Florida has dozens of beautiful beaches to enjoy, but only a few truly offer the opportunity to snorkel. You can do various activities during the day at the beach, but snorkeling is enjoyable for all ages and fitness levels.
There are even some beaches in Florida where you can get scuba certified.
With its mild climate, Florida is the perfect place to snorkel all year long. And when you get sick of snorkeling, check out these fun Florida party beaches.
Or if you don’t like to party, check out these quiet Miami beaches and the least crowded beaches in the Florida Panhandle.
Whether you are looking for clear waters in the Keys, fresh water in Central Florida or unique sea life in Southwest Florida, there is something for everyone in this diverse state.
The following will take you on a tour of the 9 best beaches to snorkel in Florida!
The Best Beaches To Snorkel In Florida
1) John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, FL
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a popular destination for divers and snorkelers. Divers must have a permit, but snorkelers can enter for free.
Visitors enjoy exploring the coral reef which is only 40 to 60 feet away from the shore! This is where you get to see the two most popular sea creatures, namely, parrotfish and angelfish!
This beach is a must-visit for people who love snorkeling and swimming. It’s one of the best beaches to snorkel in Florida, and it’s also a good place for swimming.
2) Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key, FL
Bahia Honda is the longest white sand beach in the Keys. Located in the northern part of the island, it is a great snorkeling spot because of its shallow waters. Snorkelers can enjoy a wide variety of marine life mainly because this area is relatively secluded.
Here, you get to see a lot of coral heads, seagrass beds, and sponges. During June to October, you can also enjoy the beautiful Hawksbill Turtles that come here to lay eggs.
3) Fort De Soto Park, St Petersburg, FL
Fort De Soto is one of the most popular beaches in St Petersburg. The beach is divided into two sections- one for swimming, and another for snorkeling.
This place is perfect if you are someone who loves to swim with the fish. The water here is calm and shallow, which means you can walk all the way out until there is no more sand on the floor.
And since it’s shallow, you get to see a lot of beautiful sea creatures that inhabit this area.
4) St Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach, FL
If you are someone who loves to witness a lot of action, then this is the perfect place for you. In addition to being able to snorkel in the waters here, you can also enjoy surfing and paddling.
This park has been awarded as one of America’s best beaches by National Geographic Traveler Magazine. Located close to Panama City, this spot is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
There are numerous options available for those who want to enjoy a day at the beach. You can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkel gear from here as well.
5) Sombrero Reef, Marathon FL
Sombrero Reef is another great snorkeling spot in Florida. Divers and snorkelers alike enjoy visiting this reef because of the wide variety of marine life that can be found here.
This reef is located near the Dry Tortugas National Park, which offers the best diving spots all over the world! Sombrero Reef is made up of two small patches of coral reef.
Its shallow waters make it perfect for those who want to have a good time snorkeling without being too deep underwater.
6) Sand Key, Clearwater Beach FL
Many people are not aware that Clearwater has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And if you are someone who loves to go on a nice little stroll on the beach, then you are definitely in for a treat.
Since white quartz sands are the ones that dominate this area, it creates an almost mirror-like effect when the sunlight shines on it.
And because of its shallow waters, you can see many beautiful marine creatures swimming about- sea turtles, stingrays, and even manatees! So if you want to go snorkeling with these majestic creatures, then this is one beach that will surely not disappoint.
7) Indian Rocks Beach FL
Indian Rocks Beach has received numerous awards in recognition for having among the cleanest water quality in Florida. It is also known as one of the best beaches to snorkel at since there is a long stretch of rocks along the line that forms into different mini islands.
This area is located in Clearwater, and it has become a popular snorkeling spot for tourists visiting Florida. You can see the beautiful aquatic life here like starfish, hermit crabs, corals, sea sponges, and plenty of tropical fish.
This place also offers numerous other activities like swimming, surfing kayaking, or even paddleboarding. So if you want to get up close and personal with nature while at the beach then this is the best place to visit!
8) Davis Shores Beach FL
Davis Shore’s Beach is another great beach that you should not miss when you’re in Florida.
Since it faces directly to the Gulf of Mexico, this area is perfect for surfers looking to take a ride on the waves.
You can also see bd sea turtles here as well. In addition to that, it is one of those rare beaches where you can see dolphins from the shore- this happens during the late summer months when they come close to shore looking for food!
So if you happen to be a dolphin lover, then this beach should be at the top of your list.
9) Siesta Key Beach FL
Siesta Key has been ranked as among America’s top beaches by The Travel Channel, USA Today, and TripAdvisor.
It has been voted as one of the ten best beaches in the country by Coastal Living Magazine. It is an amazing place that attracts both nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
Siesta Key is located in Sarasota Bay, and it offers beautiful clear waters that are great for snorkeling. The best snorkeling areas are along the mangroves.
So if you happen to have a nice snorkel mask and flippers then, by all means, you should stop by this beach. You’ll be amazed at the abundant marine life that can be found here!
Snorkeling in Florida is a popular activity for many people. It is a great way to explore the underwater life and beauty of Florida’s coastlines.
If you are considering snorkeling in Florida, there are a few things you should know before going out on your first excursion.
First, make sure that you have all the necessary gear. This includes a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit.
Second, make sure that you know how to use the equipment properly before going out on the water. And finally, find out which areas of Florida offer snorkeling opportunities that might be appropriate for your skill level and interests.
In Summary
I love snorkeling because it is a great way to explore the underwater world. You can see all kinds of fish and other sea creatures that you would never see on land. It also gives me a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I love how peaceful it is down there.
You can see all kinds of fish and other sea creatures that you would never see on land. It also gives me a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I love how peaceful it is down there.
Although there are other amazing beaches to go snorkeling in Florida, the ones listed here are just some of the top choices.
Hi, I’m Ryan Nelson! I live in the Hamptons, out on Long Island, near Ponquogue Beach. The beach is a place where I can find peace and serenity. It’s a place where I can sit and clear my head. The waves crashing on the shore somehow helps me to relax, while also reminding me that I am far from the stressors of daily life.
