Swimming in Key West
Key West, FL, United States
Best Swim Spots in Key West
Ranked by community ratings. Check real-time conditions before heading out.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
Locals call it Fort Zach or rocky beach, and the state park bills it as the best swimming in Key West: shallow enough to stand, deep enough for real laps, with breakwaters full of fish. The bottom is rocky, so wear water shoes. It sits beside the main shipping channel, whose currents keep the water clear; stay inside the swim buoys, well away from the boat traffic.
Higgs Beach
Higgs Beach is Key West's beach park along Atlantic Boulevard, with the Reynolds Street Pier, picnic spots and courts behind a strip of Atlantic sand. The 12.5-mile Swim Around Key West started here in 2026, so long-distance swimmers know this shoreline well. Bring a mask, since the park is known for swimming and snorkeling close to shore, and use the pier as an easy sighting mark.
Open Water Swimming in Key West
Key West offers 2 open water swimming locations across Ocean 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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