All you need is a swim/diving mask, some swim fins and a snorkel and you’ll be able to “spy in” on underwater life. The west coast is lined with beaches and barrier islands in the relatively calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Jack Hollingsworth/Blend Images/Getty Images. Snorkeling & Guided Snorkel Tours in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Strap on a snorkeling mask and a pair of fins and see what kinds of marine life you can spot in Alabama’s turquoise-blue waters. If you get lucky, you might even catch sights of dolphins that swim around the jetty. -My old mission led me to five combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. The beaches along Florida’s Gulf Coast are some of the best in the United States, offering palm-tree dotted shores and easygoing vibes that are perfect for a tropical getaway. You can have fun snorkeling almost anywhere in the Keys — any dock or pier here will attract some fish around its pilings. You’ll discover soft white-sand, sparkling emerald waters, and access to charming seafood restaurants and an array of memorable outdoor adventures. The Gulf Stream current often flows close to the shoreline bathing the coral reefs in clear, warm water. Copyright © 2021 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. With warm, calm waters, snorkeling is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Florida. Snorkeling has been the root of many wonderful memories for our family. Naples features a coast that faces onto the Gulf of Mexico, which is littered with amazing snorkeling areas. These are the best places for groups seeking scuba & snorkeling in Southwest Gulf Coast: Which places provide the best scuba & snorkeling in Southwest Gulf Coast for travelers on a budget? Snorkeling in Florida can be as satisfying as full SCUBA diving sessions, the key is to choose the places that not only offer great sights but also accessibility. You can expect to find a lot of attractive deals while you are at the location. If you’re a strong swimmer, you can also snorkel along the northern side of the jetty. And there are countless beach activities to choose from, including sunbathing, volleyball, jogging, and, of course, snorkeling. Credit: Pigeon Key, Florida Keys The wreck of the Georges Valentine off Stuart is now a popular snorkeling and scuba-diving site located about 100 yards off shore from the Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge, a museum that preserves the last house of refuge of 10 originally built in the 1800s along Florida’s coast to aid shipwreck victims. Here you can swim with 1,000-pound manatees. What are the best places for scuba & snorkeling in Southwest Gulf Coast? Greater Ft. Lauderdale accounts for 23 miles in the middle of the tract and the largest number of dive sites, with over 100 reef and wreck sites. Centro Sub CampiFlegrei is a well-known company in Naples that offers snorkeling and diving tours in the Gulf of Naples. With rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs, Florida snorkeling beaches offer top conditions year round for water activities, but thanks to the geological characteristics, you don’t even need to get into the water to find some interesting treasures like a shark tooth! Our ultimate printable guide to Weeki Wachee Springs snorkeling in Florida Gulf Coast have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. Review of the best snorkeling at Devils Den Spring near St Petersburg, Florida Gulf Coast. This is a beach-entry snorkeling site. One of the best Florida Keys snorkeling areas is just off Islamorada at Davis Reef. Led … Most of Oman’s snorkeling spots are located along the Gulf of Oman coast. Florida Gulf Coast beaches feature everything from the silky white sand of postcard fame to the crystal-clear, turquoise waves that inspire selfies. The closest beach access to Point of Rocks is Access 13 off Point of Rocks Road, and there's a small parking lot at nearby Access 12. A bit further east of this reef is a shipwreck. One of the most popular snorkeling spots along the eastern coast of Florida, Sebastian Inlet State Park offers a calm, sheltered lagoon and warm temperatures. The west coast is lined with beaches and barrier islands in the relatively calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. These are the most romantic places for scuba & snorkeling in Southwest Gulf Coast: Commonly searched for in Southwest Gulf Coast, "Captain Jessica was amazing very knowledgeable knows the waterways along with all the wildlife she can always find dolphin, beautiful, "We are a Swiss couple touring in Florida for, "We saw dolphins frolicking, tortoises up close, tropical fish and collected beautiful shells and sand dollars.Thank you, Captain Kasey, for the, "We truly enjoyed our afternoon on the water and highly recommend it whether as a, "He provided everything my family of 5 needed to have a fantastic time in the bay fishing and learning about the, "... teeth and had a blast just being out on the water with him!!!! Ichetucknee Springs is one of the most popular springs in North Central Florida, especially for snorkeling and scuba diving. The Best Snorkeling in Florida. Based in the beautiful Gulf Coast fishing town of Old Homosassa, the Old Homosassa Snorkeling Center offers guided snorkeling tours, scalloping charters, sunset cruises, and tailor-made manatee and dolphin-watching tours. Known for its soft, white sand beaches, clear emerald green waters and some of the friendliest locals around, Destin is the perfect vacation destination. Clearwater Beach – Snorkeling in Clearwater Florida Clearwater Beach is located in the Florida West Coast and it is about 35 minutes from Tampa. Snorkeling Florida is an experience not to be missed if you are lucky enough to be visiting any of Florida’s spectacular beaches. The ultimate snorkeling getaway lies 70 miles off Key West at Dry Tortugas National Park, which is only accessible by ferry or seaplane. If you’re a strong swimmer, you can also snorkel along the northern side of the jetty. The island and dive site can only be reached by boat, but a shuttle leaves from Fort Desoto twice a day, and for an extra fee it will take you for an hour of snorkeling among the ruins. Florida's prime location between the Gulf of Mexico and the southern Atlantic Ocean waters makes the state a prime destination for water and beach activities. And since this is a public beach, parking is plentiful. Speaking of waves, you won’t find massive surf on this coast, which makes swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding more enjoyable. Mar 5, 2013 - Snorkeling enthusiasts will find many fascinating places to view the underwater world of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Our ultimate printable guide to Weeki Wachee Springs snorkeling in Florida Gulf Coast have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. Top Florida Snorkeling. Calm water is usually clearer than rough water and its definitely easier to breathe through a snorkel in calmer water. 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