The Sunlight State is known for its white-sand beaches and year-round sunshine, but life beneath the sea is equally thrilling. You can do all of this and more at the top Florida snorkeling sites, whether you choose to sunbathe in the shallow water, interact with stingrays and tropical fish up close, or collect shark teeth. Given the diversity of beaches, deciding where to go might be difficult, so we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best Florida beaches for snorkeling right now!
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is located in the northern portion of the Florida Keys, near Miami, making it an ideal getaway for residents and visitors of the city. The National Park Institute offers guided snorkeling experiences, although private tour companies also offer them.
The park’s pristine reefs, which are only accessible by boat, provide some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving experiences in the world, including the underwater Maritime Heritage Trail.
Turtles, pelicans, and other sea creatures abound! If you go snorkeling, you’ll see stunning coral reefs as well as the wrecks of historic ships. The best method to go snorkeling at Biscayne National Park is to join a guided trip.
Features that make it stand out of the crowd are –
- Guided experiences
- Best snorkeling and scuba diving
- Accessible by boat
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must-see for anybody interested in Florida history and shipwrecks. It’s one of the most entertaining ways to see treasures from centuries-old shipwrecks sunk in Cannon Beach’s calm and shallow waters. This is a favorite swimming place for families with young children.
Cannon Beach should be at the top of your list of the greatest Florida beaches for snorkeling if you enjoy Florida’s romantic heritage and fascinating shipwrecks. This beach is extremely popular with families with little children because of the safe swimming conditions, which are suitable even for toddlers.
Features that make it stand out of the crowd are –
- Favorite swimming place for families
- Extremely popular
- Safe
Dry Tortugas National Park
The Dry Tortugas National Park is a Gulf of Mexico national park that protects the seven Dry Tortugas islands, which are the most remote of the Florida Keys, as well as Fort Jefferson. Dry Tortugas National Park, located in Key West, 70 miles from the Florida Keys, provides a spectacular and wild snorkeling experience.
You may take the boat from Key West, but if you want to make the most of your time, take a day cruise with snorkeling.
Because you can see deep into the water with little effort, the crystal-clear waters provide for a thrilling experience.
Barracudas, angelfish, mangrove snapper, and brown finger coral fish are among the many fish species found here. There will also be a lot of dolphins to see!
Features that make it stand out of the crowd are –
- Spectacular experience
- Many fish varieties and dolphins
- Crystal-clear water
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda Beach State Park is regarded for being one of the greatest spots for offshore snorkeling in Florida, as well as having a historical bridge and an award-winning beach. Among the shallow seas of the not-to-be-missed Bahia Honda State Park, one of Florida’s most attractive state parks, you’ll find a profusion of colorful and unique corals, tropical fish, crabs, and live sponges.
At Bahia Honda, you have two options for snorkeling: on your own along the coast or on a guided snorkeling excursion! There’s no way to go incorrectly with any of these choices.
You may also go on a snorkel boat excursion with the Coral Reef Park Co. for a guided adventure of a lifetime!
Features that make it stand out of the crowd are –
- Snorkel boat excursions
- Attractive
- Unique corals
Phil Foster Park
Phil Foster Park is a 14.7-acre beach park located on a tiny island beneath the Blue Heron Bridge, which links Signer Island to the mainland of Florida. Phil Foster Park is the place to go if you’re interested in marine life below the water’s surface.
Just 200 feet from the beach is a snorkeling route that encompasses an astonishing two acres and is teeming with marine life and tropical species. These protected seas are home to around 300 different types of marine creatures.
Squid, octopus, and spotted rays may be seen in this aquarium, which was built to attract and shelter uncommon fauna. Three 5-foot-long concrete sculptures of hammerhead sharks were put to the trail’s western terminus for ambiance.
Features that make it stand out of the crowd are –
- Uncommon fauna
- Protected seas
- 300 types of marine creatures
Red Reef Park
Red Reef Beach, located along picturesque A1A between South Beach Park and Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, is an artificial reef where snorkelers may observe a variety of tropical fish as soon as they enter the water. Because this reef is deceptively shallow, you’ll want to visit during high tide to get the best snorkeling experience.
This lovely park is located right off the scenic A1A coastal road. It has an artificial reef that attracts snorkelers from all over the world to see the beautiful diversity of tropical fish that meet you as soon as you enter the water.
The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and the Red Reef Executive Golf Course are both located in Red Reef Park, and lifeguards are on duty all year.
Features that make it stand out of the crowd are –
- Lifeguards on duty all year
- Attractive artificial reef
- Diversity of tropical fishes
Peanut Island
Riviera Beach’s Peanut Island is a serious competitor in the finest Florida beaches for the snorkeling category, offering a combo snorkeling tour and one-stop-shop island retreat wrapped into one adventure. Peanut Island is just 79 acres in size, yet its tiny size affords a peaceful intimacy appropriate for your next day trip. It was named for its initial use as a shipping terminal for a peanut oil processing business.
When you see the blue-green seas that are so clear here at this popular kayaking and snorkeling spot, the effort to get to the island is well worth it.
You’ll witness parrotfish, starfish, lobsters, sea sponges, barracuda, shrimps, and crabs in the calm waters of the mangrove canals! A Green moray eel could raise his head out of the rocks to say hello if you’re lucky!
Features that make it stand out of the crowd are –
- Kayaking and snorkeling
- Variety of flora and fauna
- Intimacy offered
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
The Dr. Von D. Mizzell-Eula Johnson State Park, located near Fort Lauderdale on Dania Beach, provides something for everyone. Those who prefer dry activities can rent a kayak or go snorkeling at the artificial reef; those who prefer water adventures can rent a kayak or go snorkeling at the artificial reef.
Nurse sharks, spiny lobsters, and a variety of tropical fish are among the highlights at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park near Dania Beach for snorkelers. The 2.5-mile stretch of coastline is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Grab your mask and fins for a day of fun at Dania Beach’s Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, where you’ll enjoy underwater beauty on a rock reef that runs parallel to the beach.
Features that make it stand out of the crowd are –
- Underwater beauty
- Ideal for snorkel and scuba diving
- 5-mile stretch
Coral Cove Park
This renowned beach resort in Palm Beach County’s north gives the impression of being someplace in the beautiful Caribbean. On a quiet day, the water clarity rivals that of the Caribbean Sea. You’ll be able to see stingrays and sea horses, among other marine wildlife.
Coral Cove Park is a great spot to snorkel because of its geological and natural limestone structures, which attract a variety of unusual and intriguing species.
Lifeguards are on duty to keep swimmers and snorkelers safe, which is always a benefit. It’s especially useful if you’re traveling with children. Because the reef is so near to the beach, it’s an ideal snorkeling area for novices. You won’t have to swim far to witness some stunning sights!
Features that make it stand out of the crowd are –
- Clear waters
- Lifeguards
- Natural limestone structures
Bathtub Reef Beach
This “honeycomb” worm reef stops the waves and lets snorkelers of all ages investigate the vivid marine animals in the lagoon, making it a perfect snorkeling destination for kids. It’s a fantastic vacation spot for families and anyone looking to unwind.
However, as you swim about, you’ll come across a lovely reef! Over 500 types of marine life may be found in the waters of the reef break. There are several snorkeling locations on the island, but Bathtub Reef Beach is the greatest. The water is as peaceful as bathtub water, therefore the name.
Features that make it stand out of the crowd are –
- Attracts snorkelers of all ages
- Peaceful waters
- Perfect for kids
The finest snorkeling in Florida is just around the corner, thanks to the bright sky and beautiful water! You can always locate gorgeous seas for snorkeling in these locations! So next time you wish to snorkel, you can use our list of Best Snorkeling Places in Florida.