Snorkeling is essentially scuba diving, but without the expensive certification course and threat of an embolism. Basically, anyone can do it and Orlando is centrally located between some of Florida’s best spots. What we have here are a few of our favorite places to splash around that aren’t too far from Orlando. We also listed a few great snorkel spots that are definitely a haul, but well worth the drive if you’ve got a long weekend.
Captions by Rachel Stuart
Alexander Springs
49525 County Road 445, Altoona, FL 32702
Drive time: 1 hr 6 min
Grab your snorkeling gear and plan a trip to Alexander Springs any time year-round. The turquoise waters also welcome swimming, scuba diving and canoeing, so you may have to compete for a spot in the 72-degree water.
Photo via raisingfloridaboys/InstagramFort Pickens Jetties
Pensacola, FL
Drive time: 6 hr 23 min
Interested in snorkeling among pinfish, pipefish, seahorses and other species? Gulf Islands welcomes snorkelers who are looking for historic sites to explore, including the 1906 wreck of the tugboat Sport and the USS Massachusetts. The jetties at the northwest corner of the Fort Pickens seawall is also a popular site to snorkel, where depths can drop to nearly 50 feet.
Photo via wandering_wallaby/InstagramBlue Heron Bridge
900 Blue Heron Blvd. East, Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Drive time: 2 hr 31 min
To observe the array of fish at the Blue Heron Bridge, snorkelers are welcome to rent equipment, including masks, fins, snorkels and mesh bags, for up to two days for $20. Surface swimming is allowed with snorkels in the guarded swim area of Phil Foster Park, as long as no other regulators are used for breathing. There are also guided snorkel tours from local experts to provide information while you enjoy your marine adventure.
Photo via idiaz7/InstagramJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Drive time: 4 hr 50 min
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the United States, covering about 70 square miles. Bring a group of friends and go on a two-and-a-half hour snorkeling tour for about $30 each, or about $25 for those under 18. The state park also started a new private snorkeling charter at its Club Snorkel division, which allows for a personal and relaxed snorkeling experience.
Photo via freedivingfanatic/InstagramRainbow Springs
19158 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432
Drive time: 1 hr 46 min
While snorkeling in Rainbow Springs is only allowed in the buoyed swimming area, snorkelers can venture out from the campground or from boats once outside of the headsprings. This spring has been used for nearly 10,000 years, and it is known to be Florida’s fourth largest spring.
Photo via loganfazio/InstagramSilver Glen Springs
5271 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32134
Drive time: 1 hr 19 min
The springs of Silver Glen lie along the edge of the Big Scrub of the Ocala National Forest. Although scuba diving is not permitted, snorkelers can take a trip to the springs and enjoy the cultural heritage of the area. And if the sun is shining, be sure to take a look at the bottom of the spring basin as rainbows spread across the floor.
Photo via j_macalua/InstagramBlue Spring
2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
Drive time: 48 min
Blue Spring’s crystal clear spring run is open for snorkelers to wander. Although it is prohibited to snorkel with the manatees, this designated Manatee Refuge allows snorkelers to explore the 72-degree waters during all seasons excluding winter, as the spring provides a safe refuge for manatees during this time.
Photo via pattymilian002/InstagramSalt Springs
13851 N. Hwy 19, Salt Springs, FL 32134
Drive time: 1 hr 28 min
Salt Springs is home to an abundance of marine life and aquatic vegetation, so snorkelers are sure to come across some unique habitats. Snorkelers can see striped bass, mullet and small fry, along with needle fish and blue crabs. The 72-degree waters pump approximately 53 million gallons of water per day.
Photo via carryonsteven/InstagramPoint-of-Rocks
Siesta Key, FL
Drive time: 2 hr 27 min
Located at the southern end of Crescent Beach, Point-of-Rocks begins on the beach and extends out into the water for nearly 300 feet. While the rocks serve as home to fish and other marine life, snorkelers are able to view the habitats in the water that is generally less than 5 feet deep. And although the low tide may not allow for much exploring of the waters, the natural outcropping of flat, smooth beach rock is enough to take your breath away.
Photo via carliemariebeal/InstagramWekiwa Springs
1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712
Drive time: 29 min
The clear waters of Wekiwa Springs State Park are open from 8 a.m. for swimmers and snorkelers to roam. Snorkelers are welcome to explore the cool, 72-degree water of the state park, but make sure to note that snorkeling is not permitted in Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run or the Wekiva River.
Photo via colefactory/InstagramBiscayne National Park
9700 SW 328th St., Homestead, FL 33033
Drive time: 4 hr 26 min
Aquamarine waters, emerald islands and coral reefs make up Biscayne, which contains evidence of 10,000 years of history. The water of Biscayne National Park is open for snorkelers 24 hours per day, so there is no excuse not to explore the park’s 172,000 acres.
Photo via g_bears/InstagramCrystal River
498 SE Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, FL 34429
Drive time: 1 hr 38 min
Snorkeling alone can get a little lonely, and the staff at Crystal River understands. At Crystal River, visitors are allowed to embark on a snorkel tour with manatees. USCG licensed Master Captains will accompany and guide you along the tour with the playful, gentle giants underwater. Up close and personal with the manatees, you can snorkel through the spring-fed ecosystem and get a feel for the mammal’s natural habitats.
Photo via rachvann/InstagramDeLeon Springs
601 Ponce Deleon Blvd., De Leon Springs, FL 32130
Drive time: 1 hr
How can you turn down a 625-acre park that features a spring, which overlooks Spring Garden Run? Though it is not allowed to snorkel in the Spring Run, it is permitted to explore the waters in the swimming area of DeLeon Springs, which is a constant 72 degrees and ranges in depth from 18 inches to 30 feet at the spring boil.
Photo via athena_amidstthereeds/InstagramDelnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
11135 Gulfshore Drive, Naples, FL 34108
Drive time: 3 hr 29 min
Among hiking, bird-watching, fishing and shelling, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a popular destination for snorkelers to gather at the 166-acre park as well. With a hard bottom reef that runs parallel to the beach, Delnor-Wiggins allows snorkeling along the beach on the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo via myadventurehat/InstagramThe Destin Jetties
500 Gulf Shore Drive #316, Destin, FL 32541
Drive time: 6 hr 12 min
Being underwater with an open ocean floor of clean, quartz sand may be your snorkel preference. When snorkeling the man-made jetties, it’s best to go during the slackwater at high tide as the area is inundated with the clean Gulf waters at this time. You may also want to check out the coral reefs and variety of sea life the Destin Jetties has to offer.
Photo via jadelynbananabread/InstagramEgmont Key
4905 34th St. South #5000, St. Petersburg , FL 33711
Drive time: 1 hr 52 min
Take a trip to Egmont Key State Park if you’re looking to snorkel off a remote island. The blue-green waters call out to snorkelers who are wishing to venture out into Egmont Key’s natural and cultural history. While you’re there, check out the historic lighthouse that has stood on the island since 1858.
Photo via victoria_ann28/InstagramJohn D. Macarthur Beach State Park
10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Drive time: 2 hr 32 min
When snorkeling at this state park, keep your eyes peeled for the rare and endangered native tropical and coastal plant species. While snorkeling the depths of John D. Macarthur Beach, herons, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers and gulls are sure to be hovering above. This barrier island is also known for its unique tropical hammock and mangrove forest. And don’t forget: Be sure to rent a Diver-Down flag at the gift shop before you start your journey.
Photo via gimpm3/InstagramRed Reef Park
1400 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432
Drive time: 3 hr
Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities at the south end of Red Reef Park. The 67-acre ocean-front park is pretty expansive, so If you need guidance or assistance, it’s best to go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when lifeguards are on duty.
Photo via beach_somewhere/InstagramRegina Sugar Barge
105 7th St. North, Bradenton, FL 34217
Drive time: 2 hr 23 min
About 150 feet from the beach lies the Regina Sugar Barge, Florida’s 10th Shipwreck Underwater Preserve. Snorkelers wanting to observe something other than marine life can explore this 200-foot-long wreckage. If you want information on snorkeling the wreck, visit Sea Kat Dive Shop, which is located across the street from the wreck itself.
Photo via hexekunterbunt/InstagramSt. Andrews State Park
4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, FL 32408
Drive time: 5 hr 54 min
St. Andrews State Park is popular for its sugar white sands and emerald green waters, and snorkelers are bound to find marine life along the shoreline and rock jetties. If you don’t have snorkeling gear, don’t fret. Equipment is available for rental at any of the concession stores on the property.
Photo via karenroe78/InstagramJohn U. Lloyd Beach State Park
6503 N. Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004
Drive time: 3 hr 26 min
For beginning snorkelers, Lloyd Beach offers one of the easiest shore dives in the area. While the area may be simple to snorkel, there is a vast array of marine life to catch your eye, including tropical and sport fish, sharks and Florida lobster. Snorkelers can rent equipment and set up guided tours for an all-out experience.
Photo via mr_nurse_joy/InstagramSebastian Inlet State Park
9700 South Hwy A.1.A., Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Drive time: 1hr 43 min
Sebastian Inlet State Park provides three miles of opportunity for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking. For snorkelers, stay within 100 feet of the dive flags, and be on the lookout for the various marine life, including snook, redfish, bluefish and Spanish mackerel. While snorkeling is permitted in all waters of the Sebastian Inlet State Park, do note that snorkelers are not welcome under the Sebastian Inlet Bridge or in the boat channel.
Photo via rejoicing_always/InstagramShipwreck Snorkel Trail
4501 N. Ocean Drive, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308
Drive time: 3 hr 22 min
This artificial reef was constructed by the Marine Archaeological Council and is an actual underwater trail, featuring an anchor, five concrete cannons and a ballast pile for snorkelers to explore. The Shipwreck Snorkel Trail, which is located off Datura Street, took four years to complete. Snorkelers are welcome to venture among the shipwreck artifacts that are scattered within a 100- by 20-foot area.
Photo via szjanko/Instagram
