Sombrero Reef
Sombrero Reef
4.7
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This is a spur-and-groove coral reef, sitting on the outer banks offshore of Vaca Key, characterized by large fingers of coral, separated by narrow sandbeds.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.7
491 reviews
Excellent
371
Very good
87
Average
24
Poor
5
Terrible
4
Jerry Parker
DeBary, FL4 contributions
Jun 2022
June 2022, TS Alex just past and the seas were glassy and calm. As you approach the mooring balls from seaward (to avoid snorkelers) prepare a sturdy mooring line with spring loaded carabiners to tie off to the yellow mooring ball line. Cut the engine and let the tidal current set your boat. When tied drop a "tag line " off the stern and hoist your diver down flag. Always snorkel into the current and if one of your party gets tired the current will drift the diver right back to the boat. Best diving is at or near "high tide" when the clearest water is brought into the reef zone. Try not to touch the coral or sea fans as the environment is fragile and sometimes sharp. Been diving this reef since 1964. When the Gulf Stream is "in" all manner of sea life is found here! Jerry NAUI 2211
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet M
4 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We went out on Spirit III with Captain Pat and First mate Luke. It was pretty choppy, but it is open water and so I think this is par for the course. Sombrero reef did not disappoint. There was so much natural beauty (and even color) in the coral beds, and there were thousands upon thousands of fish —hundreds of varieties. I saw six huge barracuda chilling in the current, along with multiple bright colored species in the crevices of the reef. My family are generally less confident swimmers and stuck near the boat, but I zipped all around hoping to see as much as possible in the ample time we had before casting off. Aside from the choppy seas, it was just awesome!!
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NoWorriesOnTheRoad
Granby, MA29 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Rented a boat and took it out to the lighthouse. It was easy, tied off to a mooring ball and snorkeled. Not crowded at all, but avoided the 9 am and 1 pm tour charter boat times. The ocean was calm but the reef had some good swells around it. Water was crystal clear and fish like to hang under boats so lots of good viewing. Well worth the trip out there!
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Q4680BKtj
Buffalo, NY78 contributions
Feb 2021
We drove our own boat to Sombrero Reef. Since you can not anchor, you will need to tie off on one of the buoys there. This was our daughter's first major snorkeling excursion on our own and it did not disappoint. We would love to come back once she is certified in Scuba to explore deeper. For snorkelers, there are so many types of fish and they will swim right with you. Beware of jelly in the water, especially later in the afternoon. Water felt on the cooler side but easily adaptable. If boating on own, be sure to throw a line with a bumper to assist with keeping close to the boat as well.
Written February 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pohgry
Athol, MA13 contributions
Feb 2021
We rented a powerboat for the day and had a great time exploring all around Marathon. Sombrero reef is about 4 miles out and very easy to find. 11 mooring balls are available for free public use, right near the reef formation. All were in use when we arrived, but a couple boats left within 5 minutes, so we had no trouble getting a space. Breezes were around 10-15mph and the water didn't seem terribly choppy, but apparently there was enough chop to stir up the sand, as we really couldn't see much on the reef (or even much of the reef itself). Visibility was under 10 ft when we went. Would like to go again on a day with better visibility. While we were there one of the snorkel charters tied up and a batch of people went in, but they didn't stay long, so I'm guessing they also had poor visibility.
I had been to another reef nearby (boat from Bahia Honda) about 10 years ago and it was great, so I had expected similar from Sombrero reef, but it didn't work out this time. Based on other reviews, I would certainly try again on a calm day.
I had been to another reef nearby (boat from Bahia Honda) about 10 years ago and it was great, so I had expected similar from Sombrero reef, but it didn't work out this time. Based on other reviews, I would certainly try again on a calm day.
Written February 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah W
2 contributions
Aug 2022
We went on a Snorkel tour to this reef and saw a breathtaking variety of fish and corals. However, since the waters around the reef are generally a bit choppy (it was a good day, sunny, no winds, clear waters) a number of snorkelers got sea-sick including my daughter who is 15 - some got nauseous not on the boat but while they were in the water. So, first-time snorkelers or boaters should be aware that even on very nice days, the waters can be a bit choppy out there. Two divers who came with us spotted two bull sharks and there were a large number of jelly fish around on the day. It is good to have vinegar spray with you. We spotted people fishing by the edge of the sanctuary, presumably throwing out bait which I found a bit concerning since there were a number of swimmers/snorkelers as well as sharks not far off.
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LisaR
14 contributions
Feb 2022
Took a tour to Sombrero Reef for some snorkeling. Seas were a tad choppy, but water was very clear. Tons of fish and some very nice coral formations. For snorkeling in the US, this was an excellent choice. Short boat ride from the bottom of Marathon by the 7 Mile Bridge
Written February 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deedeetoo
Madison, WI167 contributions
Apr 2022
Beautiful coral reef with an abundance of sea life. We dove here, and it felt like we were in our own private aquarium. Our dive maxed out at about 22 feet, so it was possible to see all of the beautiful colors and spend as much bottom time as you need. It is shallow enough to snorkel and free dive, however when we were there the seas were quite choppy, so it may not be as pleasant as it is underwater.
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LonestarSpartan
Chapel Hill, NC763 contributions
Jun 2022
We had read great reviews of people's experience at Sombrero Reef, so when we rented a boat for the day in Marathon, off we went.
We had to anchor our boat because all 11 mooring balls were already taken. We snorkeled for about 45 minutes and saw quite a few fish, but not as many as we were anticipating. We have snorkeled in many different places in the US and Carribbean and felt this was a bit underwhelming based on what we had read.
Overall, a good experience, but not a great one.
One word of caution, stay close to your boat because the current can pick up at anytime!
We had to anchor our boat because all 11 mooring balls were already taken. We snorkeled for about 45 minutes and saw quite a few fish, but not as many as we were anticipating. We have snorkeled in many different places in the US and Carribbean and felt this was a bit underwhelming based on what we had read.
Overall, a good experience, but not a great one.
One word of caution, stay close to your boat because the current can pick up at anytime!
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CRSBerger
Marathon, FL165 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Beautiful experience; highly recommend. Tons of Marine life and large area to explore. Advise being mindful of the wind, causing rough waters and high wave crests. Would not attempt if the water crests are higher 18” makes for a challenging experience.
Written April 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do you find out how to get there from your own boat?
Written February 11, 2018
HI, Ask any of the tackle shops in the area or look at any chart online. You can't miss it. Huge tower. It's 3 miles from Boot Key. GPS Co-ordinates: 24 37.600N 081 06.600W Enjoy
Written February 12, 2018
we are visiting feb 7th- 14th will we atill be able to snorkel? if so should we have wet suits
Written February 3, 2018
Sure can diving is even better
Written February 7, 2018
Jean T
Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania
We are visiting April 17. Do we need a wet suit to snorkel?
Written February 1, 2018
If you search google for the water temperature in Marathon, you see the average. now it depends how quickly you freeze
Written February 8, 2018
What is the temperature of the water in early March? Would a wet suit be necessary for a cold-natured person?
Written February 8, 2017
I would suggest a skin. If the sun is out it will be fine since you are on the surface. But don't risk ruining your trip by being cold!!
Written March 1, 2017
we will be staying at the Tranquility Beach resort. How far is it to sombrero reef.
Written August 6, 2016
It takes about 30 minutes to get there by boat.
Written October 15, 2016
Is the only way to get to the reef by paying one of the charter boats? I checked the pricing and it was $30 pp.?
Written July 23, 2015
It is about 5 miles off the coast and a bout is about the only way to get there. Spirit rentals charges about $30 and it is a great price. Otherwise your own boat is the only other choice. They provide all The snorkeling gear you will need. The state park Bahia Honda has snorkeling trips to a different reef and it is less but a longer wait time .
Written July 24, 2015
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