10 Best Places to Go Snorkelling in Florida

Florida’s extraordinary beauty is yours to discover at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are plenty of ways to enjoy snorkelling at this popular Key Largo destination whether from the beach or on a tour. The park’s extraordinary coral reefs are home to an abundance of marine life including sergeant majors, angelfish, and lobsters.

Just offshore from Cannon Beach, you can see artefacts from the 1715 Spanish shipwreck. As you snorkel, you may even spot seahorses in the seagrass swaying in the gentle ocean current. For aquatic adventures above the water, glass-bottomed boat tours offer a way to observe the park’s shallow reefs while staying dry. Bring or rent your gear on-site.

Coral Cove Park, located along Jupiter’s scenic coastline is a popular snorkelling destination. The park offers unspoiled natural beauty, stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, and classic Florida charm just a short distance from the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Blowing Rocks Preserve.

The limestone rock formations that make up this park’s distinctive underwater terrain are part of the Anastasia Limestone of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. This natural feature offers a unique snorkelling experience. As you explore the reefs, watch for green sea turtles, stingrays, and schools of brightly coloured fish. You may also spot crabs, lobsters, and octopus hiding in nooks and crannies of the reef. At low tide, explore the different shapes of rocks and pebbles in tidepools.

Just a short drive from Miami, spend a memorable day snorkelling at Biscayne National Park. You can choose to experience the park’s most popular activities: snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. While snorkelling in the bay, you’ll discover the tranquil realm of mangroves that serve as nurseries for juvenile fish and other marine life.

As you encounter each reef, you’ll be mesmerised by the fragile beauty of these ecosystems: schools of fish, vibrant soft corals, and sea sponges. You’ll marvel at purple sea fans swaying gracefully in the current. Biscayne National Park is also known for its shipwreck sites that beckon visitors with tales of lost Spanish treasure. As you travel to snorkelling spots, relax and soak up the invigorating Florida sunshine.

For an adventure only accessible by boat or seaplane, grab your snorkel gear and head to Dry Tortugas National Park. You can opt to spend the day or camp overnight. The park’s primary attraction is Fort Jefferson, a 19th Century fort that served as a supply and repair depot for Union ships during the Civil War.

Snorkel from the beach to discover diverse marine life that includes angelfish, parrotfish, and sea turtles grazing on sea grass. As you snorkel in shallow areas, keep watch for crabs, eels, and lobsters hiding in the nooks and crannies of the coral formations. In deeper waters, look for the goliath grouper, a species of grouper that can weigh as much as 800 lb (363 kg).

Located close to the glamorous sun-soaked allure of Palm Beach, this 80-acre island was once the location of a secret Cold War-era fallout shelter and bunker for President John F. Kennedy. Today it is one of the top destinations in Florida for recreational watersports, including snorkelling.

Discover Phil Foster Park Underwater Snorkel Trail, also known as the Blue Heron Bridge Snorkel Trail, an eclectic collection of statues and sculptures that provide shelter for a diversity of marine life. The shallow, clear waters around the island provide ideal conditions for spotting marine life. For families with children, explore the sandy areas with seagrass beds to look for seahorses, sea stars, and small colourful fish.

Nature enthusiasts are drawn to the Crystal River year-round, captivated by its pristine waters and remarkable ecosystem. This family-friendly destination offers an opportunity for the whole family to witness one of Florida’s most endearing residents, the West Indian Manatee. 

During the winter months, these gentle sea cows congregate in the Crystal River to seek refuge in the freshwater springs, including Three Sisters Springs. The Crystal River/King’s Bay group is made up of 70 springs in the bay. The river’s exceptional visibility is ideal for snorkelling. You can observe marine life and underwater scenery from grassy vegetation to intriguing limestone formations. Crystal River is also a destination for anglers who come to catch snook, red fish (red drum), and trout.

Located less than 2 miles from the lively atmosphere of Duval Street, Fort Zachary Taylor is situated on the southwestern tip of Key West. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is family-friendly and offers activities for family members of all ages. Snorkelling enthusiasts can access the park’s stunning underwater world directly from the beach. 

Throughout the park, the rocky shoreline and coral reefs provide a habitat for a variety of marine life including colourful reef fish, spiny lobsters, and barracuda. In sandy areas, look for queen conch and stingrays gliding along the sandy seafloor. The sandy beach, warm waters, and picnic areas make this destination an ideal location for families to enjoy each other’s company while exploring the park’s marine ecosystem.

Devil’s Den is a prehistoric subterranean paradise, one of Florida’s most unique snorkelling destinations. Grab your snorkel gear and head down the steps into the den. As you make your way to the snorkelling and diving platform, marvel at the beams of sunlight streaming down through the den ceiling. The deep blue water resembles a sapphire.

The warm, inviting turquoise waters are 74 degrees year-round. As you snorkel, watch for small fish and turtles. Reservations are required, so make your reservation online before heading to Devil’s Den. Each available time slot is 90 minutes. You can bring or rent scuba or snorkel gear. Reserve an early morning or late afternoon slot to enjoy this natural wonder with fewer crowds.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts who appreciate the wonders below the water’s surface as much as above it. Whether you prefer to soak up the glorious Florida sunshine or embark on a snorkelling adventure, your senses will be immersed in natural coastal beauty: the sound of waves gently lapping the shore, the taste of the salty sea on your lips, and the feel of soft sand beneath your feet. 

The park’s captivating underwater features include a variety of natural and artificial coral reefs that provide refuge for abundant marine life. Snorkelling equipment is not typically available for rent, so bring your own gear to make the most of your visit.

Bathtub Beach is a favourite spot in Stuart for nature enthusiasts, offering a relaxing and family-friendly snorkelling experience. The shallow lagoon’s calm waters are ideal for families who want to introduce their children to snorkelling, swimming, and the wonders of Florida’s precious marine ecosystems. Enjoy salty ocean breezes and look for sea anemones, sea stars, and sea urchins in the shallow coral reef formations.

This beach offers a scenic and serene environment with a natural dune with sea oats, a protected native vegetation, and some of the best snorkelling on Florida’s barrier reef system. Bathtub Beach is renowned for its abundant wildlife, so keep an eye out for osprey, pelicans, and other shorebirds that inhabit the beach and surrounding areas.