Summer Fun in Florida: Snorkeling

Growing up in South Florida, I naturally love the ocean. I’m fascinated by the underwater ecosystems that abound the coasts of the state. Snorkeling is a great summer activity to experience the beauty that Florida has to offer. It’s pretty neat to swim with rays, turtles, and colorful fish. Knowing where to go is important, so I’ve compiled a list of great snorkeling spots in Florida.

Photo by eutrophication&hypoxia via flickr.com

The best snorkeling in Florida is of course, in the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys boasts the third largest barrier reef in the world. However, in order to get to it, you are going to have to go by boat. Snorkeling right off of the beach is hard to come by in this area. You can take a boat to the Alligator Reef Lighthouse. It is located off Islamorada and has a stunning expanse of sea creatures to be explored. This snorkeling spot is packed with life since the fish below love the shade that the lighthouse provides.

If you’re a beginner snorkeler you might be more interested in snorkeling right off the beach. It might not compare to the reefs in the Florida Keys, but you can definitely see lots of fish while snorkeling in other areas of Florida. Bathtub Beach in Stuart, FL is a great snorkeling spot thanks to the outer reef created by tubeworms that cement sand and bits of shell together. The reef can be easily accessed from the beach. High tide is the best time to snorkel here when the water is covering the reef rocks.

North Florida has snorkeling spots as well. Try St. Andrew’s State Park in Panama City, FL for instance. This spot also offers amazing snorkeling right of the beach. The coral is home to varieties of tropical fish while the rock jetties are teeming with urchins, tropical fish, and even octopus.

Wherever you choose to go, remember that clear water is vital in order to see all the cool sea life, so calm water is best. Even in pristine ocean, rough water stirs up sand and other suspended particles. Waves that are too big might also cause you to take in water through your snorkel. You can see lots of interesting critters near live reef, rocks, and coral. If you are in Florida this summer, many of you are planning on going to the beach. Instead of just “going to the beach” and lying around in the sand, hit up a great Florida snorkeling spot.