Best places to snorkel florida
Florida is a great place to go snorkeling. There are several places where you can snorkel Florida, and it is possible to do so all year round. Snorkeling in Florida offers an opportunity to see some of the most diverse and beautiful marine life in the world.
You will find that there are many different types of fish that live in Florida’s waters, including sharks and rays. You may also encounter sea turtles and even manatees if you are lucky!
You can find more information on Best places to snorkel florida, florida keys snorkeling, best snorkeling in south florida, best snorkeling in the keys without a boat, and snorkeling in florida gulf in this article.
Best snorkeling in the Keys without a boat
The best snorkeling in the Keys without a boat is at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
This park has seven miles of pristine coral reef that’s teeming with sea life, and you can explore it all on foot or by kayak. There are also several man-made reefs that were created as a conservation effort in the 1960s, but they’re still full of marine life. So if you’re looking for an easy way to get in on the underwater action without having to rent a boat, this is it!
Pigeon Key
Pigeon Key, a history-filled island in the middle of the Old Seven Mile Bridge, is worth visiting for its unique site and story. You probably won’t want to pay the $15 admission just to snorkel, but if you do visit the island, you can bring your gear along.
On a sultry summer day, we snorkeled the waters around the Pigeon Key dock. We saw schools of colorful fish, but what we liked best was finding remnants of history in the water — stones that were obviously building materials from the era of the railroad tracks’ construction, pieces of metal encrusted with barnacles.
Here’s a Florida Rambler report on visiting Pigeon Key. (“Treasures” from the water, by the way, are added to a colorful cart of found stuff on Pigeon Key rather than being removed.)
- Official site for Pigeon Key
- Florida Rambler report on visiting Pigeon Key.
Sombrero Beach in Marathon
This beach is popular with locals and it’s also free. The beach is a white sand with palm trees and lots of amenities: changing rooms, restrooms, showers, picnic tables and grills plus a playground. This is a good place to do a little snorkeling from shore, particularly where there are rocks along the shore. These spiny rocks — once parts of a living coral reef — are magnets for fish and all kinds of sea life.
The beach is two miles off the main road. To find it, turn south at MM 50 at the light (Publix Shopping Center) and follow Sombrero Beach Road for about two miles to the end. There is plenty of parking, but spaces can fill up at key times.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach, Key West
Zachary Taylor Beach is located where Gulf waters meet the Atlantic in Key West. The water here is generally clear and the bottom is rocky, which makes this a good place to snorkel and see a variety of tropical fish and live coral. (Because of those rocks, it’s smart to bring water shoes.) The state park offers shady areas to relax and the historic fort is well worth exploring. Parking is hard to find in Key West, and so it’s good to know you CAN park here.
- Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach
Snorkeling in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast
While I live in Broward and I often bring my snorkel gear to the beach, the best spots for seeing fish and other sea life are north of here.
Red Reef Park
This City of Boca Raton park is a gem, and Boca residents know it. Non-residents pay $25 to park here. (If you’re heading here, be sure to check conditions before deciding to pay.) What’s special here is an extensive set of natural coral rocks right off the beach in four to six feet of water. These red rocks teem with blue tangs, parrotfish, snappers, sergeant majors and an occasional barracuda or two. It’s among the best shore snorkeling I’ve experienced. The park itself is a lush shady hammock, with a boardwalk to explore and picnic tables and shelters.
A note about snorkeling at Red Reef: From time to time, parts of the reef are covered by sand. Boca parks folks say: “Snorkeling at Red Reef Park (near lifeguard tower 9) varies from wonderful to poor depending on the beach conditions (waves, current and wind).”
- Official site for Red Reef Park
- Beach and snorkeling conditions at Boca beaches
Peanut Island, Riviera Beach
Peanut Island is a man-made island in the middle of the Port of Palm Beach. Its rocky shoreline and its location directly in the mouth of the inlet make it a magnet for colorful fish and creatures, from rays to manatees to small sharks. It is well-known for having some of the best easy-access snorkeling in South Florida. You must reach the island by boat, so pack a picnic and make a day of visiting.
- Florida Rambler on snorkeling Peanut Island plus the island’s other fascinating features.
- Official site for Peanut Island Park
Cannon Beach at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Most visitors to Pennekamp State Park head out on the tour boats to snorkel the real reefs, and, truly, there’s no snorkeling off the beach that compares with that. But it’s worth your time to snorkel at Cannon Beach.
Phil Foster Park Snorkel Trail
People have always used snorkel masks and scuba gear to explore around the Blue Heron Bridge. The water here is crystal clear at high tide because it is located a mile from the Lake Worth Inlet. A few years ago, the county completed a novel project at Phil Foster Park, which is an island on the Blue Heron Bridge — a snorkeling trail. Workers built a man-made reef in 6 to 10 feet of water right off the beach. It is about 800 feet long and is located in front of a lifeguard stand.
- Florida Rambler report on the Phil Foster Park snorkeling trail.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
This spectacular property has so much going for it. It’s great to explore on foot, by boat or underwater. To reach the expansive beach, you walk or take a tram over a long boardwalk over the picturesque saltwater lagoon. At the beach, there are large rock formations visible at low tide and a worm rock reef just off-shore. These features attract a great variety of sea creatures including stringrays and sea turtles. A park ranger leads a guided tour of the reef on Saturdays from June through August at 10 a.m.
- Florida Rambler report on John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
- Official website for John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Coral Cove Park, Jupiter
This park, about a half mile north of the Jupiter Inlet, is home to extensive natural limestone rock formations right at the beach, making it ideal for snorkeling. The same geological formations at play at nearby Blowing Rocks Preserve (below) are evident here, with similar results in attracting sea life. You can walk along the beach between Blowing Rocks and Coral Cove. The park has 600 feet of lifeguard-watched beach, picnic areas, playgrounds and free parking.
- Coral Cove Park official site
Indian Key Historic State Park
Visiting Indian Key is one of my favorite things to do in the Florida Keys. It’s an island, but it is easily reached by kayak or canoe. You can rent a kayak at nearby Robbie’s Marina; here’s my complete trip report about visiting Indian Key.
The island, like all of the Florida Keys, is an ancient coral reef and its shores are sharp, craggy coral rocks that make excellent homes for marine life. To snorkel here, look for a shell-encrusted bench across the small island from the dock. That’s a good place to get in and out of the water when snorkeling.
- Florida Rambler guide to Indian Key Historic State Park
- Official site for Indian Key Historic State Park
Blowing Rocks, Jupiter
Dramatic, cliff-like rocks extend into the water and, on calm days, provide an excellent snorkeling location. There are enough sharp-edged rocks that you should think twice about snorkeling if there are waves to buffet you. This park is owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy, which has created some appealing nature walks and a nature center across A1A on the Intracoastal side of the park. Because it is a preserve, nearby Coral Cove Park is the place to have your picnic.
- Florida Rambler report on Blowing Rocks
- Official site for Blowing Rocks Preserve
DuBois Park, Jupiter
Beloved by locals, Dubois Park is a delightful park with a snorkeling lagoon, sandy beach and picnic areas along the clear waters at the Jupiter Inlet. Parents like the shallow, sandy areas without waves where younger kids are safe. With clear water and fish from the inlet and ocean, the snorkeling is good at high tide. Admission is free and the place gets crowded on weekends; arrive early or come later in the day.
- Dubois Park, 19075 Dubois Road, Jupiter, FL 33477
Bathtub Reef Park, Hutchinson Island
An unusual “worm reef” protects an idyllic lagoon and creates a perfect home for marine life. The reef was created by sabellariid or “honeycomb” worms that cement together sand and bits of shell to form porous rocks and ledges. The reef attracts a good variety of fish and sea creatures — perfect for snorkelers, particularly young ones, because the reef protects kids from waves. Get there early on weekends because the parking lot fills up.
There’s a bathhouse with showers and pavilions for picnicking. Bathtub Beach is located on South Hutchinson Island on MacArthur Boulevard, which branches south off A1A at the southernmost bridge access in Stuart. 1585 SE MacArthur Blvd., Stuart.
- Florida Rambler has a complete guide to Hutchinson Island.
- Official site for Bathtub Reef
Best places to snorkel florida
Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities in Florida. It’s easy to see why! The water is warm, shallow and calm, and there are thousands of fish to see.
But where are the best places to snorkel in Florida? Here’s a list of some of our favorites:
1. Dry Tortugas National Park (Key West)
Key West’s snorkeling scene is hardly a well-kept secret, but Dry Tortugas National Park is one of its most unusual offerings. Located 70 miles off the coast, it’s a remote group of islands that are accessible only by boat or seaplane. Of all the islands, of which there are many, Garden Key is one of the best. At 14 acres, it’s the second-largest island and it’s also particularly popular with the local sea turtles. You’ll also find kaleidoscopic corals, colourful fish, starfish and queen conches.
Back on dry land, you can explore the historic Fort Jefferson, which was built to protect one of the most strategic deepwater anchorages in North America. If you’re after something even more remote you can charter your own boat and snorkel off to Windjammer Wreck, an iron-hulled ship-rigged sailing vessel known as the Avanti.
The best time of year to snorkel here is from April to November when the waters are calmer.
2. Phil Foster Park, Riviera Beach (Palm Beach)
If you don’t fancy hopping aboard a boat, Phil Foster Park offers brilliant saltwater snorkeling action. A few years ago, the council build an 800-feet (243-metres) artificial reef with boulders to mark the trail. Waters are shallow here, averaging 6–10 feet (1.9–2.5 metres) and reaching depths of 20-feet (7 metres), making it easily accessible for less confident swimmers. It’s teeming with squid, octopus, spotted rays, starfish, angelfish, parrotfish, grunts and grouper. Make sure you check the tides before heading here as they seriously impact visibility.
3. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo)
Located in the crystal clear waters of Key Largo, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers underwater adventures aplenty. It’s the United States first-ever underwater park, offering 70 nautical square miles of spectacular snorkeling fun. More advanced snorkelers will have the most fun here since the beaches are sandy-bottomed. If you’re after reef snorkeling, you’ll need to take a short boat ride offshore. As well as colourful fish, corals and mangroves, you can swim around the iconic Christ of the Abyss statue – a replica of “Il Cristo degli Abissi” in Liguria, Italy. Tours, half-day and full-day trips are easy to organise online and in person.
4. Bahia Honda Beach (Florida Keys)
This secluded white-sand park boasts three beaches, just 12 miles south of Marathon. Sprawling across 400 acres, it offers some of the best snorkeling and beachcombing in Florida.
It’s also the starting point for the boat trip to Looe Key Marine Sanctuary, a sprawling groove and spur reef. It got its name from the HMS Looe, which sunk here in 1744 while towing a captured French ship. The sanctuary is home to over 150 species, including yellowtail, angelfish, parrotfish and barracuda. There are around 50 species of coral here too, as well as an artificial reef called the Adolphus Busch.
5. Twin Ledges (Fort Lauderdale)
It’s close to the coast, but you’ll still need to take a boat to reach Fort Lauderdale’s most idyllic snorkeling spot – Twin Ledges. It’s best suited to more experienced snorkelers and you’ll need to hop onto a dedicated snorkeling tour, but there are dozens to choose from in Fort Lauderdale and many include a trip to Northern Erojacks in the tour price too. The site is home to pufferfish, surgeonfish and sergeant major fish, as well as sea turtles and a resident nurse shark. The top of the reef is 15 feet (4.5metres) and the ledges plunge to around 20 feet (6-metres).
6. Half Moon Preserve (Miami)
Snorkeling isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you think about Miami, but it should be. The Half Moon Preserve is one of the most fascinating shipwrecks off the coast of the United States. Originally called the Germania, it was built in Germany as a racing yacht in 1908. It traded hands countless times before the British won it and renamed it the Half Moon in 1914. It became a floating bar during the Prohibition and later sunk off the coast of Miami in 1930. Divers discovered the ship in 1987 and identified it in 1990. It’s now sitting on its port side and is still in excellent condition. It’s one of Florida’s Seven Underwater Archaeological Preserves too.
7. Crystal River Hot Springs (Citrus County)
Squeezed into a small inlet in the Gulf of Mexico, Crystal River is around an hour and a half drive from Orland and Tampa. The springs bubble away at bathwater-warm temperatures of 22.5C (72.5F) all year round, but the best time to visit is during the winter months. Hundreds of West-Indian manatees migrate to the warmer waters here when the Gulf of Mexico cools, so it’s the best place and time of year to spot them.
In fact, it’s the only place in Florida where you can legally snorkel with this endangered species. The easiest way to get up close to them is to book a tour – there’s a handful to choose from in the town centre.
Best snorkeling in South Florida
South Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the Sunshine State. Home to Miami and the stunning Florida keys, it has loads to offer when it comes to snorkeling.
Snorkeling is an excellent way to explore the waters around South Florida and experience a world of marine life up close. There are many different activities for snorkelers including watching dolphins, exploring shipwrecks, or just swimming with tropical fish.
The Florida Keys are famous for their pristine waters and underwater beauty. With more than 3,000 islands stretching 100 miles from Key Largo all the way down to Key West, there’s no shortage of places to explore. The best part? Some of these islands are only accessible by boat!
If you want a break from city life and prefer relaxing on sandy beaches instead of crowded streets then head over to Fort Lauderdale Beach where you’ll find beautiful white sand beaches with calm blue water that make it perfect for snorkeling as well as swimming or surfing.
Here are some of the best snorkeling spots in South Florida.
Fort Zachary Taylor, Key West
This is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations in the Key West.
The historic civil war fort built in the year 1866 still stands tall today.
The beach has also been voted the best beach in Key West because of the clean, soft sands that invite you to lounge in the sun.
Unlike what you may think, there aren’t that many nice beaches in Key West and this one truly is the one that will be worth your time.
You may come across a sea turtle, queen conches, or other marine life here.
John Pennekamp coral reef state park
John Pennekamp coral reef state park is located in Key Largo (Florida Keys).
It is home to amazing corals and marine creatures! It’s also a bit of a historic site as it was America’s first undersea park.
Cannon Beach is the most popular snorkeling spot in John Pennekamp State Park.
Remains of shipwrecks can be seen there. Marine life is abundant, with numerous fish species swimming right underneath you.
Be sure to check out the Christ of the Abyss sculpture, sunk about 20 feet deep inside this spot.
The Banana Reef is another good option in John Pennekamp park.
This is a shallow snorkeling location that contains all kinds of fascinating marine and fish life. You will find the barracuda, parrotfish, and brain coral in this spot.
The best way to go snorkeling here is to join a snorkeling boat tour.
This includes the equipment and a local guide which means that you don’t have anything to do. Everything will be organised for you!
If you chose to visit on your own, you will need pay the entry fee of $8 per vehicle (+50c per person).
Indian Key, Florida Keys
Indian Key is a small island located between Key Largo and Marathon.
It’s an interesting place to visit if you like history as it is a ghost town. If you choose to go snorkeling there you will get to see shipwrecks and learn about the US civil war.
You can only access the area by boat however, you can also reach it with a kayak or a paddle.
There is a rich marine and coral life here. Although it is located in one of the most touristy parts of Florida, it feels like you are in a completely different world!
It’s highly recommended for people who like discovering hidden gems and secret spots.
Key West
Key West is known for its lively atmosphere, breath-taking sunsets and delicious pies but it’s also an excellent place to go snorkeling.
The waters around Key West are home to many dolphins and other beautiful sea creatures.
Unlike in most places mentioned in this article, you won’t get to see much from the shore however, if you go on a cruise, you will have an amazing time.
Another option is to try SNUBA diving.
This is perfect for people who like to try different things and looking for unique activities. Snuba is a mix between scuba diving and snorkelling.
This means that you won’t have to carry all the diving equipment but will be connected with a tube to oxygen. Therefore, you can explore more than with a simple tuba.
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda is located in the Florida Keys.
Although it is a paradise for outdoor activities, it’s still considered a bit of a hidden gem in Florida.
Most visitors head straight to Key West and completely overlook Bahia Honda. This is a mistake you shouldn’t make!
There are numerous coral species to see here, including the staghorn and fish species such as barracuda.
The 500-acre state park offers a myriad of opportunities for any level of the outdoors lover.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Located in the Key West, 70 miles from the Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas National park offers an amazing and wild snorkeling experience.
It’s known as the most remote national park in the USA. It’s ideal for people who live to discover off-beat destinations.
There are no amenities close by so be well prepared.
You can get there from Key West with the ferry however, if you want to make the most of your day, opt for a day cruise with snorkeling.
The crystal-clear waters make for an exciting experience because you can see deep into the water with minimal effort.
There are numerous fish species here, including the barracudas, angelfish, mangrove snapper, and brown finger coral fish. You will also spot loads of dolphins!
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is located in the northern part of the Florida Keys, very close to Miami, making it a great escape destination for people living in or visiting the city.
It’s a 50-minute drive from downtown to the park. It’s home to beautiful islands, coral reefs and mangroves. The wildlife is also incredible.
Turtles, pelicans… they are all there! If you choose to go snorkeling, you will discover beautiful coral reefs and ruins of ancient ships.
Unfortunately, you can’t really start from the shore but the best spots are reachable by boat.
Joining a guided tour will be the best way to go snorkeling in Biscayne National Park.
Best snorkeling in Florida Gulf Coast
Snorkeling is a great way to explore the underwater world and see amazing marine life. The Florida Gulf Coast is home to some of the best snorkeling in the country, with clear waters and easy access to the ocean. Here are some of our favorite spots!
- Fort Desoto Park Beach
This beach is located in St. Pete Beach and has calm waters that are perfect for swimming or snorkeling. The beach is also pet friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along too!
- Pass-a-Grille Beach
This beach is located in St. Pete Beach and offers beautiful views of the sun setting over Tampa Bay. It’s also known for its pristine white sand and calm waters, making it perfect for swimming or snorkeling!
- John’s Pass Village Beachfront Park
John’s Pass Village Beachfront Park is another great place for snorkeling in Pinellas County, Florida because it has calm waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling! There are plenty of fish to see here as well as other marine life like sea turtles, manatees and dolphins!
The Florida Gulf Coast is home to some of the best snorkeling in the United States.
From Sarasota’s Lido Beach to Fort Myers Beach, here are some of our favorite spots for snorkeling in the Sunshine State:
Sarasota: Lido Beach Park has a wide variety of fish, including bluefish, flounder, mullet, and more. The park is located at 823 Ben Franklin Drive between South Harbor Drive and South Palm Avenue. You can also see sea turtles here! It costs $3 per car on weekdays or $5 on weekends to get into the park.
Fort Myers Beach: Fort Myers Beach has a lot of different types of fish as well as sea turtles and sharks! You can find these creatures at Fort Myers Beach County Park, which is located at 5800 Estero Boulevard. It costs $3 per adult in your vehicle on weekdays or $5 per adult in your vehicle on weekends to get into this park.
Captiva Island: Captiva Island boasts some great snorkeling spots that are perfect for beginners! The water is shallow and easy to access from shore. There are lots of fish around here—including sea horses and stingrays—and plenty
Best snorkeling in Florida Keys
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is home to some of the most popular campsites in the country, just steps away from some of the best snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys, but you don’t have to spend the night to enjoy them. Come anytime to take advantage of the clear shallow waters that make this a great place for beginners who can snorkel right from the beach to view abundant sea life.
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is made up of just 5 percent land, which includes 40 small barrier coral reef islands and a mangrove shoreline. Its coral reef houses some of the most extensive life-forms you might ever witness. To access snorkeling here you’ll have to have a boat or join a tour. Boats leaving from the jetty at the visitor center will bring you to the reefs, vibrantly colored fish and shipwrecks off of Elliott Key, an island in the park, but the reward is well worth the effort.
Fort Zachary Taylor
The most popular snorkeling spot in Key West for decades, the rocky bottom and rock formations offshore at Fort Zachary Taylor attract lots of tropical fish. It’s a great place to snorkel right from shore with the crystal-clear water like glass. Discover everything from parrotfish and schools of yellowtail snapper to lobster and a variety of hard and soft corals. There are plenty of other activities in the park to enjoy as well, including guided tours of the fort and nature trails to walk.
Sombrero Reef, Marathon
Sombrero Reef is considered the very best reef in The Keys. The shallow area ranges from two feet to a depth of 30 feet and spans 30 acres, while its arch is a vast limestone structure decorated with numerous colorful stony and gorgonian coral and sea sponges, along with neon gobies, grunt and snapper. The clarity of the crystalline turquoise water is amazing on most days, making it easy to see this spectacular underwater world. To reach it, you’ll need to join a boat from the Marathon area on Vaca Key.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
One of the best spots in the continental U.S. for snorkeling can be found in Key Largo at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This was the country’s very first underwater park to open, holding its only living coral reef. Spread across 70 nautical miles, snorkelers can see all sorts of tropical fish, sea turtles and even shipwrecks. It’s the perfect place for beginners and families with kids, as tours are available with experienced guides who conduct a “how to snorkel” class right on the boat. You’ll get a safety vest, and if you don’t have your own gear, you can rent a mask, snorkel and fins.
Looe Key Sanctuary Preservation Area, Big Pine Key
The Looe Key Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) sits about eight nautical miles southwest of Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key. Visitors to the park can join a tour to reach the impressive diversity of fish that congregate here. On the reef crest, view butterflyfish and grunts, and to the north, surgeonfish and parrotfish. Atop the reef, you can often see jacks and barracudas swimming about.
Long Key State Park
If you’re looking for a place to snorkel along the scenic Overseas Highway, at mile 67.5 in Long Key State Park you’ll find exceptional flat shallow waters to enjoy just offshore. There’s also a scenic nature trail with shady trees that traverses through a variety of ecosystems, including some beautiful deserted beaches while offering the opportunity to watch for all sorts of shorebirds.
Alligator Reef Lighthouse
Historic Alligator Reef Lighthouse is a three-mile charter boat trip away from Islamorada and offers the perfect place for snorkelers to discover all sorts of marine life, including parrotfish, barracuda, rays and sea turtles. The main snorkeling ground is right beneath the lighthouse, with its steel foundations serving as the home for so many tropical fish, you might think you’re swimming inside of an aquarium. Unlike some of the reefs nearer to shore, that tends to have cloudier green water with lower visibility, this area experiences a constant flow of strikingly clear blue water for outstanding visibility.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Accessed by ferry or seaplane 70 miles from Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park offers the ultimate snorkeling day trip. The crystal-clear aquamarine waters that surround its historic 19th-century fort are filled with abundant colorful fish, queen conch, starfish, living coral and more. And, it’s all directly accessible from a pristine white sand beach. Fort Jefferson also offers snorkel tours with complimentary fins, mask and snorkel provided.
Cheeca Rocks, Islamorada
For those who stay visit Islamorada, Cheeca Rocks is another great snorkeling option. One of the favorites among snorkelers in the Florida Keys. The patch reef is about halfway between the keys and the barrier reef, bringing the opportunity to marvel at many different types of fish, green eels and occasionally a sea turtle too. You’re likely to encounter schools of grunts, all sorts of beautiful angelfish, wrasse and parrotfish. The coral reefs thrive here with abundant fire, star and brain corals, as well as spectacular sea fans that some of the smaller reef fish use to hide.
Florida is one of the best places to go snorkeling in the world. The state has a wide variety of marine life and environments to explore, from coral reefs to shipwrecks.
The Florida Keys are well-known for being home to some of the best snorkeling spots in the world. The Keys are home to many species of fish, including lionfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. You can also see turtles, rays, dolphins, and even whales in this area!
In addition to being home to some of the most diverse marine life on earth, Florida also has some incredible underwater landscapes that you can explore while snorkeling. From shallow reefs to deep sea wrecks, there are many options available in Florida that will allow you an up close look at what lies beneath the surface of our planet’s oceans.