Swimming in Key West
Key West, Florida, United States
Best Swim Spots in Key West
Ranked by community ratings. Check real-time conditions before heading out.
Simonton Street Beach
Simonton Street Beach in Key West offers warm saltwater swimming in an urban, social setting with historic surroundings. The shallow entry and calm conditions suit all swimmers seeking accessible downtown Key West beach access. Avoid peak afternoon hours and bring reef shoes.
South Beach, Key West
South Beach in Key West offers warm Atlantic saltwater swimming with tropical atmosphere and developed beach areas suitable for beginners and intermediate swimmers. The busy, vibrant location means waters can be choppy; early morning provides the calmest conditions.
8073 #1 South of Ft. Zach
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Key West Bight
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Key West - Hilton Docks #3
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Key West - Zero Duval#1
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Key West - Mallory Docks#4
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Key West - Garrison Bight #5
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Key West - Hilton Docks #2
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Key West - Hilton Docks #5
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Key West - Bight#1
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Key West - Mallory Docks#2
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Key West - Cow Key Channel
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Key West - Garrison Bight #3
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Key West - Garrison Bight #4
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
N. Roosevelt/Cow Key (Kw)
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Key West - Hilton Docks #4
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Ft Zachary Taylor State Park
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Key West - Hilton Docks #1
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
White Street Pier
EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station
Open Water Swimming in Key West
Key West offers 65 open water swimming locations across Ocean, Bay, River and lagoon environments. Whether you are a beginner looking for a calm, sheltered swim or an experienced open water swimmer seeking a challenge, there are options for every level.
Before heading out to any swim spot in Key West, check current water conditions on SwimPass. Our SwimScore combines real-time weather, marine data, tides, and water quality into a single 0-100 rating so you can make an informed decision in seconds.
Ocean swimmers in Key West should pay attention to tide schedules and swell forecasts. Swimming around slack tide typically offers the calmest conditions. Check our guide to reading water conditions for tips on interpreting local marine forecasts.
New to open water swimming? Start with our safety guide and first swim guide before heading to any new spot.
Swimming Guides
Prepare for your swim in Key West with these guides.
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