Your Ultimate Guide to Snorkeling in South Florida

Seeking ocean adventure on your trip to South Florida? Or are you local looking to try something new? Snorkeling in South Florida is a rewarding, inclusive activity providing you a glimpse into the underwater world of the 3rd longest reef system in the world!

This article provides you with everything you need to know about snorkeling in South Florida. By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of considerations to take, what you might see, where to go, gear recommendations, and other tips and tricks to snorkeling.

Why Snorkel in South Florida?

Snorkeling is a great sport for all ages, shapes, and sizes – it’s an inclusive activity that most people can participate in! Not to mention, it’s a great way for folks to connect with natural settings they may not even knew existed! The ocean is our favorite place to be and we want it to be yours too!

As for South Florida, specifically, we’re home to the third longest barrier reef system in the world (gasp!). A 360 linear mile coral reef from the Florida Keys all the way north to Port St. Lucie on Florida’s east coast!

It’s actually called the Florida Reef Tract and it sits only behind The Great Barrier Reef (Australia) and the MesoAmerican Reef (Belize) in terms of length.

Fortunately for visitors to South Florida and the Florida Keys, this coral reef can be accessed in all sorts of places! And in some cases, even right from the beach! Time to strap on that mask and fins, it’s time for you to explore ALL the marine life the Florida Reef Tract has to offer!

What to Consider Before Going Snorkeling in South Florida

Although snorkeling is a fun and easy way to explore the underwater world, it’s still a physical activity that can, at times, be dangerous. Especially if the proper considerations aren’t taken seriously.

Comfort in the Water

Are you able to swim? Are you comfortable in the water? It may seem obvious but these are critical questions you should ask yourself before going snorkeling.

Physical Fitness

It’s important to be physically fit while snorkeling – you’re swimming in the open ocean, after all. Just be honest and realistic with yourself before hopping in!

Weather

Rain or sunshine? That’s usually the big question. Nobody wants to snorkel in the rain! Besides, you can obviously see the bottom better when the sun pierces through the water, shedding light to the vibrancy below!

When it comes to snorkeling, however, it goes further than that. In fact, the most important weather factor isn’t sun at all. It’s wind!

Wind speed is directly correlated with waves. The higher the wind, the wavier it’ll be. The wavier it’ll be, the more likely you’ll get sea sick. Additionally, the more likely silt is displaced – limiting any underwater visibility!

So if you’re planning a snorkel trip in South Florida, the first thing you should check before going is wind speed!

Water Conditions

Double and triple check the water conditions before snorkeling in South Florida. Particularly, waves, tide, current, and water temperature.

We’ve found, for snorkeling in South Florida, it’s best to go at slack high tide (one hour after high tide). The water is bluer and the current tends to be minimal (although, that’s no guarantee).

In fact, some snorkel sites, such as Blue Heron Bridge, are only possible during slack high tide!

NOTE: Check the tides at US Harbors.

What You Might See While Snorkeling in South Florida

It’s a roll of the dice but one thing’s for sure: you’ll see some flourishing marine life!

While snorkeling in South Florida, we’ve seen half of our list of 11 coolest ocean animals, 4 different types of sea turtles, plenty of lionfish (an invasive species), and even some sharks!

Again, it’s entirely a flip of the coin if you actually see any of those majestic creatures. Regardless, a good way to make sure you know what you see is to study up on fish and some other critters! We’ve written an article for this exact purpose, providing you with resources to improve your marine life identification!

Best Snorkel Spots in South Florida

Now that we’ve gotten all that out of the way, it’s time to find your next snorkel destination! We’ve laid out a few of our favorite snorkel spots near the destinations below:

• West Palm Beach
• Fort Lauderdale
• Miami
• The Florida Keys

Best Snorkel Spots near West Palm Beach

We’ve found a few solid snorkeling spots in Palm Beach County. One of them in particular, Blue Heron Bridge, is arguably the best snorkeling site in all of South Florida.

Ocean Reef Park – Riviera Beach

Ocean Reef Park is a small county park tucked away from the beaten path on Singer Island. A busy destination on the weekends, the park features a limestone formation visible from the beach even at high tide.

All along this rock formation is plenty of marine life calling the reef home. The best part? It’s literally steps off of shore making this snorkel site ideal for beginners and non-Floridians.

A dive flag is not required here as the reef is within the swim buoys.

Type: Self-guided from the beach

Difficulty: easy.

Map It!

Red Reef Park – Boca Raton

This lovely park is another local favorite for snorkeling. An artificial reef can be found after a short swim from shore within the swim buoys – meaning no dive flag is required!

Keep your eyes peeled and fingers crossed – sea turtles have been known to make an appearance here from time to time!

Type: Self-guided from the beach.

Difficulty: moderate.

Map It!

Blue Heron Bridge – Riviera Beach/West Palm Beach

Our favorite snorkel site in South Florida: Blue Heron Bridge is filled with more biodiversity not found anywhere else in Florida! Keep an eye out for seahorses, eagle rays, nurse sharks, manta rays, and all sorts of fish!

It’s required to snorkel Blue Heron Bridge at slack high tide (one hour before and one hour after high tide) as the currents will be too outrageous, otherwise.

The map listed below features a handy snorkel trail guide that you can bring with you along the way to ensure you’re on the correct route. It is recommended you use a dive flag while snorkeling at Blue Heron Bridge.

For more information on Blue Heron Bridge, check out our full article about the area.

Type: Self-guided or guided from the beach.

Difficulty: easy to moderate.

Nearby Dive Shops: Pura Vida Divers

Map It!

Best Snorkel Spots Near Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is well known for it’s natural coral reef tier that runs parallel to the beach. The best part? Many of the reefs are within swimming distance!

Anglin’s Pier Reef – Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Florida’s beach diving capital is also an ideal destination for eager snorkelers to explore vibrant coral reef! Just a mere 12 feet below the surface and 300 feet from shore, snorkelers can discover a whole different world you won’t believe could exist so close to the beach!

The snorkel site features remnants of an old shipwreck, with cannons, ballast stones and more scattered throughout the reef. Be sure to go on a calm day with a buddy and don’t forget your dive flag!

For more information on the snorkel site, view our full article here.

Type: Self-guided or guided from the beach.

Difficulty: easy to moderate

Nearby Dive Shops: Deep Blue Divers and Gold Coast Scuba

Map It!

Oakland Park/Vista Park Reef – Fort Lauderdale

For true adventurers only, this stunning coral reef is one of the best in South Florida, although it’s a good swim away from shore at approximately 600 feet. No easy task, even for the most physically fit.

If you’re up to the challenge, though, it’s a highly rewarding experience. Truly, this is one of the most beautiful coral reefs we’ve ever found right off the beach.

For more information, check out our full article on exploring Oakland Park Reef.

Type: Self-guided from the beach.

Difficulty: advanced.

Map It!

Twin Ledges – Fort Lauderdale

The first snorkel site of the bunch to be reached solely by boat. The good news? Sea Experience runs daily trips to snorkel Twin Ledges – a thriving coral reef 15 feet below the surface approximately 2 miles off of Fort Lauderdale Beach.

If you’re new to snorkeling or nervous to get in the water, we highly recommend booking a trip with them. Each trip features a Divemaster giving instruction on snorkeling, safety, and marine life before you enter the water!

Be sure to take any seasickness pills before you go in case it’s wavy!

Type: Guided from a boat.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

Best Snorkel Sites Near Miami

Unlike it’s northern AND southern neighbors, the snorkeling in Miami is lacking. However, we’ve discovered a magnificent site that’s certainly different from any other snorkel experience you may have had!

Mangroves and Seagrass Beds – Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne is an island just south of Miami that serves as a haven for nature amidst the city landscape. Outdoor adventures are abound on Key Biscayne, including one of our very favorite paddleboard routes in the Miami area!

While paddleboarding, we decided to hop in and snorkel the area for a bit – and what we found blew us away!

All along the coast of Key Biscayne are mangroves and seagrass beds. Little do most people know, these features serve as ample habitat for all sorts of marine life! Mangrove roots are filled with juvenile fish, crabs, lobster, and rays! The same goes for the seagrass beds!

Go at high tide on the eastern side of the island to explore an atypical snorkel site! Check out our complete guide on where to go and what to do before you go!

Type: Self-guided from the beach or boat.

Difficulty: Easy.

Best Snorkel Spots in the Florida Keys

The most vibrant portions of the Florida Reef Tract are often found in the Florida Keys! In fact, most of the underwater terrain in the Florida Keys are protected under federal law! The result? Thriving ecosystems filled with all sorts of life!

Grecian Rocks – Key Largo

The Grecian Rocks are a high relief coral reef just outside John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo. In fact, booking a trip through the state park will likely bring you directly here!

Filled with colorful soft corals swaying just under the surface, Grecian Rocks is frequently visited by all sorts of marine life including sea turtles and sharks!

Type: Guided from a boat.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Molasses Reef – Key Largo

Possibly the most famous reef in Florida, Molasses Reef is THE go-to snorkel destination in Key Largo. Don’t be surprised to find dozens of boats and 100s of snorkelers and divers exploring the reef below when you arrive to the site.

And honestly, once you jump in, you’ll realize why. It’s simply stunning. High relief mounds of life with reef sharks and eagle rays often swimming near by. Chances are high that you’ll something amazing.

Just about every dive shop in Key Largo will go here too – making it easy to get there!

Type: Guided from a boat.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Christ of the Deep – Key Largo

Oh yes. We’ve all seen the famous insta-pics of the Christ of the Deep statue. And yes, it is as cool as it seems.

Just be sure to book on a calm day! Unfortunately, when seas are rough the boat operators can’t even get there!

Type: Guided from a boat.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Embed from Getty Images

Various Coral Reefs – Key West

The end of the road and the southernmost point in the US. In fact, you’re a stone’s throw from Havana! But before you hit Havana you’ll surely pass over some coral reef.

Fury, the largest boat operator in Key West, has a plethora of snorkel sites just waiting for you to explore aboard their massive catamaran. Don’t hesitate to book with this world-class company!

Type: Guided from a boat.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Essential Gear for Snorkeling in South Florida

Guided or self-guided, these items are essential for a successful snorkeling trip.

Last Minute Tips and Tricks for Successful Snorkeling

• Scrub your new mask with toothpaste prior to snorkeling for the first time. New masks have a manufacturer’s film on the inside that needs to be removed before entering the water. If you don’t, your mask will consistently fog up.
• Never touch or disturb marine life! It’s harmful for them and for you!
• Always snorkel with a buddy! The more the merrier!
• Take only pictures and leave what you find! Yes, that includes shells!
• Use a dive flag to keep yourself safe.
• Know your own limits and physical limitations.
• Full and deep breaths, horizontal posturing (laying down in the water), and keeping a relaxed state are keys to success and conserving your energy.
• Never snorkel if you’re not completely comfortable! Although, that’s not to say don’t try new things!

Snorkeling in South Florida: Final Thoughts

We love our coral reef here in Florida and we want you to enjoy it as much as we do! Feel free to comment and let us know any questions you might have about finding these snorkel spots, getting to the reefs, or which companies you should book with. We’d be happy to answer!

Additionally, our reefs are suffering as an immense amount of coral has died off in the last few years alone. It’s up to you and I to protect this coral reef! So enjoy the snorkel trip, take pictures and use those experiences to be a positive force for the ocean!

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