13 Best Snorkeling Spots in Florida

Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

Florida is a boater’s paradise, offering a treasure trove of stunning locations where you can drop anchor and dive into crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re looking for vibrant coral reefs, fascinating shipwrecks, manatee encounters, or dynamic underwater landscapes, Florida’s snorkeling spots promise diverse and unforgettable underwater experiences.

Here are 13 of the best snorkeling spots in Florida, perfect for boaters looking to explore underwater worlds from the comfort of their vessels.

 

Bahia Honda State Park

Location: Florida Keys

Famed for its palm-lined beaches and beautiful sunsets, Bahia Honda State Park is a popular snorkeling spot in Florida. The coral reefs and sandbar off the shores of Sandspur Beach are perfect for underwater exploration. You can also visit the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary and see different species of coral and fish up close.

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Bathtub Reef Beach

Location: Stuart

Bathtub Reef Beach is a great place for kids and beginners to try their hand at snorkeling. The “bathtub” is a calm pool of water between the walls of the beach and a nearshore reef, teeming with marine life. Boaters can anchor offshore and swim to the reef close to the beach.

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Biscayne National Park

Location: Near Miami

The largest marine park in America, Biscayne National Park has an abundance of underwater wonders to explore. From colorful coral reefs and mangrove forests to shipwrecks on the Maritime Heritage Trail, there’s something for everyone. The best time to visit is during the cold months, when the water is clear. Since Biscayne National Park is a top snorkeling spot in Florida, you’re likely to encounter crowds.

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Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Location: Crystal River

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places in Florida to snorkel with manatees. Snorkeling is available year-round, but it’s particularly popular during the winter months when manatees are more active. Clear fresh water, seagrass beds, and friendly manatees make this a truly unique place to dive.

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Destin

Location: Destin

Known as the “Emerald Coast”, Destin boasts clear green waters, a variety of aquatic life, and a number of great snorkeling destinations all within boat-able distance. You can make a day of venturing around Destin to different snorkeling spots, including Crab Island and Henderson Beach State Park.

Pro Tip: If you visit Henderson Beach State Park between May and October, you might catch sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach.

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Dry Tortugas National Park

Location: West of Key West

Dry Tortugas National Park consists of seven islands only accessible by boat or seaplane and sits near the southernmost point of Florida’s Coral Reef. The nearby remains of the US Navy coal pier pilings are the habitat of some larger marine animals including barracudas, grouper, and sometimes sharks.

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Ginnie Springs

Location: High Springs

Ginnie Springs is one of the best freshwater snorkeling spots in Florida, famous for its 72-degree, crystal-clear waters and underwater caverns. There are three distinct dive sites: the Devil’s Spring System, Ginnie Ballroom, and the Santa Fe River. The Devil’s Spring System is renowned for its extensive cave network, great for experienced divers. Ginnie Ballroom is a large open cavern accessible to all skill levels and the Santa Fe River provides a natural drift perfect for tubing.

 

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Location: Key Largo

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is America’s first undersea park, celebrated for its lush coral formations and diverse marine wildlife. Covering 70 nautical square miles, snorkelers can swim through clear waters and explore seagrass beds, mangrove swamps, and iconic sites like the Christ of the Abyss statue. Early mornings offer calmer waters and smaller crowds.

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Peacock Springs State Park

Location: Live Oak

Home to one of the longest underwater cave systems in the US, Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park is a diver’s paradise. The park has five natural springs that are home to a number of creatures, including crayfish and eels. You can navigate limestone passages, discover fossils, and savor the unique beauty of this dynamic site. Only certified scuba divers are allowed to explore the caves and you must go in groups of at least two.

 

Pensacola Beach

Location: Pensacola

Pensacola Beach is one of the best snorkeling spots in Florida, known for its clear emerald waters, artificial reefs, and diverse marine life. This destination also boasts an impressive array of shipwrecks for divers to explore. Among them, you’ll find the USS Oriskany, a sunken aircraft carrier, the Pete Tide II, an offshore oil rig supply vessel, and the Russian Freighter.

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Phil Foster Park

Location: Riviera Beach

Tucked under the Blue Heron Bridge, Phil Foster Park is a popular snorkeling spot among locals. Snorkeling at high tide is recommended for the best underwater experience. Swim the 800-foot-long artificial reef snorkeling trail where you’ll get to see a wide variety of marine creatures, including starfish, octopuses, and sea horses. The park’s shallow waters are perfect for all skill levels.

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Sanibel Island

Location: Near Fort Myers

Known as the “shelling capital”, Sanibel Island’s appeal goes beyond its sandy shores. There are a number of reefs and wrecks off the coast that create an underwater playground. With a boat rental, you’ll be able to travel between nearby barrier islands and maximize your snorkeling adventures. You’re also likely to run into friendly dolphins or manatees lazing about the waterways.

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Sebastian Inlet State Park

Location: Melbourne Beach

The tidal pools at Sebastian Inlet State Park offer a fascinating snorkeling experience. The calm shallow waters are ideal for families or novice snorkelers, showcasing a vibrant ecosystem with small fish, playful crabs, and mollusks. Alongside the pools, the natural rock walls form jetties that create an additional underwater landscape.

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Discover Florida’s coastal gems above and below the surface

These 13 snorkeling spots in Florida offer incredible underwater adventures for boaters, each with unique features and marine life. Whether you’re exploring coral reefs, swimming with manatees, or discovering hidden caves, Florida’s waters promise unforgettable snorkeling experiences.

Enhance your adventure with a Boatsetter boat rental. Having your own boat adds a layer of freedom to your open water excursions. You can drop anchor at remote dive sites or island hop with ease, ensuring you make the most of your time exploring the Sunshine State’s aquatic wonders.