Where to go snorkelling in Florida

by Catalin Andries on September 25, 2019

There’s tonnes of snorkelling to be done in Florida, and this section will cover everywhere but Destin and the Florida Keys. Head to their sections to read about the best snorkeling spots in each of those areas!

For those who are wanting to avoid the crowds of South Florida, the best place to snorkel is in the Gulf of Mexico, where you’ll find less people and cooler waters. Also known as the ‘Emerald Coast’, you can bet there’ll be crystal clear turquoise waters for awesome snorkelling.

Fish in Florida:

  • Angelfish, Ballyhoo, Barracuda, Crabs, Dolphins, Frogfish, Grunts, Lobster, Manatees, Pufferfish, Sea turtles, Seahorses, Stingrays, Urchins, and more.

Corals in Florida:

  • Clubbed Fingers, Common Brains, Elliptical Stars, Golfballs, Ivory Bush, Lettuce Coral, Massive Starlets, Mustard Hills, Sea Fans, Smooth Starlets, Staghorns, and more.

Best places to snorkel in Florida

Blue Heron Bridge, Phil Foster Snorkel Trail

Where: Riviera Beach
Details: This is a crystal-clear patch of water that’s always been a favourite amongst snorkelers – and now even more so thanks to a 240-metre long man-made reef and snorkelling trail that now exists just a few metres away from the beach. Super beginner-friendly, the waters here are calm and shallow with lifeguards available. Expect to see all kinds of rare and exotic marine life, from frogfish to seahorses and octopus!

Information:

  • You can usually snorkel here when the weather isn’t great in other spots,
  • Be sure to snorkel here during high tide when conditions are calmer and visibility is at its peak.
  • There are two bridges to dive from – one on the west and one on the east. Both offer different opportunities to view sea and coral life so try them both!

Facilities:

  • Parking is available but fills up fast,
  • Bathrooms, picnic, and BBQ areas on-site,
  • Dive shops with snorkel hire available.

Devil’s Den Spring

Where: Williston
Details: How about snorkelling deep inside a prehistoric cave? This sinkhole is a breathtaking spot that you don’t get to see just anywhere. Draped with fernery and plantlife with fossils of ancient fish embedded within the rocks, this is a truly unique snorkel site. Dive underwater and you’ll discover a series of tunnels brimming with numerous schools of fish.

Information:

  • Children under 6 years old are not allowed to access Devil’s Den.
  • Snorkelling equipment is easily available for hire at the site, 7 days a week.
  • There is an admission fee of $15 Monday-Friday and $20 on weekends/holidays.

John D. MacArthur Beach

Where: North Palm Beach
Details: A classic Floridian rock reef, this state park has plenty of beautiful sealife to explore from near the shore. You’ll find everything from sea turtles and stingrays to large groups of fish, with beautiful large rock formations that are just as nice to look at. Best of all, the beach is so long and expansive that you’ll feel truly in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nature only.

Information:

  • Reach the beach by walking or taking a tram over the long boardwalk across the lagoon. It’s quite the distance, so trams are recommended for older or younger snorkellers.
  • Always check the conditions before you head out, as visibility can be very poor if conditions aren’t right. If the surf is high, forget snorkelling here today.
  • Be aware that there are no lifeguards available, so if you’re planning on taking little ones it might not be the best idea.

Red Reef Park

Where: Boca Raton
Details: This gem of a spot has an extensive natural coral reef that lies just off the shore in shallow waters. The reef grows off a series of red coral rocks which are teeming with sea and plant life. You’ll find many species of fish here, and maybe even barracuda.

Information:

  • Check out weather conditions before heading out, as the reef can sometimes be covered by sand offering zero visibility.
  • There’s plenty of shade in the park, with tables and shelters making it an ideal spot to spend the day.

Sanibel Island

Where: Lee County
Details: These artificial reefs are an amazing spot for snorkelers who love to explore wrecks, man-made reefs, and shells. Edison Reef sits on the rubble of an old bridge, Belton Johnson Reef is built over concrete, and Pegasus/Charlie’s Reef is a beautiful display over an old tugboat, crawling with barracuda, nurse sharks, amberjacks, moray eels, and cobias. While you’re here, go for a walk along the famous shelling beaches and discover lots of beautiful shells in pristine condition.

Information:

  • Edison Reef is located 15 nautical miles from Sanibel Island Lighthouse, with depths of about 13 metres. Belton Johnson Reef can be accessed from Bowman’s Beach, just 5 nautical miles off the coast. You’ll find Pegasus/Charlie’s Reef 45 km west of Red Fish Pass.
  • Sanibel Island is just a 45 minute drive from the mainland of Florida, with the nearest airport at Fort Myers.

Sebastian Inlet

Where: Melbourne Beach
Details: Here you can find a shallow water lagoon that makes a great snorkel spot for beginners and kids, while the inlet is better for more advanced snorkelers due to the current. Pro-snorkellers can check out the Snorkel Monster Hole, which about 6-9 metres deep and located 30 metres or so from the jetty. The waters here are warm and the jetty juts out far into the ocean, where you might be lucky enough to see the rare manatee or dolphin.

Information:

  • When snorkelling at Sebastian Inlet you’re required to be within 30 metres from a dive flag.

Twin Ledges

Where: Fort Lauderdale
Details: This spectacular reef is just off the shores of popular Fort Lauderdale and crawling with corals, crevices, and brightly coloured sea life. Visibility is extremely high and on a good day you can expect to see French angelfish, pufferfish, lobster, and vibrant coral.

Information:

  • Although the coral reef is only about 400 metres from shore, you will need a boat to reach it. There are many snorkel tours available with both glass bottom and regular boats.

How many people dream of snorkelling but don't feel comfortable wearing a snorkel mask?

The Influencer @lud.around is a NINJASHARK lover!

NINJASHARK is the sound of a revolution in snorkeling. Whereas other water equipments companies are constantly adding poor quality products, we listen to your feedback and constantly improve our products to fit for all of your needs.

 
"I'm not leaving my room without the mask. The full face snorkeling mask from Australia is comfortable and fit me perfectly! Love how easy it is to breath out your nose and mouth when you snorkeling and even has earplugs!"

“The mask include GOPRO mounts, so you can easily film and photograph underwater scenery! I highly recommend especially to people who have a fear of snorkeling! This mask is really easy to use and is safe!” said @lud.around. “I can’t wait for my next trip with my new mask!”

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks makes your experiences the best they can be. They are exclusively sold on the Ninja Shark website.

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks comes equipped with advanced Anti-Fog technology, automatic drainage, no CO2 Buildup with improved uni-directional valves, and a revolutionary breathe flow system so you can breathe through both your nose and mouth.





“If you thought we’re just here to sell you products, think again. You’re part of the Ninja Shark family, and your feedback matters! We’re constantly working to improve our products and deliver the full face snorkel mask that exists only in our dreams!”

What customers are saying about us…

“Awesome set.

Loved the complete set. I even used the waterproof phone pouch to take photos and videos underwater. It made my Fiji experience so much better than using the free snorkel set that hurt your face after 2hours and leaving a sun/mask mark. The ninja leaves no marks and gives great vision under water in comparison. It did take some getting used to but it definitely paid off! Only frustration is that the tightening straps are quite basic; they should be much simpler to loosen and tighten both in and out of water.” – Jock

Try our line of snorkelling and swimming gear
by Ninja Shark! You’ll love it.

All Ninja Shark Products are tailor-made
with medical silicone.

We care about making our products safe and healthy for you—and our planet.
That’s why the Ninja Shark Full Face Snorkelling Masks are made from a non-toxic and environmentally friendly anti-allergic medical grade silicone, that’s not only safer for your kids but safer for you too.
LEAVE A COMMENT

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published


Based on 1490 reviews
91%
(1350)
7%
(99)
1%
(19)
1%
(10)
1%
(12)
J
Package : Air Adults (Mask + Fins + Bag)
JEANNIE O. (Piara Waters, AU)
Bloody love this!

Never snorkelled in my life. Petrified of putting my head under water. But now my neck is bad - if I don't alter the way I swim - then no more swimming for me. This has opened 'a whole new world' - (haha -that songs stuck in your head now) - to me. I'm just using my ninja gear in my gym outdoor pool atm. My legs are getting so strong - and my lungs too - as I'm doing some great breathing. I have huge surgery coming up soon - and i believe this is allowing me to get to a great level of fitness - in preparation. Honestly - i can't go on enough about this product enough. My friend bought a cheaper version. She's given it away already... say no more 🤿🤿🤿

B
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Bolang C. (Perth, AU)
Great design

This is the best snorkel mask I’ve ever had. Very comfortable on face, easy to breathe. I am not a good swimmer, it makes me feel safe and enjoy snorkelling without distraction. Thank you ninjiashark.

Best snorkel ever!!

Got one of these for me and my 7 year old daughter for Xmas. We’ve used them twice already and love them!! So much easier to breathe, can see so much and just makes the whole snorkelling experience better! Would highly recommend!

Clear as day

Clear to see and easy to breathe,
Whole family loves the NinjaShark Snorkel mask.

R
Lifetime Warranty
Robyn H. (Adelaide, AU)
Amazing

The best snorkel and mask combination. No going back now! I could snorkel for over an hour easily. So glad I made this purchase

M
(DRAFT) Package: Dry Snorkel (Set + Fins + Bag)
Mermaid M. (Townsville, AU)
Mermaid

While travelling in Timor leste l met a fellow snorkeller. We snorkelled for 10 days together the food was shit but the water was stunning. The friend was using Ninja Shark fins and mask mine were steaming up, letting in water and heavy. On arriving back in Australia l ordered straight away.
I was a little bit anxious on receiving my order as the mask was quite different to my old one and the fins were short and adjustable ( l wanted them to be my size ! ) well to my luck the weather was beautiful ( yes mid winter in Mackay ) and perfect for boating so off we scooted to Cockermouth ( don't laugh it's a real place ) jumping in and WOW I'm now a mermaid 🧜‍♀️ the mask and fins felt like part of me. I actually cried as not only was the equipment allowing me to explore as l wanted but the reef was STUNNING. So lm indepted to Ninja Shark for making me the mermaid l always aspired to be 🧜‍♀️

Took it to Tahiti

I wasn’t quite sure about getting a full face mask but bought mine (Electra package) before a trip to Tahiti which we got home from yesterday - absolutely LOVED it!!! I’ll be getting one for my wife before our next trip to a similar destination. BTW I make LOTS of crazy videos with lots of toys.

Judge.me YouTube video placeholder
Life changing

I do love my full face snorkel.. the freedom of nose breathing under the water.. the meditative and relaxative effect of this snorkeling is unexpected and great. Fits so well.. comfy to wear for long time.. highly recommend

j
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
jomm11 (Brisbane, AU)
Super quality & fit

So happy we got Ninja shark, perfect for Great barrier reef snorkel day.
Flippers, mask, dry wallet, carry bag (good quality bag), anti fog spray, happy days.

Ninja Shark Kids Mask

We recently brought the Ninja Shark Kids 3-11 Mask + Fins + Bag package for our 7 year old who absolutely loves it! Will be buying three more for the rest of the family. 😊

Even better than expected!

I saw the kids full face snorkel masks online, and thought they looked pretty cool. I ordered two for Christmas, for my 3 and 6 year olds. Wow, did they have a great time with them!

I wasn't sure how the 3 year old would go with it, but he was comfortable in it almost immediately, and spent hours swimming around and seeing a whole new world of underwater scenery.

They were easy to fit, zero issues with them staying on. No leaks or fog.

They can't wait to get back to the water!

Highly recommend this product :)

N
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Nick J. (Brisbane, AU)
mask swimming

The mask did exactly what was stated. I was very happy and will get another mask for my daughter.

S
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Sheara R. (Perth, AU)
Great way to swim

I have NEVER been able to snorkel but love swimming. These full face snorkels are an absolute game changer in my life. Now I try to swim around 5 kms a week in the local pool. The Ninja mask makes it easy to do laps. I’ve been using the Ninja Shark for a quite few years and find the new Electra the best full face mask ever. No leaks, no fog and really easy to use and great quality. I’ve noticed my regular chats with other swimmers at the pool have encouraged many of them to purchase one of their own. I’ve given my older models to my grandkids and they love them too.

Fabulous

I got one for the 3 year old and one for the 5 year old, I thought maybe the 3 year old would get the hang of it eventually but they both loved it and mastered it pretty quickly. We’ve only used in the swimming pool, excited to go snorkeling in the ocean soon. Great product.

S
Lifetime Warranty
Sarah B. (Surfers Paradise, AU)
Love it!

Amazing product ! Have the electra package, kids love it. So easy to use. Highly recommend

J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Jennifer M. (Brisbane, AU)
Love it

Bought these for myself and my husband after getting the full face masks for the kids, and they were so good we’re getting them for the rest of the extended family for Xmas. The fact u can dive down and not get water down ur snorkel is a brilliant bonus! Makes our family holidays much easier and better without snorkel dramas!

This made our holiday

The product itself was amazing, but the service we received allowed us to get our 2 sets of masks for our cruise. We took them with us and used them multiple times for snorkelling on our cruise to Nouméa and New Caledonia. It was amazing snorkelling and being able to breathe easily, and the fins were the most comfortable I've ever used. I've got size 13 feet, and not only were they completely adjustable, but they were THE most comfortable fins ever invented. A massive shoutout to Colleen Zamora from your support staff who helped me out and made it possible to take our gear on holidays! Thanks Colleen!
The photo is us snorkelling off Amadee Island looking for turtles!

My kids love them

I’ve got three of these masks for my younger kids, however the oldest wants one too as the young ones rave about how good the are.

Summer Family Fun

Our Ninja masks have made snorkelling as a whole family very easy and enjoyable. The kids (and parents) find them super easy to use and have allowed us as a family of five to snorkel for longer than we ever could using traditional snorkel gear. I would highly recommend these masks.

G
Lifetime Warranty
Geri D. (Sydney, AU)
Lifetime warranty

Glad I have but haven’t needed to use .. yet

Great Mask

Love this mask. Kids find it so much easier snorkelling with the Ninja Shark. The snorkel mask is super clear and doesn’t fog up. The adjustable straps are great and easy to loosen and tighten. Very happy that we made the decision to get these for the kids.

A must for snorkelers!

Recently purchased the Equaliser Pro Mask, Finns and bag. 🤿 🐠🐡🐟🦈 Had an amazing time snorkeling off Fitzroy Island, the Pro mask allowed me to explore for over 7 hours. Higly recommend! Planning must next snorkeling trip! 🤿💦🌴☀️

awsome

we used our new masks over the weekend. they were amazing, my daughter barely had her head out of the water all day.

L
Lifetime Warranty
Lina J. (Gold Coast, AU)
life warranty

This is great! More stores should do it!

O
Lifetime Warranty
Olivia (Perth, AU)
Fantastic snorkel!

Our 5 year old has never snorkelled. Put it on and was snorkelling no problem straight away! Easy for him to put on and off by himself. We bought the full package with flippers (also amazing and he can put them on by himself) and the two wet bags. The foldable snorkel is so handy for storing while we are travelling. And the lifetime warranty gives us great comfort that we can use it for future trips! We are so impressed with this product I’m going to get mum and dad one too!