Discover Florida’s Underwater Wonders: A Snorkeler’s Guide from the Florida Snorkeling Experts

The state of Florida, with its endless coastline and sparkling crystal-clear waters, is a snorkeler’s dream. From the lively reefs of the Florida Keys to the tranquil Gulf waters of the Panhandle, the Sunshine State offers plenty of underwater adventures.  We asked our TripOutside snorkeling experts for their recommendations on where to snorkel in Florida.  They shared their absolute favorites, plus the insider scoop on why it’s great and when the best time is to go.  We hope this guide will help you get outside and explore some of the best spots to get your fins wet in Florida!

If you are new to snorkeling, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Snorkeling for some tips and tricks to get started with this outdoor activity!

Key West: A Tropical Snorkeling Oasis

Where It Is:  At the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, Key West is a small island known for its laid-back charm and beautiful coral reefs.

Why It’s Great: Key West is the gateway to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. The warm waters and high visibility make snorkeling in Key West a wonderful adventure. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a top pick for snorkelers wanting to explore right off the beach. The waters here are super clear, making it easy to spot a variety of fish and coral without venturing too far.

Our top pick for snorkeling tours is the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, which doesn’t get as crowded and offers a chance to see everything from colorful parrotfish to elusive octopuses. For smaller group or private experiences, join a half day eco-tour of sailing, kayaking and snorkeling to the Refuge with Key West Eco-Tours. With a 6 passenger maximum, this all-inclusive outing is perfect for someone desiring a more personalized tour. For those that love shipwrecks, we recommend taking a boat trip to snorkel around the Vandenberg Wreck. This sunken ship has become a thriving artificial reef, attracting an incredible array of marine life.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Lastly, don’t miss out on a trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park. While it’s a bit of a journey from Key West, the snorkeling here is out of this world, with some of the clearest waters in the Keys, vibrant coral, and abundant reef fish and other marine life.

When to Go: Summer months offer warmer waters and calmer seas, perfect for snorkeling. However, our Key West snorkeling experts offer highly rated Key West snorkeling tours year-round, thanks to Florida’s mild climate.

Marine Life: Expect to see colorful coral, tropical fish, and even sea turtles. Key West snorkeling provides quite the underwater show.

Key Largo: The First Undersea Park

Where It Is: Just an hour’s drive south of Miami, Key Largo boasts the Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef system in the continental U.S., which extends through the Florida Keys.  Key Largo is situated near the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and benefits from clear and warm waters year-round.

Why It’s Great: Within the Florida Reef lies John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, just a few miles offshore of Key Largo and the first undersea park in the U.S. This protected marine area ensures the health and sustainability of the coral reefs and marine life, providing snorkelers with opportunities to explore and contribute to the preservation of these precious ecosystems. Join an underwater adventure to see the majestic Christ of the Abyss statue, schools of colorful fish, and much more with a vetted Key Largo snorkeling expert. Join a 3.5 hour group tour to snorkel at 2 different locations within the park on a group tour or a book a private tour for a more personalized experience.

When to Go: Spring through fall offers the best conditions, with smoother waters and great visibility.

Marine Life: The waters here are teeming with marine life and shipwrecks, including colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, majestic stingrays, and fascinating coral formations, among others.

Crystal River: Where Manatees Roam

Where It Is: On the Gulf Coast, north of Tampa, Crystal River is famed for its clear, spring-fed waters.

Why It’s Great: It’s one of the few places in Florida where you can snorkel with manatees. Known as the “Manatee Capital of the World,” Crystal River becomes a sanctuary for these gentle giants, especially during the cooler months when they seek the warm embrace of the spring-fed waters. The clarity and constant temperature of these springs not only provide a sanctuary for manatees but also offer snorkelers exceptional visibility.

We partner with the Crystal River snorkeling tour providers that are serious about keeping manatees safe and adhere to principles that ensure a sound ecological experience for the guests at the same time protecting the manatees. Booking a snorkeling tour with one of our experts in Crystal River allows for an intimate and respectful encounter with these majestic creatures, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Crystal River operators and conservationists recognize the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem, and have established guidelines to promote eco-conscious tourism, ensuring that snorkeling tours are conducted responsibly.

When to Go: Winter months are ideal for manatee sightings, as they migrate to the warmer waters of the springs.

Marine Life: Snorkeling in Florida wouldn’t be complete without a swim with the manatees, however beyond manatees, Crystal River’s waters are teeming with a variety of marine life. Snorkelers can also expect to see a multitude of fish, turtles, and birds. 

Shell Key: A Pristine and Secluded Island

Where It Is: About 10 miles southwest of St. Petersburg lies Shell Key, an undeveloped and uninhabited barrier island offering pristine beaches and natural beauty.

Why It’s Great: Shell Key is a quieter spot for those looking to escape the crowds. Snorkeling tours to this secluded and undeveloped barrier island let visitors explore its untouched beauty.  The shallow waters are perfect for beginner snorkelers.  The island is accessible only by boat or kayak, which helps preserve its tranquility. We recommend adding to your adventure by kayaking to the island from nearby Tierra Verde, on this trip with with Island Kayak Tours, or a Clear Kayak Adventure with Island Ferry of St. Pete. This 4-mile roundtrip journey paddles through waters that are mostly knee to waist deep and perfect for beginners and experts alike. Enjoy the pristine beaches on arrival and bring your snorkeling gear to explore the island’s underwater world.

The waters around the island are home to an array of sea life, including colorful fish, rays, and occasionally dolphins. The seagrass beds and sand flats provide a habitat for a wide variety of marine life, offering snorkelers a chance to observe these animals in their natural surroundings. We love the island’s commitment to conservation, which means that the beauty of this underwater world is protected. 

When to Go: Visit during the spring or fall to enjoy mild weather and optimal water conditions.

Marine Life: The clear waters are home to a variety of fish, rays, and occasionally dolphins.

Riviera Beach: A Unique Shore Diving Adventure

Where It Is: Riviera Beach is located along the eastern coast of Florida, near West Palm Beach. 

Why It’s Great: The crown jewel of Riviera Beach’s snorkeling scene is the Blue Heron Bridge dive site, frequently praised as one of the best shore snorkeling and diving spots in the United States. The site’s popularity stems from its shallow waters, variety of marine life and easy access for snorkelers of all levels. The habitat created by the bridge’s structure and nearby artificial reefs provide a refuge for countless species of fish, invertebrates, and occasional marine mammals. The calm waters and high visibility make it an ideal location for both beginners looking to get their fins wet and seasoned snorkelers eager to explore the underwater world.  Live Free Diving is a fan favorite for snorkeling and freediving adventures at the Blue Heron Bridge site.

Riviera Beach also offers snorkelers a chance to explore various other underwater sites a bit farther from shore, including natural coral reefs and shipwrecks, which have been intentionally sunk to create artificial reefs. These sites attract a wide variety of marine life, from colorful tropical fish to larger species such as sharks and rays.  The city’s commitment to marine conservation and the establishment of protected areas get a thumbs up from us.

When to Go: Aim for high tide for the best visibility and marine life activity.

Marine Life: Expect to see a plethora of marine life, including octopuses, seahorses, and colorful tropical fish.

Destin: The Forgotten Coast

Where It Is: On Florida’s Panhandle, Destin is famous for its white sandy beaches and emerald waters.

Why It’s Great: Snorkeling in Destin FL is a treat with its clear waters and sugar-white sand beaches, especially around the jetties and artificial reefs.  The clarity of the water in Destin is unparalleled, offering snorkelers some pretty epic conditions to explore the underwater world.  The jetties provide shelter for marine life and act as natural magnets for fish, offering a close-up view of the Gulf of Mexico’s aquatic life.  

We are also impressed by Destin’s commitment to conservation and marine protection to ensure the biodiversity of its waters are preserved for future generations. The area’s snorkeling spots are meticulously maintained, and Destin’s local snorkeling guides and outfitters offer tailored experiences, from guided group tours to private, personalized snorkeling adventures.

When to Go: Summer is perfect for snorkeling here, with calm, warm waters.

Marine Life: Look forward to spotting dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of fish around the reefs.

Map of Florida’s Best Snorkeling Destinations

Florida Snorkeling Adventures

Each of these Florida snorkeling spots offers something unique, from the lively reefs of the Keys to the gentle manatees of Crystal River. Whether you’ve been on many snorkeling adventures, or are just dipping your toes in, Florida’s underwater world is full of wonders waiting to be explored. 

If you are looking for snorkeling beyond Florida, check out our article on the Best Snorkeling Destinations in the U.S. and Mexico.  Happy snorkeling!