Ft. Zachary is a great place to go snorkeling and see the beautiful tropical habitat. The State Park makes it easy for you to rent snorkel gear and all rentals are provided at the Chickee Hut. There are four clusters of rocks, the park serviced constructed, so the waves from the ocean can be filtered into smaller waves before making its way unto the beach. The break in the waves makes swimming and snorkeling in and around the water easy for anyone, including children. Explore the rocks, and you will find yellowtail snapper, sergeant major’s, parrot fish, angel fish, lobsters, and a variety of crab swimming around happy and healthy. Spend the afternoon picking up prehistoric sea shells, while the children swim, and the evening sitting on the picnic table with a glass of champagne, overlooking the sunset. Ft. Zach is the best place to watch the sunset. That is if you are looking for a more private and intimate experience than the Sunset Celebration.
Story Submitted by Matthew Baldwin
Matthew is a true Conch who grew up in Key West swimming at Higgs and Ft. Zachary Taylor beaches. He attended Florida Keys Community College and Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida earning a Bachelors of Arts degree in History. Matthew loves to travel and meet like-minded folks with progressive outlooks and a sense of humor. He enjoys cooking for friends and staying active by working out at the outdoor gym at Higgs beach and doing yoga. His five-year plan is to write and publish a book about the keys and eventually make his way out west to the coasts of Washington, Oregon and California.