Best Places to Go Snorkeling in Florida
Florida is one of the best states in the country for snorkeling, with options ranging from coral reefs and tropical fish in the Keys to spring-fed freshwater runs in the interior. Whether you want an easy beach entry, a guided boat trip to reef sites, or a chance to see wildlife in clear spring water, there is a snorkeling spot for nearly every skill level. Below is a practical guide to some of the top places to snorkel around Florida.
1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Florida’s Classic Reef Snorkeling Destination
- Location: Key Largo, Florida Keys
- Best for: Coral reef exploration, boat-based snorkeling, families
- What You’ll See: Coral formations, tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, and the famous Christ of the Abyss statue
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; spring and summer often bring calmer seas and clearer conditions
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is widely considered one of Florida’s signature snorkeling destinations. Located in Key Largo, it protects a large section of the Florida Keys reef tract and offers access to patch reefs, marine life, and one of the state’s most recognizable underwater landmarks.
Many of the park’s best snorkeling areas are reached by boat tour, with trips varying by weather, sea conditions, and availability. Snorkelers may see parrotfish, angelfish, grunts, barracuda, rays, and other reef species, while the Christ of the Abyss statue remains a popular highlight. If you prefer to stay above the water, glass-bottom boat tours are another good way to experience the reef environment.
2. Dry Tortugas National Park – A Remote Snorkeling Gem
- Location: About 70 miles west of Key West
- Best for: Remote snorkeling, historic scenery, adventurous day trips
- What You’ll See: Clear water, reef fish, seagrass habitat, coral and rock structure, and remnants of historic marine sites
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early summer often offer favorable water conditions
Dry Tortugas National Park combines crystal-clear water, tropical marine habitat, and the dramatic setting of Fort Jefferson. Because the park is only accessible by ferry, private boat, or seaplane, it feels far removed from busier Florida snorkeling spots.
Snorkeling is often best in the shallow waters near the fort and beaches, where visibility can be excellent on calm days. Conditions, however, can change quickly with wind and weather, so it is smart to plan ahead and travel prepared with water, sun protection, and any gear you may need. The park’s isolation is part of its appeal, but it also means services are limited once you arrive.
3. Bahia Honda State Park – Beautiful Beaches and Easy Keys Snorkeling
- Location: Near Big Pine Key, Florida Keys
- Best for: Families, beginners, beach days with light snorkeling
- What You’ll See: Small fish, rays, seagrass habitat, and occasional nearshore reef life
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with many visitors favoring cooler and calmer months
Bahia Honda State Park is best known for its scenery, sandy beaches, and generally approachable snorkeling conditions. The shallow water near the beach can be good for casual snorkeling, especially for visitors who want an easy swim in a beautiful Keys setting.
For stronger reef snorkeling, many visitors look for boat-based trips to offshore sites when available. Nearshore visibility can vary with wind, tide, and recent weather, but calm days can still deliver a fun look at small fish and coastal marine life. Even if snorkeling is just part of your day, Bahia Honda is one of the most picturesque state parks in the Keys.
4. Crystal River – Snorkeling with Manatees
- Location: Crystal River, Florida’s Nature Coast
- Best for: Wildlife lovers, guided manatee tours, clear spring-fed water
- What You’ll See: West Indian manatees, mullet and other fish, turtles, and spring-fed channels
- Best Time to Visit: Winter is the prime season for manatee viewing, though access rules and conditions vary
Crystal River is one of Florida’s most famous wildlife snorkeling destinations because of its seasonal manatee encounters. During cooler months, manatees gather in the area’s warm spring-fed waters, creating a rare opportunity to observe them in the wild.
In-water manatee experiences are tightly regulated, and visitors should always follow posted rules, guide instructions, and wildlife protection guidelines. Areas around Three Sisters Springs and Kings Bay may have seasonal sanctuaries or access restrictions, so conditions can differ from one visit to the next. Booking with a reputable local operator is often the easiest way to understand current rules and have a safe, respectful experience.
5. Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring – An Ancient Snorkeling Experience
- Location: Williston, North Central Florida
- Best for: Unique freshwater snorkeling, first-time spring visitors, dramatic scenery
- What You’ll See: Clear spring water, rock formations, fish, and a cavern-like setting with a natural opening overhead
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, since the spring stays around 72°F
Devil’s Den offers one of the most distinctive snorkeling settings in Florida. The spring sits inside a prehistoric-looking underground chamber, and the light filtering in from the opening above gives the water an unforgettable glow.
This is a freshwater experience rather than a reef snorkel, but the clarity and setting make it memorable in a completely different way. The site is popular, and reservations or timed entry may be required, so it is smart to check ahead before visiting. For travelers looking for something beyond beaches and saltwater, Devil’s Den is an easy standout.
6. Peanut Island – Snorkeling in the Palm Beaches
- Location: Palm Beach County
- Best for: Calm-water snorkeling, day trips, accessible South Florida adventure
- What You’ll See: Schools of fish, rays, and other small marine life in shallow water
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer often bring calmer conditions, though visibility can vary by tide and weather
Peanut Island is a favorite in the Palm Beaches thanks to its easy-to-enjoy snorkeling, protected swimming areas, and convenient location. The island’s shallow water makes it approachable for many visitors, especially those who are new to snorkeling or traveling with children.
Access is usually by shuttle boat, kayak, or private boat, and the island is set up well for a longer outing with beaches, picnic areas, and other visitor amenities. Water clarity is not always the same from day to day, but on a good day it can be an enjoyable place to spot fish close to shore without needing a major boat excursion.
7. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – Key West Beach Snorkeling
- Location: Key West, Florida Keys
- Best for: Beach snorkeling, history lovers, convenient Key West access
- What You’ll See: Nearshore fish, rocky habitat, sea urchins, rays, and occasional larger marine life
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; calmer seas often improve visibility
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is one of the most convenient spots for snorkeling in Key West. Rather than a broad sandy beach with little to see, this area has a rockier shoreline and nearshore habitat that can attract fish and other marine life, making it a popular bring-your-own-gear stop.
The park is also worth visiting for its historic fort, shaded picnic areas, and overall scenery, so it works well even for mixed groups where not everyone plans to snorkel. Water entry can be rocky, so many visitors prefer water shoes, and conditions are typically best on calmer days with lighter surf.
8. Ginnie Springs – Freshwater Snorkeling at Its Finest
- Location: High Springs, North Central Florida
- Best for: Freshwater snorkeling, spring runs, casual outdoor weekends
- What You’ll See: Exceptionally clear water, freshwater fish, turtles, and underwater limestone features
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with warm-weather months especially popular
Ginnie Springs is one of Florida’s best-known freshwater snorkeling destinations, thanks to its striking water clarity and easy access to spring-fed areas. The water remains around 72°F throughout the year, which helps make it a reliable choice in every season.
Snorkelers can float through clear spring runs while spotting fish, turtles, and underwater rock formations. It is also a popular place for tubing, paddling, and camping, so expect a livelier atmosphere than some state park springs, especially on weekends and holidays. If you prefer a quieter visit, aim for a weekday or off-peak time.
9. Blue Spring State Park – Clear Water and Seasonal Manatee Viewing
- Location: Orange City, Central Florida
- Best for: Winter manatee viewing, spring scenery, seasonal swimming and snorkeling when permitted
- What You’ll See: Manatees in winter, clear spring water, fish, turtles, and lush river scenery
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for manatee viewing; warmer months for in-water activities when access is open
Blue Spring State Park is best known as one of Florida’s premier manatee refuges. During cooler months, visitors can often see large numbers of manatees from the boardwalks, making it one of the most rewarding wildlife-viewing stops in Central Florida.
Because manatees are protected, water access rules change seasonally, and in-water recreation is not allowed when the run is serving as a manatee refuge. At other times of year, swimming and snorkeling may be available in designated areas, depending on current park conditions. Before visiting, check the latest guidance so you know whether your trip is best planned as a manatee-viewing day or a swimming day.
Tips for Snorkeling in Florida
- Bring gear if you have it: Rental gear is available at many destinations, but your own mask and snorkel often provide a better fit and more comfortable experience.
- Check conditions before you go: Visibility, surf, tides, and water access can all change quickly. Hours and launch availability may also vary by date and season.
- Respect wildlife and habitat: Do not touch coral, harass fish, or disturb manatees, turtles, or other animals. Good snorkeling etiquette helps protect Florida’s reefs and springs.
- Choose the right spot for your skill level: Springs and protected lagoons can be great for beginners, while offshore reef trips are often better for confident swimmers.
Plan Your Florida Snorkeling Trip
From Key Largo reefs and remote national park waters to crystal-clear inland springs, Florida offers a snorkeling experience for just about every kind of traveler. Some spots are best for easy beach access, some are ideal for guided wildlife encounters, and others reward travelers willing to venture farther for unforgettable scenery. If you plan around weather, water conditions, and seasonal wildlife rules, snorkeling in Florida can be one of the most memorable outdoor experiences in the state.
