Skip to content

Free shipping over $50 & Free 2-Day shipping over $300!

Dive (B)Log
Take a Deep Dive into our

Dive (B)Log

Recent Articles

Categories:
  • 10 Best Snorkeling Spots in Florida

    10 Best Snorkeling Spots in Florida

    Summary:

    • Florida is full of beautiful places to snorkel—including many unique locations near Miami, The Florida Keys, and Tampa. 
    • Most of the snorkeling spots on this list feature clear, warm water and plenty of opportunities to see marine wildlife. Examples include fish, crabs, nurse sharks (which aren’t threatening to humans), dolphins, and manatees. 
    • A few of the locations mentioned also feature unique underwater landscapes—such as coral reefs, ruins, or fossils.

    Yes, snorkeling is inherently fun—but the best part is exploring stunning underwater environments. Whether you’re new to this underwater activity or are already comfortable using masks and fins, you’ll want to find the best spots around to spot marine plants and animals in breathtaking surroundings (don’t worry; as long as you use high-quality snorkel equipment, your breath should be just fine). 

    Santa Barbara Aquatics is owned and operated by experienced diving pros who have firsthand experience exploring some of the most beautiful snorkeling and scuba spots in the world. Below, we’ll show you 10 of our favorite Florida finds so that you can make the most of your next trip to The Sunshine State.

    See Also:

    Snorkeling Near the Florida Keys

    #10: Dry Tortugas

    You’ll need to take a seaplane or boat to reach these unique islands approximately 70 miles from Key West, but the trip is worth it—we promise. The water in this area is crystal clear, and the sheer variety of marine life that inhabits it means you’ll almost certainly make a few new friends.

    #9: Bahia Honda

    The sights above the water at this State Park are nearly gorgeous enough to rival the rock formations and soft beds of seagrass beneath. The palms along the shoreline and historic architecture are quintessentially Floridian. Meanwhile, the abundance of lobsters and starfish that hang out underneath the water’s surface indicate that the area is just as popular among ocean critters as it is among visitors and residents.

    Coral reef underwater to illustrate snorkeling at Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

    Via Adobe Stock.

    #8: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 

    Did you know that North America only has one barrier coral reef—and that it’s here in this park? If that wasn’t enough to get you excited, it also happens to be the third largest barrier coral reef on Earth (the others are Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Central America’s Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System).

    Snorkeling Near Miami & Fort Lauderdale

    #7: Biscayne National Park 

    If you’re looking for gorgeous underwater vistas you can visit without venturing too far from Miami, Biscayne National Park is the perfect place. Coral reefs? Check. Old abandoned ships? Check. A mangrove habitat? Sure, why not? There’s a ton to see here, and the water is nearly always the perfect temperature.

    #6: Hollywood North Beach Park 

    Visit this 56-acre stretch of beachfront near Fort Lauderdale to experience stunning blue water and a plethora of ocean wildlife—including sea turtles and nurse sharks (slow-moving bottom dwellers that almost always leave humans alone unless actively provoked). 

    Snorkeling Near Tampa & St. Petersburg

    Manatee at Fort De Soto swimming with snorkelers

    Via Adobe Stock.

    #5: Fort De Soto 

    The turquoise waters surrounding this popular tourist destination are a good enough reason to snorkel here, but there’s one major reason Fort De Soto makes our list—it’s one of the only places on this list where you can count on being able to swim with families of manatees! These gentle giants are docile but curious, making them excellent underwater companions for a day (just don’t touch them, please—how would you like it if strangers were always coming up and touching you?).

    #4: Old Fort Dade 

    Fort Dade dates back all the way to the Spanish-American war, although most of it now exists beneath the waves surrounding Egmont Key. Still, that’s good news for snorkelers, who can spot all kinds of interesting sea creatures inhabiting these structures—including dolphins! 

    #3: Point of Rocks 

    An excellent snorkeling opportunity for families with younger children, Point of Rocks is located in Siesta Key, at one end of Crescent Beach. The water is only a few feet deep here, and always calm—so it’s easy to keep track of your little ones. But there’s plenty for adults to see here, too; the limestone rocks under the water for which the area is named create unique formations that attract fish, crabs, small sharks, and occasionally dolphins and manatees as well. This is easy-access snorkeling at its finest.

    Snorkeling Spots Off the Beaten Path

    Sign welcoming visitors to snorkeling at Devil's Den

    Via  Adobe Stock.

    #2: Devil’s Den 

    A subterranean natural pool surrounded by stalactites and fossil beds? Yes, there’s something a little spooky about this spot (but with a name like “Devil’s Den”, what did you expect?). But it’s also unlike any of the other entries on this list. Another unique thing about Devil’s Den is that it’s inland—that’s right, you’ll need to drive to Williston for this one. And since it’s privately owned, there’s also a price for admission… but we think it’s more than worth it.

    #1: Silver Glen Springs 

    Ocala National Forest on the shores of Lake George is home to this universally-beloved basin, which offers snorkeling and other aquatic activities in fresh water so clear it might as well be gin (and which always stays a perfect 73 °F). One of the area’s unique features is the presence of middens—which used to be ancient trash heaps used by the village that once occupied the area. Today, these structures contain an array of common items from the period, plus a variety of fossilized snail shells. They’re like little time capsules!

    Start Planning Your Florida Snorkeling Adventure Today 

    Florida is full of incredible snorkeling spots, but we swear by the 10 listed above and believe you’ll love them too. To learn more about snorkeling in Florida—including what kind of gear you’ll need—contact Santa Barbara Aquatics and speak with an experienced professional diver who can help make sure you’re properly prepared for an unforgettable experience.

    Summary: Florida is full of beautiful places to snorkel—including many unique locations near Miami, The Florida Keys, and Tampa.  Most of the sno...

    read more
  • 10 Best Snorkeling Spots in California

    10 Best Snorkeling Spots in California

    Summary:

    • California is full of beautiful places to snorkel—including many unique locations near San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara.
    • Most of the snorkeling spots on this list feature calm waters, sea life (including sea lions), and stunning underwater landscapes.
    • Most of these locations are easily accessible from major towns or cities, but provide enough seclusion that you can explore them without feeling crowded by tourists. For more advice on planning your California snorkeling adventure, contact Santa Barbara Aquatics for more information and gear recommendations.

    Pack your snorkeling gear and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget in The Golden State! California is known for its clear and diverse waters, which make it one of the world’s best destinations for snorkeling.

    The state is home to a number of different ecosystems, ranging from rocky shorelines to sheltered bays, and these environments offer a wide variety of underwater landscapes for snorkelers to explore, as well as plenty of marine life to encounter. Below, you’ll find recommendations straight from our experienced professional divers at Santa Barbara Aquatics, who know all the best spots in California and are happy to share their secrets with you!

    See Also:

     

    Snorkeling Near San Diego

    La Jolla Cove in California

    Via Adobe Stock.

    #10: La Jolla Cove

    La Jolla Cove is known for its crystal clear water and ecologically-protected underwater environment. To get there, take the La Jolla Cove exit off of I-5 and park in the nearby public parking lot. Visibility here reaches up to 30 feet on a clear day—and underwater, you can see a variety of colorful fish, sea anemones, and kelp forests.

    #9: San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park

    Located just a few miles north of La Jolla Cove, the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park is another popular snorkeling destination for snorkeling. To get there, simply take the La Jolla Cove exit off of I-5 and park in the nearby public parking lot.

    The water is clear and has good visibility, making it ideal for snorkeling. Underwater, you'll find rocky reefs, kelp beds, submarine canyons, and sand flats. You might even see whales, which are known to frequent the area!

    Snorkeling Near Los Angeles

    #8: Lover’s Cove at Catalina Island

    Catalina Island is located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California. To get there, take a ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro. The clear water here is home to abundant marine life including sea urchins, colorful fish, and even seals.

    Lovers Cove is located on the east end of Catalina Island and is a protected marine reserve, making it a serene and secluded snorkeling location. You’ll likely spot rockfish, garibaldi, kelp bass, and maybe even an octopus or two!

    Casino Point at Catalina Island

    Via Adobe Stock.

    #7: Casino Point Dive Park at Catalina Island

    Casino Point Dive Park is located on the southern end of Catalina Island To get there, take a short boat ride from the city of Avalon. Enter via stairs that wind down into the water to explore a rich underwater garden teeming with sea life and populated by at least a few shipwrecks as well.

    #6: Venice Beach

    For those who want to snorkel closer to LA proper, Venice Beach is a great option. To get there, take the Venice Beach exit off of I-10 and follow the road to the beach. Often called Southern California’s playground by the sea, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of other activities besides world-class snorkeling here—sunbathing, restaurants, and shopping on nearby Abbot Kinney Boulevard (to name just a few).

    Snorkeling Near Santa Barbara

    #5: Leadbetter Beach

    C’mon—you knew we were going to include a few Santa Barbara destination on this list, didn’t you? After all, it’s in the name! Leadbetter Beach is located right in Santa Barbara itself—to get there, just take the Leadbetter Beach exit off of Highway 101 and follow the road until you arrive. The warm water offers excellent visibility here and plays host to a number of sea creatures (this is a particularly good spot to see starfish).

    Butterfly Beach at Santa Barbara, California

    Via Adobe Stock.

    #4: Butterfly Beach

    Butterfly Beach is a small, secluded beach located in Santa Barbara. It also has its own exit off Highway 101, so you can’t miss it! There’s also free parking, which is a huge plus when you’re traveling in a car full of snorkeling gear.

    The average water temperature here is about 65 degrees in the summer, and the sunsets here are absolutely gorgeous. Definitely not a spot you want to miss.

    Snorkeling in Other Regions

    #3: Point Lobos State Reserve in Caramel

    Point Lobos State Reserve is located on the Monterey Peninsula and is known as one of the most picturesque regions in the Caramel area. Boasting one of the most diverse marine habitats in the state, this is far and away one of the most unforgettable snorkeling spots around and also features a museum in the historic Whalers Cabin built in the 1800s by fishermen from China.

    #2: Garrapata State Beach

    Garrapata State Beach is located in Big Sur and is known for its incredible coastline. To get there, take the Garrapata State Beach exit off of Highway 1. Diverse coastal vegetation awaits you beneath the water’s surface, with sea lions and sea otters aplenty.

    Natural Bridges State Park in California

    Via Adobe Stock.

    #1: Natural Bridges State Beach

    An amazing spot (albeit one with a somewhat vanilla name), Natural Bridges State Beach is located in Santa Cruz and is known for its stunning underwater environment. Named for the striking natural rock formations that rise out of the water, it’s also a thriving habitat for starfish, sea anemones, and various fish. To get there, take the Natural Bridges Drive exit off of Highway. The water is calm and offers fantastic visibility, making it ideal for snorkeling.

    Start Planning Your California Snorkeling Adventure Today

    California has no shortage of breathtaking places to snorkel, but the 10 above are definitely some of our favorites—and we’re sure you’ll love them as well. Learn more about preparing for your California snorkeling getaway by contacting Santa Barbara Aquatics—we’ll be happy to tell you everything you need to know about how to have the time of your life.

    Summary: California is full of beautiful places to snorkel—including many unique locations near San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara. ...

    read more

My Bag

You are $50.00 away from free shipping Congratulations, you've got free shipping!