The Best Places to Snorkel in Florida
Florida is famous for its sunny skies and scenic beaches, but there’s a whole lot to explore under the sea. From shipwrecks to the third largest barrier reef in the world, the clear blue waters promise unique finds for snorkelers.
1. Dry Tortugas National Park
Park
2. Crystal River
Swim with manatees at Crystal River. Located in western Florida, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is a habitat for migrating manatees who come for the warm waters, which average 72 degrees Fahrenheit (about 22 degrees Celsius). The river is fed by springs and is crystal clear, giving snorkelers a flawless underwater view of the gentle herbivores, which can weigh up to 1,200 pounds.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, 1502 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River, FL, USA, +1 352 563 2088
3. Devil’s Den
Tucked in a dry cave in central Florida, an underground spring has remains of extinct animals from the Pleistocene Age, as well as human bones dating back to about 7,000 B.C.E. The spring is primarily a scuba diving destination, but novice snorkelers can also view the prehistoric underwater finds.
Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring, 5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL, USA, +1 352 528 3344
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb7Nr6sBXk7/?taken-at=270835531
Depending on the season, snorkelers might see dolphins or manatees at Point-of-Rocks, a series of limestone rock formations at the south end of Crescent Beach on Siesta Key. The shallow waters are clear, calm in the morning, and offer snorkelers plenty of visibility of crustaceans and fish.
4. Blue Grotto Dive Resort
Resort
5. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Park
6. Pompano Beach
Just near the Pompano Beach Pier, clear waters ranging from 6- to 22-feet deep offer snorkelers views of corals, sponges and caves that have formed from the crumbled rock.
Venice Beach
Snorkel a few yards off the shore of Venice Beach, near the rocks where visitors often go hunting for shark teeth, including teeth from the great white, tiger and megalodon shark. There is no snorkeling equipment rental on the beach, so remember to bring your own gear!
7. Sebastian Inlet
Park
Sebastian Inlet is a popular surfing destination and a favorite for snorkelers. Perched along Florida’s Space Coast, the rock lining along the shore provides a habitat for fish. There are also four reefs located in the area and plenty of visibility during high tide.
Sebastian Inlet State Park, 9700 S Highway A.1.A., Melbourne Beach, FL, USA, +1 321 984 4852
8. Peanut Island
Visit the Peanut Island lagoon to catch views of manatees, nurse sharks, eels, and a variety of tropical fish, such as the barracuda, tarpon and stonefish.
Destin Jetties
Located in the Florida panhandle, Destin jetties (man-made rock formations that extend into the Gulf of Mexico) host such marine life as puffer fish and blue crabs, which are most visible during high tide. If you get lucky, you might even catch sights of dolphins that swim around the jetty. Avoid snorkeling during low tide, as the water gets murky from the flow of the bay, and you might not see much then.
9. Half Moon Preserve in Biscayne National Park
Park
Jose Cuervo Margarita Bar
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, try snorkeling Miami’s underwater bar. The sprawling concrete bar, which weighs 10,000 pounds, sunk during a Cinco de Mayo festival in 2000. It now lies in its underwater grave just off the shores of Miami Beach where snorkelers can explore the barfly reef fish who call it home.
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