Quick Facts: Snorkeling in Florida

Our Verdict: 9.5/10

Florida is a very good choice for almost anyone. The variety is the real strength. Within a few hours you can snorkel a living coral reef, a freshwater spring with manatees, a historic shipwreck and a sheltered lagoon built for beginners.

Best for: families, first-time snorkelers, underwater photographers, reef lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Not ideal for:

• People expecting Caribbean-style coral on every beach. Most of Florida’s shoreline is sand, seagrass and limestone, not reef.
• Winter travelers in North Florida, where ocean water gets cold and visibility drops.
• Anyone who needs guaranteed calm, clear water. Wind, tides and the occasional red tide bloom can change a day completely.

That last point is the one most people don’t realize until they’re standing on the beach. Florida snorkeling rewards planning more than almost anywhere else.

Is Florida Good for Snorkeling?

Yes, with a caveat. Florida is good for snorkeling if you go to the right places at the right time.

The state offers four fairly different experiences:

• Coral reefs in the Keys and southeast Florida. The reef tract runs from Biscayne Bay down through the Keys to the Dry Tortugas. This is where you’ll see the most colorful fish, healthy-looking coral heads and the best overall visibility.
• Freshwater springs. Crystal River, Rainbow Springs, Ichetucknee and others offer clear water at a steady temperature. Visibility is often excellent, and the setting feels nothing like the ocean.
• Shore snorkeling spots. Blue Heron Bridge, Peanut Island and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea let you enter from the beach, no boat required. These are the budget-friendly options.
• Wrecks and artificial reefs. Sunken ships and purpose-built reefs attract fish in areas that wouldn’t otherwise have much structure, particularly on the Gulf Coast and in the Panhandle.

Atlantic versus Gulf. The Atlantic side, especially from Palm Beach south, benefits from the Gulf Stream, which brings warm, clearer water close to shore. The Gulf Coast has beautiful beaches and easy conditions, but visibility is often lower and more variable. It can be good on calm days, particularly in the Panhandle in summer, but it’s less reliable.

Who should consider somewhere else? If your main goal is dramatic coral walls, huge schools of fish and consistently 80-foot visibility, parts of the Caribbean or Hawaii will deliver that more reliably. Florida’s advantage is accessibility, variety and cost, not postcard-perfect water on demand.

How to Choose Where to Go

Before the full list, a quick way to narrow it down.

Two things will affect your day more than almost anything else: tide and wind. We’ll come back to both.

Best Snorkeling in Florida: Quick Comparison

Ratings reflect our judgment of the overall snorkeling experience, including reliability of conditions. Your day may vary.

---

The 25 Best Places to Snorkel in Florida

1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo)

Best for: the best all-around reef snorkeling in the state.

Pennekamp was the first underwater park in the United States, and it is still the benchmark. The park protects a large stretch of living reef, and the snorkel trips offered through the park concession visit shallow reef areas that suit most skill levels.

The headline attraction is the Christ of the Abyss statue, a bronze figure standing in about 25 feet of water at Key Largo Dry Rocks. It’s an impressive thing to see from the surface, and it makes a good anchor for the trip. Around it you’ll find healthy-looking coral, parrotfish, angelfish, sergeant majors, and, with some luck, a barracuda or nurse shark.

Boat or shore? The best reef is offshore, so most people go with a tour. If you want a shore option inside the park, Cannon Beach has a shallow area with replica cannons marking a wreck site. It’s a gentle, family-friendly spot, though it doesn’t match the reef itself.

Who it’s not for: Anyone who wants a quiet, uncrowded experience. This is a popular place for good reason.

2. Dry Tortugas National Park

Best for: clear water, remote reef and history.

Dry Tortugas sits about 70 miles west of Key West, and the distance is part of why the water is so good. There’s less runoff and less boat traffic than near the mainland. Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century brick fortress, dominates the island, and the moat wall and nearby coaling docks provide excellent snorkeling directly from the shore. You’ll see schools of fish, sea fans and the occasional turtle.

You get there by ferry or seaplane from Key West. The ferry is a full-day trip, usually with a few hours on the island. The seaplane is faster and more expensive, and the flight itself is part of the appeal. Both include time to snorkel.

Who it’s not for: Travelers on a tight budget, or anyone who gets seasick easily on a long crossing.

3. Biscayne National Park

Best for: patch reefs and a quieter alternative to the Keys.

Most of Biscayne National Park is water, and the visitor center is on the mainland, which means you need a boat to see the good parts. Park-authorized concessioners run snorkel trips to shallow reef areas, and the park also includes mangrove shorelines and seagrass beds that are important for juvenile fish and sea turtles.

It’s less famous than Pennekamp, which means fewer crowds. The reef is a mix of healthy patches and areas that have been hit hard by disease and bleaching, so expect variation.

Who it’s for: People based in Miami who want a reef trip without driving to the Keys.

4. Blue Heron Bridge (Phil Foster Park, Riviera Beach)

Best for: shore snorkeling and small, unusual marine life.

If we had to pick the single best shore snorkel in Florida, this would be it. Blue Heron Bridge, at Phil Foster Park, is a shallow, sandy-bottomed channel with a surprising amount of life. People regularly see seahorses, octopus, frogfish, nudibranchs, rays and juvenile fish that most snorkelers never find.

Also use a dive flag. This is a busy waterway with boats, and a flag is both a safety measure and a legal requirement. There is a marked snorkel trail in the park, and you should stay within it.

Who it’s not for: Anyone who wants big reef scenery. This is a macro-life spot.

5. Peanut Island (Palm Beach)

Best for: families and first-time snorkelers.

Peanut Island is a small island in the Lake Worth Inlet with a sheltered lagoon on its southern side. Artificial reef structures and rock piles hold a good variety of fish, and the water is usually calm, shallow and relatively clear when the tide is coming in or near high.

The island is a recreation area with picnic tables, restrooms and camping. You can get there by private boat, by kayak or paddleboard, or via a water shuttle that runs from the mainland.

Tide matters here too. Like Blue Heron Bridge, the snorkeling is best around high tide, when cleaner ocean water flows through the inlet. At low tide the lagoon can feel murky and the current can pick up.

Who it’s for: Parents with young kids, and anyone who wants an easy first experience.

6. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Best for: beginners who want to walk in from the beach.

This small town on the Atlantic coast has a shore-accessible reef system just offshore. You can walk off the beach, swim a short distance and find coral, rock ledges and fish in fairly shallow water. There’s also an artificial reef program nearby, and the town has restaurants and shops within easy walking distance.

It’s one of the easiest places in the state to try snorkeling without booking a tour. Rentals are available in town.

Who it’s not for: Experienced snorkelers looking for a challenging or remote experience.

7. Crystal River

Best for: swimming with manatees in clear spring water.

Crystal River on the Gulf Coast is one of the few places in the U.S. where you can legally snorkel alongside wild manatees. In cold weather, usually mid-November through March, manatees gather in the warm spring-fed water, and licensed guides run tours to see them.

The rules are strict, and they matter. You’re allowed to observe passively. You may not touch, chase, feed or harass manatees. A good guide will brief you on this before you enter the water, and most trips use a floating line or noodle to keep you from kicking or swimming at the animals.

Who it’s for: Wildlife lovers who don’t mind cold-weather gear. Who it’s not for: Anyone who doesn’t like crowds, or who expects a quiet, one-on-one encounter. Peak season can feel busy.

8. Devil’s Den (Williston)

Best for: a cave-like freshwater experience.

Devil’s Den is a collapsed limestone sinkhole with a small opening at the top and a dramatic, cavern-like space below. Sunlight streams through the hole, and the water is clear and a steady 72°F. It’s popular with snorkelers and scuba divers.

It’s an unusual setting that feels very different from the ocean. Fish life is limited, but the geology and light are the draw.

Who it’s for: Curious snorkelers who want something different. Who it’s not for: People who are claustrophobic or nervous in enclosed spaces, and anyone expecting lots of marine life.

9. Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Best for: easy, scenic freshwater snorkeling.

The Ichetucknee River is fed by springs and stays clear and cool throughout the year. Snorkeling at the headsprings is a great introduction for beginners, with visible turtles, fish and aquatic vegetation. The park is also famous for tubing, and certain areas have specific rules for each activity, so read the posted signs.

10. Rainbow Springs State Park

Best for: a calm, family-friendly spring.

Rainbow Springs is a peaceful, well-maintained state park with a designated swimming area and clear water over a sandy bottom. Snorkeling here is mellow, and the setting is scenic. There’s a gentle current in the river, so you can float downstream and enjoy the scenery.

11. Silver Glen Springs (Ocala National Forest)

Best for: a wilder, more natural spring experience.

Silver Glen sits inside the Ocala National Forest and feeds a run into Lake George. The spring pool is clear and sandy, and the run has a natural feel that some of the more developed parks lack. In cooler months you may see manatees, and fish are plentiful.

12. Destin

Best for: Panhandle snorkeling when the Gulf is calm.

Destin’s East Pass jetties are the main shore snorkel here. The rocks attract sheepshead, angelfish and other species, and on calm, clear summer days it can be very good. Artificial reef sites offshore are reachable by boat tours.

13. Panama City Beach

Best for: boat-based trips to wrecks and artificial reefs.

Panama City Beach has a large number of intentionally sunk structures offshore, which makes it popular for diving and snorkeling charters. Summer is the best season, when the Gulf is warm and calm. You’ll see schools of fish around the structures, and sometimes sea turtles.

14. St. Andrews State Park

Best for: the best Panhandle shore snorkeling.

St. Andrews has jetties and sheltered, shallow areas on the bay side with clear, emerald-green water on a good day. Rock structures hold fish, and the sandy shallows are comfortable for beginners and kids. Facilities are good.

15. Egmont Key

Best for: snorkeling near Tampa Bay.

Egmont Key is a wildlife refuge and state park at the mouth of Tampa Bay, accessible only by boat. Snorkeling around the old fort ruins and rocky areas can be rewarding on a calm day with good visibility. Dolphins and sea turtles are regularly seen.

16. Venice Beach

Best for: shark teeth hunting, with occasional snorkeling.

Venice is famous for fossilized shark teeth. People do snorkel here, and on clear, calm days you can see fish near the rock and jetty areas, but this is not a classic snorkeling destination. Visibility is often low.

17. Bahia Honda State Park

Best for: Florida Keys beach snorkeling without a boat.

Bahia Honda has some of the nicest beaches in the Keys, with clear, shallow water. Snorkeling near the old bridge and rocky areas turns up fish, sponges and sometimes rays. The park also runs boat trips to nearby reef areas.

18. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (Key West)

Best for: easy shore entry in Key West.

The rock jetty and offshore rocks attract a surprising number of fish. It’s a convenient spot if you’re already in Key West. Facilities and shade are good.

19. Sombrero Reef (Marathon)

Best for: a classic Keys reef with a lighthouse view.

Sombrero Reef is a popular offshore reef near Marathon marked by a tall lighthouse. The shallow coral formations, schools of fish and generally good visibility make it a strong boat-trip destination.

20. Looe Key Reef

Best for: reef quality and variety.

Looe Key is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and is known for a distinctive spur-and-groove reef structure that supports a wide range of fish and coral. Many experienced snorkelers rate it among the best in the Keys.

21 to 25. Honorable Mentions

• Bathtub Reef Beach (Stuart): A nearshore sandstone reef that creates a calm, shallow lagoon at low to mid tide. Good for kids on quiet days, but conditions depend heavily on swell.
• Sebastian Inlet: Known for surfing and fishing, with rock structures that can hold fish. Currents are strong, so this is for experienced swimmers.
• Coral Cove Park (Jupiter Island): A small rocky cove with fish and occasional sea turtles. Surf and surge can make it uncomfortable.
• Amelia Island: Limited snorkeling compared with the rest of the state, but offshore artificial reefs get some attention. Visibility in Northeast Florida is usually modest.
• Navarre Beach: The Panhandle’s calm sound-side areas and artificial reefs provide easy, gentle outings in summer.

---

Best Snorkeling in Florida by Region

Florida Keys. John Pennekamp, Bahia Honda, Looe Key and Sombrero Reef make up the core. This is the region for reef-focused trips. Expect more consistent clarity than elsewhere, but you will usually need a boat.

Gulf Coast. Egmont Key, Venice, Destin, Panama City Beach and St. Andrews form the main cluster. Calm summer days can be excellent, but the Gulf is more affected by wind, runoff and algae blooms. Check conditions before committing.

Atlantic Coast. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Peanut Island, Blue Heron Bridge and Biscayne National Park all benefit from the Gulf Stream, which pushes clear water close to shore. This is the best region for shore snorkeling.

Florida Springs. Crystal River, Devil’s Den, Rainbow Springs, Ichetucknee and Silver Glen offer consistently clear water, but the temperature stays cool. If you get chilled easily, plan accordingly.

Snorkeling in Florida Near Orlando

Orlando is inland, so there’s no ocean snorkeling nearby, but the springs are close enough for day trips.

• Blue Spring State Park (Orange City): About an hour away. Famous for winter manatees, though swimming is typically restricted during manatee season, so check before you go.
• Wekiwa Springs and Rock Springs Run: About 30 to 45 minutes away. Better for paddling and swimming than for dramatic snorkeling.
• Rainbow Springs and Devil’s Den: About 1.5 to 2 hours away.
• Crystal River: About 1.5 to 2 hours away, and a realistic day trip for the manatee season.

Drive times are approximate and vary with traffic. Reserve ahead for Devil’s Den and any tours.

Snorkeling in Florida Near Tampa

• Egmont Key: Boat access only, with a ferry from Fort De Soto or charters.
• Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island: Calm, shallow, family-friendly water. Snorkeling is possible on clear days, but visibility is modest and the main draw is the beach.
• Fort De Soto: Good for beginners on quiet days. The marine life is modest.
• Crystal River: Roughly 1.5 hours north, and the best nearby option for clear water and manatees.

Be realistic here. Tampa Bay snorkeling is relaxed and enjoyable, not spectacular. For dramatic water, you’ll drive to the springs or the Keys.

Best Snorkeling in Florida for Beginners

Start with places where the water is shallow, calm and close to shore: Peanut Island, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Bahia Honda, Rainbow Springs and Crystal River (with a guide).

Some practical tips that make a real difference:

New to the sport entirely? Start with our snorkeling tips, our guide on how to snorkel without swallowing water, and our honest answer to can you snorkel if you can’t swim.

Best Florida Snorkeling with Kids

Look for calm water, shade, restrooms and easy entry. Good family options include Peanut Island, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Bahia Honda, Cannon Beach at Pennekamp, Rainbow Springs and St. Andrews.

A few things most parents don’t consider until they’re on the beach:

• Fit matters more than price. A kid’s mask that leaks will end the day quickly. Try it on at home first. Our guides to the best snorkel gear for kids and the best snorkel mask for kids cover age-by-age picks.
• Use flotation vests for young children, even in shallow water.
• Limit the time. Kids get cold faster than adults, especially in springs. Short sessions with breaks work better.
• Bring snacks and shade. Tired, hungry kids don’t enjoy anything.

Best Free Snorkeling in Florida

Several of the best shore spots have no tour cost, though some charge parking or park entrance fees: Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Bahia Honda, Blue Heron Bridge, Peanut Island, the Destin jetties and Fort Zachary Taylor. Fees and parking rules change, so check each location’s current policy before you go. Rental gear is a separate cost unless you bring your own — see our guide on where to buy snorkel gear.

Florida Keys: Best Places to Snorkel Without a Boat

The best Keys reefs are offshore, but a few shore options are worth knowing about:

• Bahia Honda: Clear water and a pleasant beach, with fish near the old bridge.
• Fort Zachary Taylor: Rocky entry, fish near the jetty.
• Higgs Beach (Key West): Calm and convenient, though more of a seagrass area than a reef.
• Cannon Beach (Pennekamp): Shallow and kid-friendly.
• Dry Rocks: This is a reef, so you will need a tour.

If you want the real Keys reef experience, book a boat trip. The shore spots are enjoyable but secondary.

---

Marine Life You Can See

Florida’s marine life depends heavily on where you are. Here’s a realistic guide to what you can expect and where.

A note on lionfish. Lionfish are an invasive species with venomous spines. If you see one, look but don’t touch. State wildlife officials encourage licensed removal, but that’s a job for trained people with the right tools, not snorkelers.

Best Time for Snorkeling in Florida

Spring (March to May). This is one of the best windows. Water is warming, seas are often calmer, and crowds haven’t peaked. Visibility is usually good, especially in April and May.

Summer (June to August). Water is warm and calm, which suits families and beginners. The trade-offs are heat, afternoon thunderstorms, crowds and hurricane season, which officially starts in June. Go early in the day and keep an eye on the forecast.

Fall (September to November). September and October can offer some of the best visibility of the year, with warm water and thinner crowds. This is also peak hurricane season, so build flexibility into your plans and consider travel insurance.

Winter (December to February). The Keys and southeast Florida remain snorkelable, but water is cooler and wind is more common. North Florida and the Panhandle are cold and generally poor for ocean snorkeling. Winter is the time for manatees at the springs, and a wetsuit becomes essential.

Understanding Water Conditions

• Visibility. It ranges from poor near inlets and after storms to excellent on calm days at offshore reefs and springs. Atlantic-side reefs and springs are generally the clearest.
• Tides. Inlet-based sites like Blue Heron Bridge and Peanut Island depend on tide. Always check a tide chart.
• Currents. Passes and channels can run fast. If you feel yourself drifting, swim across the current, not against it.
• Wind. Wind stirs up sediment and chop, and it is often the deciding factor between a great day and a wasted one. Morning is usually best.
• Gulf versus Atlantic. The Atlantic side generally has clearer water. The Gulf can be lovely but is more variable.
• Red tide. Algae blooms occasionally affect the Gulf Coast and can cause respiratory irritation and fish kills. Check current conditions with state health or wildlife agencies before you travel.
• Springs versus ocean. Springs are clear and constant but cool, with little current. Ocean sites offer more variety but more variables.

Safety Tips

Most snorkeling problems come from a small set of avoidable mistakes. Here’s what matters in Florida.

Boat traffic. This is the biggest hazard in many popular spots. Boats don’t expect swimmers. Stay near your flag, listen for engines and surface frequently to check around you.

Rip currents and inlet currents. If you’re caught, don’t fight it. Swim parallel to shore or across the current until you’re free, then return.

Jellyfish. Stings are common, especially in warmer months. A thin rash guard or sun shirt helps protect your skin and reduces most minor stings.

Fire coral and sea urchins. Don’t touch anything on the reef. Fire coral causes a painful burning sting, and urchin spines break off in skin. If you can’t see where you’re stepping, wear water shoes.

Stingrays. Shuffle your feet when walking in sandy, shallow water so rays can move away. Don’t touch or chase them.

Alligators. They live in many freshwater systems across Florida. Swim only in designated areas and during allowed hours, never feed or approach wildlife, and follow posted park rules. Clear, flowing springs are generally less appealing to alligators than still, murky water, but the risk isn’t zero.

Cold water. This one catches many people off guard. Springs sit around 72°F year-round, and most people start to chill within 30 to 45 minutes without a wetsuit. Shivering and clumsiness are early signs of hypothermia. Get out and warm up.

Reef etiquette. Don’t stand on coral, touch marine life or take anything from the water. Many areas are protected, and damage can result in fines.

Weather. Florida storms form quickly. If you hear thunder, get out of the water immediately.

Beach flags. Observe local warning flags. Red usually means high hazard, and double red means the water is closed.

Go with a buddy. Never snorkel alone, and use flotation if you’re unsure.

---

What Gear You’ll Need

Most people overspend on the wrong things and underspend on the parts that actually matter: fit and safety. Here’s how we’d approach it.

The mask is the most important piece. A mask that doesn’t seal properly will leak, fog and make the whole experience miserable. Test it by placing it on your face without the strap and inhaling gently through your nose. If it stays in place, it likely fits. The Cressi Big Eyes Evolution is a good choice if you want a wide field of view and a comfortable silicone skirt. It works well for most face shapes, but it has a larger volume, which some people with smaller faces find less snug. Try before you buy if you can — our guides to the best snorkel mask and the best snorkel mask for small faces cover the alternatives.

Fins. Short travel fins like the Cressi Palau Short are easy to pack, comfortable for shore entries and kind to coral because they limit long, sweeping kicks. The trade-off is less power, so they’re not ideal for strong current or long swims. See our full Cressi Palau fins review, plus the best snorkeling fins and best snorkel fins for travel.

Snorkel. A simple dry-top snorkel keeps splashes out and is forgiving for beginners. Avoid very cheap, ultra-compact designs with tiny tubes, which can make breathing harder and may increase carbon dioxide rebreathing. Our best dry snorkels guide explains the difference between dry and semi-dry designs.

Flotation. An inflatable snorkel vest is a smart choice for beginners, kids and anyone in open water. Options like the Scubapro or WildHorn vests are lightweight and packable. The downside is that cheaper models can feel bulky and are not a substitute for supervision. See our picks for the best snorkeling vest and the snorkel vest for non-swimmers.

Thermal protection. For springs and winter, a 2mm shorty wetsuit makes a noticeable difference — our best snorkel wetsuit guide covers thickness choices. For warm ocean trips, a UPF 50+ rash guard protects against sun and jellyfish.

Water shoes. Neoprene booties like the Cressi Isla are helpful at rocky entries such as Fort Zachary Taylor and along jetties. Compare options in our best water shoes for snorkeling guide.

Sun protection. Choose a mineral-based, reef-friendly sunscreen, such as Stream2Sea or Sun Bum Mineral, and apply it well before getting in the water. A rash guard reduces how much you need.

Camera. A GoPro HERO with a red filter is a popular choice. Red filters help restore color lost at depth, though they work best in bright, clear water between roughly 10 and 20 feet. In shallow water, they can leave images looking too red. See our picks for the best underwater camera for snorkeling and the best GoPro accessories for snorkeling.

Dry bag. A 10 or 20 liter dry bag protects your keys, phone and towels on boat trips and kayak outings. Earth Pak makes a reliable and inexpensive option — compare models in our best dry bag for snorkeling guide. If you’re carrying gear to the beach, a mesh bag or a dedicated snorkel backpack also helps.

Shore Snorkeling vs. Boat Tours

The honest answer is that boat trips usually get you to the better reef, while shore snorkeling gives you flexibility and lower cost. If you only have a day or two, a reef tour is typically worth it. If you have more time, mix both.

On boat tours, the crew handles the dive flag. On shore, you are responsible for yours.

Best Florida Snorkeling Tours

• Keys reef trips. Departing from Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and Key West, these are the standard way to reach offshore reefs. Half-day trips are common and affordable.
• Dry Tortugas excursions. Ferry or seaplane from Key West. Book well in advance, especially in peak season.
• Manatee tours. Licensed guides in Crystal River provide gear, briefings and the legal framework for in-water encounters. Choose operators that emphasize responsible interaction.
• Private charters. More expensive, but they offer flexibility, smaller groups and the ability to choose conditions.
• Glass-bottom and snorkel combinations. Good for mixed groups, where some people want to watch rather than swim.

When choosing a tour, look at group size, crew-to-guest ratio, whether gear is included and what happens if the weather turns. Reviews that mention safety briefings are a good sign.

Costs

Prices change, so treat these as categories rather than quotes and check current rates.

• State park fees: Usually a modest per-vehicle or per-person entry fee.
• National park fees: Dry Tortugas and Biscayne have separate entry fees on top of transport.
• Tours: The biggest expense. Reef trips cost significantly less than Dry Tortugas ferries or seaplanes.
• Rentals: Daily snorkel set rentals are generally inexpensive, with discounts for multiple days.
• Parking: Free at some beaches, paid at others, and limited at popular spots.
• Fuel and hotels: The Keys and peak season (winter and spring) push lodging up sharply.

Equipment Rentals

Rental shops are common in the Keys, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and near the springs. Expect basic sets, often a mask, snorkel and fins, at reasonable daily rates.

When to bring your own: If you’re snorkeling more than a few days, if fit matters (and it does), or if you’re traveling with kids, owning your own mask is worthwhile. Rental masks are often worn, scratched or poorly fitted, and a leaky mask can spoil a trip. A decent snorkel set — or a travel-ready set — fits in a carry-on.

Getting There

• Airports: Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Palm Beach (PBI), Key West (EYW), Tampa (TPA), Orlando (MCO) and Pensacola (PNS) cover most regions.
• Rental car: Strongly recommended. Public transport rarely reaches snorkeling sites.
• Parking: Fills quickly at popular beaches. Arrive early.
• Dry Tortugas: Reached by ferry or seaplane from Key West.
• Keys: The Overseas Highway is a single road, and traffic can back up. Allow extra time.

Photography Tips

• Shoot in the best light. Mid-morning, when the sun is high but before wind picks up, usually gives the clearest water and best color.
• Use wide angle. It brings subjects closer and reduces the water between you and them.
• GoPro settings. Use a wide or linear field of view, a high frame rate for moving fish, and a red filter only at depth.
• Get low. Shooting from slightly below or level with your subject looks far better than shooting down.
• Springs. The clarity is excellent, but light is lower. Use auto white balance and pay attention to shadows.
• Drones. Rules vary by park and land manager, and many state and national parks restrict them. Check before you fly.

What Else to Do in Florida

Scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, wildlife tours, the Everglades, beach hopping, fishing and state parks all fit naturally into a snorkeling trip. If you’re based in the Keys, kayaking through the mangroves is an easy add-on to any snorkeling day.