Some of Florida’s most fascinating underwater spots can be explored with a mask, fins, and snorkel tube. Snorkeling in Florida can be as satisfying as full SCUBA diving sessions, but the key is to choose places that offer great sights and accessibility. The ocean and climate conditions of the Sunshine State make it ideal for snorkeling and free diving; here are three of the best spots for snorkeling in Florida:
Christ of the Abyss at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Located in the Upper Keys just south of Miami, a magnificent statue surrounded by a colorful coral reef waits for snorkelers lured by the legend of an underwater Messiah. This statue is one of three made by an Italian sculptor, who placed the other two off the Mediterranean coast. Christ of the Abyss is eight feet tall and is a dramatic sight when visited by eagle rays during sunny days. Since Key Largo is a popular spot among divers, visiting the Christ of the Abyss on a weekday is better.
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Hutchinson Island is one of the most pristine and accessible coastal locations in Florida, and it is mostly known to locals. This is where the first U.S. Navy underwater demolition teams trained before World War II; these were precursors to the Navy Seals. A pristine beach on the north side of the Fort Pierce Inlet is barely affected by currents and does not get too much surf; the abundance of tropical fish makes it a great spot for snorkeling in Florida, and the clarity of the water is reminiscent of the Caribbean.
The Snorkel Trail at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Located just north of Fort Lauderdale, this quiet beach community is home to one of the best shore dives in Florida. Development of the Snorkel Trail began in the mid-1990s with an artificial reef project. By 2002, an ancient anchor, five cannons, and a pile of ballast stones had been secured to the bottom to make an underwater archaeological preserve. All it takes to visit this treasure is a short and pleasant swim from the beach; along the way, snorkelers are escorted by sergeant majors, angels, parrot fish, and many barracudas.
