Best Siesta Key Beaches

Best Siesta Key Beaches to Visit by Boat

Written by Boatsetter Team
March 31, 2022

Last Updated on March 31, 2022 by Boatsetter Team

Siesta Key is nestled on the Gulf of Mexico and is home to many of the nation’s best beach-going experiences. The area features shopping, dining, nightlife, and resorts, including everything needed for an exciting day exploring local beaches by boat. When visiting Southwest Florida, Siesta Key is a must when looking for an experience full of brilliant quartz sand and turquoise waters. There is something for everyone to do when exploring Siesta Key.

Explore Siesta Key Boat Rentals

Does Siesta Key Beach have clear water?

The water near Siesta Key Beach is some of Florida’s cleanest, purest waters. The waters in this area are not affected by dirty rivers emptying directly into the waters. The water from the Mississippi River flows toward Texas, which keeps sediment and dirty water away from Florida’s coastline. Siesta Key is home to some of the most transparent water in Southwest Florida, offering you beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and crystal waters to enjoy recreational water activities.

In addition to the crystal clear water, Siesta Key Beach is home to some of the whitest sand in the world. The sand is white because of the white quartz crystals from mountain tops, which made their way to the Gulf of Mexico via the Apalachicola River. These crystals disintegrated in the water for thousands of years, forming the white sand that covers Florida’s west coast.

Snorkeling Siesta Key

What is Siesta Key known for?

Siesta Key is known for many things, but it is most well-known for its many snorkeling opportunities. The beaches have soft white sands, the perfect entrance to beautiful underwater areas waiting to be explored. The most famous beach in the Siesta Key area for snorkelers is Crescent Beach. This beach has two access points, and the south end of the beach is home to the Point of Rocks, a popular snorkeling site.

Point of Rocks has rocky outcroppings and limestone formations, where fish and other marine life like to hide. This area is full of seagrass and colorful coral, which tropical fish call home.

Explore Siesta Key Boat Rentals

Does Siesta Key Beach have a boardwalk?

Siesta Key Beach does have a nice boardwalk where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a beverage. The Siesta Key Beach Pavilion offers a place to relax and wash the sand off after spending the day at the beach.

Best Beaches in Siesta Key, Florida

Siesta Key is home to many beautiful beaches, offering unique outdoor water adventures. The stunning barrier island is one of the most popular places for beach-goers to enjoy time in the Florida sun when visiting Sarasota. Boaters enjoy everything from swimming to fishing and snorkeling to shelling when exploring Siesta Key’s waters.

Siesta Key Beach is an award-winning beach and the most famous beach on Siesta Key. Siesta Key Beach is one of the most Instagrammable beaches in Southwest Florida because of the pearly white sands, bright aqua waters, and breathtaking sunset colors. 

Turtle Beach is the best place to spot turtles, especially during nesting season from May through October. Additionally, Turtle Beach is a quiet beach where you can find a place to relax or pitch a tent at the campground on the beach.

Beaches Near Siesta Key

It is possible to easily access other beaches just a short distance from Siesta Key when boating. Famous beaches within a 15-minute boat ride from Siesta Key include South Lido Key Beach, Lido Key Beach, Dog Beach, and Coquina Beach.

Best family beaches in Siesta Key

Family-Friendly Beaches in Siesta Key, Florida

Turtle Beach has everything you need if you want a quiet beach. However, if you want an active beach with plenty of things for families to experience and enjoy together, Crescent Beach or Siesta Key Beach might be your best options. These beaches offer playgrounds, shallow waters, and picnic areas, perfect for your family’s outing to the beach.

Exploring the waters around Siesta Key offers many opportunities to relax in the Gulf of Mexico, go fishing, spot some marine wildlife, and splash around in the water. 

With a Boatesetter boat rental, you can explore all of what Siesta Key has to offer on various boat types. Whether you want to get out on the water with a captain or bareboat, Boatsetter has you covered!

Explore Siesta Key Boat Rentals


Browse by experience


Explore articles