Where To Go Snorkeling In South Florida

Florida is home to some outstanding underwater landscapes where an abundance of fish, marine life, coral and plants thrive in the warm waters around the Florida Peninsula.

Getting a close-up look at them isn’t difficult, and with a set of fins, goggles and a snorkel you can explore the underwater worlds around South Florida to your heart’s content. To get you started, here’s all you need to know about snorkeling in the waters around Miami, as well as some popular locations that are ultra-accessible from our luxury South Florida apartments. 

Tips for going snorkeling

When to go snorkeling

The best time to go snorkeling here in South Florida is in the winter months. Though it may sound counterintuitive to go in the “colder” months, winter in Florida is dry and calm while still plenty warm enough to get in the water. The lack of storms, rain and wind means that the water will be calmer and clearer and, therefore, it will be easier to see marine life.

When it comes to snorkeling during high tide and low tide, it really depends on where you go. Some places are totally above water during low tide, so high tide is obviously better for snorkeling. Other places may be more dangerous and have stronger currents during high tide, so low tide is the better option. When in doubt, ask a lifeguard or a local expert!

What to bring snorkeling

In addition to your snorkel, fins and goggles, you may want a few other items to make your experience more enjoyable. 

• Mask defogger: there’s nothing worse than goggles that keep fogging up with your breath, especially when there’s so much to look at. Bring a small bottle of defogger with you or, if you’re short on time, then a drop or two of baby shampoo works just fine, too.
• Sun shirt: though you’ll be underwater most of the time, the sun will still be strong and can absolutely leave you with some gnarly burns. Bring a long-sleeved sun shirt to wear in the water — it will keep you warm in cold waters, too!
• Socks: Weathering fins for long periods of time can leave blisters on your feet and toes, especially if you’re renting a poor-fitting set of cheap fins. Bring a pair of ankle socks to protect your feet and lengthen your time out in the water!.
• Water: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! You know the drill. 
• Underwater camera: were you even there if you don’t have a picture of an angelfish? 

Safety tips

Snorkeling is a pretty low-risk activity, but as with any activity performed in the ocean, you’re at the mercy of mother nature and can still fall prey to her power. 

First, of course, is to be aware of tides and currents. Checking tide times is as easy as asking Google, and current patterns are readily available from lifeguards and experienced snorkelers; most popular snorkeling spots will also have plenty of information available on the internet. Never snorkel alone if you can help it — but if you do, just let a friend know where you’re going, what time you’ll get there and when you expect to be done. 

Sun damage is a big risk if you’re out there a long time, so just be careful, okay? Wear your reef-safe sunscreen, drink your water, wear a hat cover up if you can!

Finally, do your best to Leave No Trace while you’re out in the water. This means not touching the wildlife and not interfering with wrecks, corals or debris — all of which can injure you and/or damage the ecosystem. 

5 great snorkeling spots near Miami

Biscayne National Park

With over 95% of the park located entirely underwater, it’s no surprise that Biscayne National Park is an ideal snorkeling spot for snorkelers of all levels. 

Located along the 350-mile-long Florida Reef, this park is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, as well as a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, fish and rays. 

You can either swim out from the shore or take a boat out to explore the park's many reefs and shipwrecks. There are also guided tours that will supply the boats and gear you need to make your trip special!

Key Largo

This island is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life — and it’s just an hour from central Miami!

There are several popular snorkeling spots along Key Largo's coastline. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of the more accessible ones, located just off U.S. Highway 1 and  with a variety of snorkeling options. Molasses Reef is another popular choice, though accessing the offshore reef requires access to a boat — the shipwrecks there are certainly worth the trip, though! 

Dry Tortugas National Park

Located about 70 miles off the coast of Key West and accessible only by ferry, Dry Tortugas National Park is a snorkeler's paradise. Remote islands, crystal-clear waters and old shipwrecks teeming with marine life make this a bucket-list time for many ocean adventurers, though it’s certainly a little trickier to get to.

Pompano Beach

This popular beach is located about 20 miles north of Miami in Fort Lauderdale — a great spot for a quick adventure or a day trip from the city. 

Pompano Beach is a great place to snorkel because the water is generally pretty clear and calm and there are plenty of fish to see despite the traffic. You can swim to the reefs from the shore or rent a boat to take you further away from the crowds to spots like Suzanne’s Ledge, Oakland Ridges or the Hall of Fame. 

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach has an abundance of great snorkeling spots — if you know where to look! 

Head to Phil Foster Park for a unique look at an 800-foot long man-made reef that’s ideal for beginners. You can also check out some cool shipwrecks offshore, like the Ana Cecilia, the PC 1174, the Sea Emperor, the United Caribbean and the Amaryllis. For a little more of a challenge, there’s the underwater plunge off Boynton Ledges that’s home to larger fish and marine creatures.

Wherever you end up going, hopefully you get to see even a fraction of the amazing marine creatures that have called Florida’s coral reefs home for millennia. You’re sure to see something different each time you go, so head out and explore the many great snorkeling spots South Florida has to offer!

Have fun!

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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/clicjeroen