificial reefs over decades. The metal frames are now completely encrusted with coral growth, creating these amazing underwater gardens that serve as home base for countless fish species.
The Florida Keys waters are like a living aquarium, and these snorkel sites showcase some of the best marine diversity in North America. You'll definitely encounter yellowtail snapper, which are absolutely everywhere around the Christ statue. These silvery fish with bright yellow tails travel in massive schools and aren't shy around snorkelers – they'll often swim right up to your mask for a closer look. They're most active during the morning hours when the light is still soft, creating these mesmerizing displays as hundreds move in perfect synchronization. Sergeant majors are another guaranteed sighting, and these little guys are characters. They're territorial and will actually come at you if you get too close to their nesting areas, but they're only about 6 inches long so it's more entertaining than intimidating. Look for their distinctive black and yellow stripes darting in and out of the coral formations. Southern stingrays are common visitors to these sites, and spotting one gliding gracefully over the sandy areas is always a highlight. These gentle giants can span 3-4 feet across, and they're completely harmless as long as you don't step on them. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day and tend to bury themselves in the sand, so keep your eyes peeled for those telltale outlines. Green moray eels call these reefs home, and while they look intimidating with their massive heads and constant jaw movement, they're actually quite docile. They're usually tucked into coral crevices with just their heads visible, and they can reach lengths of 6 feet or more. The best time to spot them is during the day when they're resting – they become more active hunters at night.
This 4-hour snorkeling trip with Local Grown Charters hits all the right notes – world-class sites, small group sizes, and knowledgeable guides who genuinely love showing off their backyard. The Christ of the Abyss alone is worth the trip, but when you add in the colorful patch reefs and historic wrecks, you're looking at one of the best snorkeling experiences in the Florida Keys. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates are locked in before booking. The intimate 4-person maximum means spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're looking to check the famous statue off your bucket list or you just want to spend a few hours floating over some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, this trip delivers exactly what serious snorkelers are looking for. Grab your gear, bring your underwater camera, and get ready for a day of world-class snorkeling in some of the clearest, most fish-filled waters you'll ever experience.
The Pathfinder 2018 cuts through Florida Keys waters with authority, powered by a robust 300hp Yamaha that pushes this 24-footer to an impressive 52 knots when you need to cover ground quickly between snorkel sites. Perfect for your group of four, she's built for serious water exploration with GPS navigation to pinpoint those hidden coral formations and a fish finder that'll show you what's swimming below before you even slip on your mask. The radar system keeps you safe in changing conditions, while the spacious deck gives everyone room to gear up and dry off between dives at the Christ of the Abyss and surrounding reefs. This boat means business when it comes to accessing the best underwater spots in crystal-clear Keys waters.
Key Largo, FL