Miami is well-known for its kilometers of sandy beaches, which attract visitors from all over the world in quest of seaside bliss.
The third-largest barrier reef in the world, and the only one in North America, is located offshore, beneath the aquamarine Atlantic Ocean.
The Florida Reef Tract extends over a total distance of 220 miles from Miami through the Florida Keys and farther west past Key West to the Dry Tortugas.
The National Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary programme of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration safeguards the significant and distinctive ecology that surrounds the reef.
Discovering the beauties of the reef and mangrove islands by snorkeling is simple, inexpensive, and enjoyable. You merely need to be a confident swimmer—that’s all.
So prepare to experience a whole new world in the waters of Greater Miami & Miami Beach by grabbing your fins, mask, and snorkel.
We’ve compiled a list of the top places for snorkeling in Miami. These places, whether in the city or close by, are all deserving of your attention and will help you have a trip you won’t soon forget.
Safety Tips for Snorkeling
A snorkel, mask and fins are essential for any aspiring snorkeler, and a buoyancy compensator vest may also be useful for safety and floating.
Austin’s Dive Centre on U.S. 1 in Pinecrest provides all the gear you’ll need for a leisurely snorkeling session if you’re seeking to buy it while you’re in town. The cost of equipment might range from roughly $80 to $150.
Renting equipment is a fantastic choice if you’re not ready to make that kind of investment and perhaps just want to “test the waters.” Along with retail sales, South Beach Dive and Surf Centre also provide rentals.
Spend some time becoming comfortable with your equipment. To stop water from dripping in, make sure your mask has a tight seal around your eyes and nose.
Place the strap around the crown of your head after taking one deep breath through your nose to create a seal. The mask can be held in place with a loose strap.
While snorkeling, you will only breathe through your mouth. Make sure your lips are properly sealed by biting down on the snorkel’s bite tabs.
Keep in mind that the snorkel only functions if one end is above the water. Hold your breath if you intend to dive below! Your legs serve as your propellers, and your fins perform at their peak when your legs kick steadily and slowly underwater.
The undersea universe that is being shown to you makes it simple to lose focus. Make sure to pause sometimes so you may inspect your surroundings by sticking your head above the water.
Biscayne National Park
One of the most well-liked spots for snorkeling in Miami is Biscayne National Park. You cannot afford to miss this if you intend to participate in the sport.
These are a few of the snorkeling excursions that Biscayne National Park arranges.
On a boat with just six passengers, snorkel along the Maritime Heritage Trail and take in the magnificent coral reefs, mangrove forests, shipwrecks, dolphins, and sea turtles.
For $10, you can rent snorkels, fins, and masks, or you can buy your gear. Enjoy the clean water while swimming among the bright and colourful marine life.
The adventure begins on a boat with 12 or fewer passengers, and passengers are then transported to one of two locations, one in the open ocean and the other on an island, depending on the weather and water conditions.
Observe the diverse marine life and mangroves that add to the experience’s enchantment. However, this is appropriate for both adults and kids who can swim well.
You may rent all the essential gear, including masks, snorkels, and fins, for $10, or you can bring your gear.
South Beach Dive and Surf
Since 1995, the full-day snorkeling tour has been offered at a 5-star facility in South Beach, the centre of Miami, from whence you must go to Key Biscayne, where the boat departs.
The location is ideal for diving training as well as snorkeling. Investigate the coral reefs at John Pennekamp State Park while diving in Miami’s crystal-clear seas. Although it is recommended that you bring your diving gear, there are places where you may rent it if you forget.
As a result of their proximity to several lodging options and dining establishments with rates ranging from $20 to more than $500 per night, they appeal to both locals and visitors.
Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center
One of the first places for snorkeling in Miami was Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Centre, which opened its doors in 1952. Visit the Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Shop if you want to acquire some incredible equipment and get some expert assistance.
They are well-known throughout the world and provide you with one of the best pieces of guidance that will make your snorkeling adventure exceptional.
They provide courses including Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Advanced Diver, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Drift Diver, Night Diver, Buoyancy Diver, and many more in addition to snorkeling.
Ocean Safari Diving Adventures
Ocean Safari provides the most thrilling snorkeling in Miami. On this half-day environmental trip, you can go to two distinct snorkelling locations, each of which boasts a wide variety of marine life and coral species.
You can locate two awesome places at Mackay and Undine Reef after travelling for 25 minutes. While snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, you may view rainforests most of the time along the mainland shore.
Both hard and soft corals live there, along with other marine species. For individuals to enjoy the benefits of a small group and experience the tropical splendour, the Ocean Safari only accommodates a maximum of 25 passengers. The best snorkelling trips in Miami are available there.
Dry Tortugas National Park
The Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the ideal locations for skin diving and snorkeling because of its shallow seas. You don’t need to worry about your snorkeling gear because the park’s $15 per person entrance fee includes free fins, masks, and snorkels.
Regardless of your level of experience, once you leave the white sand beach and enter the water, you will be able to see a wide variety of vibrant fishes, sharks, parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels, etc. because the park has 67000 acres of undamaged and unharmed coral reefs and thus has more marine life than what is typically seen.
They also arrange night dives when you may witness animals like octopuses and basket starfish that may change how you view marine life.
Pompano Beach Drop Off
Pompano Beach Drop Off, located north of Miami, is a one-of-a-kind experience that is well worth snorkeling in Miami. It is located about half a mile south of the Pompano Pier and is teeming with marine life.
The Drop Off is renowned for its world-class reef dives and wrecks, which feature a variety of coral types, sea whips, sponges, and more.
Because there are so many wreck dives in the Hillsboro Inlet, the locals refer to this notorious location as the “Wreck Capital” of Florida. This Drop Off spans 25 mooring buoys, including Copenhagen and the Nursery, and is more than one mile long.
The Copenhagen Archaeological Preserve can be found on one end of the reef, probably around the fourth buoy, while ledges and undercut holes can be found on the opposite end. The Pompano Beach Drop-Off is approximately 350 yards from the shoreline and has a depth of 15 to 26 feet.
Devil’s Den
Devil’s Den Spring is the spot to go if you want an unusual snorkeling experience when visiting Southern Florida.
This privately owned snorkeling and scuba diving operation has been a key draw for visitors looking for the ultimate snorkeling trip because it is a pre-historic location with fossil beds over thirty-three million years old.
Devil’s Den Spring has crystal clear water in a blue spring that is preserved at 72 degrees year-round, as well as ancient rock formations coated with stalactites.
This institution does not require prior snorkeling experience, although all snorkeling sessions last longer than 90 minutes, and all visits must be scheduled in advance. Devil’s Den Spring requests that you bring your equipment or rent it from the place for a fee.
West Palm Beach
The third-largest reef system in the world, containing corals, limestone structures, shipwrecks, and other things, is located about 72.4 miles from Miami. Additionally, you will get to see and enjoy the colourful marine flora and fauna, which will make you feel tranquil and at peace.
The top snorkeling spots include Red Reef Park in Boca Raton, Coral Cove Park in Jupiter, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, and Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach, which has an 800-foot-long artificial reef and more than 600 boulders.
Other popular snorkelling spots include the Underwater Snorkel Trail, where you can see sea turtles and manatees.
You can also go to Peanut Island, where you can find a snorkeling lagoon that both kids and adults like to use. Coral Cove Park in Jupiter and Gulfstream Park are two nearby beaches that are a little further removed from the congested region.
Hollywood North Beach Park
Hollywood North Beach Park is located in Fort Lauderdale and is available to the public it is one of the best spots for snorkeling in Miami. It is accessible via A1A on Sheridan Street.
This area is between 13 and 20 feet deep and may be reached by swimming out from the lifeguard tower close to the beach’s entrance. It is located around 175 yards from the shore.
Tarpon, barracudas, snook, nurse sharks, and a variety of vibrant tropical fish are among the marine life that calls this location home and contribute to the stunning scenery.
The majority of this marine life is found on ledges that range in height from 2 to 4 feet and are separated by sand patches in between.
Vista Park Reef
The Vista Park Reef, which is 35.4 miles from Miami, offers you the chance to dive into the water and discover the secrets of the ocean’s bottom, which is teeming with corals, a wide variety of marine life, and many other lovely and colourful things that just might alter your perception of all marine life.
In addition to being the centre for snorkelers, there are various locations where you may go and laze on the beach for days. Additionally, snappers, lobster, angelfish, nurse sharks, and many more are likely to be there.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the country’s first underwater park, is renowned for its nearly 70 nautical miles of coral reefs and marine life.
The Upper Keys of Key Largo are home to this state park, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972. John D. Pennekamp, an advocate for the preservation of the Everglades, gave it its name; it has been operational since 1963.
This park made the list because of the excellent experience it provides. You will receive instruction before you start snorkeling independently, following which you can decide whether to venture out on your own or shell out extra money for a guided snorkeling excursion.
This trip will take you about two and a half hours total, with the instruction taking about an hour and a half of that time. This gives you plenty of time to explore the reefs and take in the fascinating marine life that this sanctuary has to offer.
Conclusion
Snorkeling in Miami will be the best experience you’ll ever have. Scuba diving, surfing, and other activities that let you feel the tranquil waters are also available for your enjoyment.
This is something you must experience, whether you are travelling alone, with friends or family, or both. Experience something that will stick with you for the rest of your life.