Top Snorkel Sites
Table of Contents
Aruba Snorkeling
The island of Aruba, located deep in the Caribbean Sea, is just off the coast of Venezuela and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. With sister islands of Bonaire and Curacao, Aruba completes what are considered the “ABC islands.” With over three quarters of the Aruba economy being tourism, the tourism related activities are amongst the islands highest streams of income and for good reason. If you find yourself attracted to the water, you can’t go wrong with the abundance of Aruba snorkeling options.
A great and off the beaten path type place to go for fantastic Aruba snorkeling is off of Boca Catalina Beach. Heading north toward the lighthouse on Jose Irausquin Boulevard, it is right between the Marriott property and Arashi Beach. This quaint little beach with picturesque white sand is home to some good size reefs just off the shore. Here you will find a nice variety of local fish that are friendly and will swim right up to you. Being a bit isolated, you will have to pull off the road just a bit and park near the street as there are no marked spots. Below we take a look at a few more spots to take advantage of while in Aruba snorkeling.
Mangel Halto
Arguably the best snorkeling spot in all of Aruba, Mangel Halto is accessible both right from the beach (day and night) and also by boat. Because of the stronger currents and potential for long swims, as well as the need to swim out to the outer edges of the reef for the best corals, it is not recommended for brand new snorkelers. If you are traveling by boat, you can skip the swim against the strong current and be taken right into the cut and straight to the beautiful reef.
Catalina Cove
Beginner snorkelers rejoice, Catalina Cove is the Aruba snorkeling spot for you. Easily accessible by shore (the aforementioned Boca Catalina Beach), the Catalina cove provides calm waters and healthy formation of corals and fish congregations as well. Getting out to the reef you will experience some rocky footing so be sure to wear water shoes when leaving the sandy beach. The depths of the area are no deeper than five feet, providing for a comfortable environment for the all snorkelers.
The Antilla Wreck
A sunken World War II ship just off Aruba’s northern shores. The wreck provides for great visibility and is covered in healthy coral that provides a feeding frenzy for fish and suitable for snorkelers of all skill levels. The Antilla Wreck is definitely a must see for any Aruba snorkeling visitor.
Belize Snorkeling
Located in the eastern part of Central America, the country of Belize is home to picture-perfect post card views with its crystal clear water and premier vacationing environment. A long time oil based economy, Belize has grown in popularity among tourists that have really enhanced the quality of their economy. Between the beautiful climate, 400+ islands and a plethora of rivers and for rafting and kayaking, Belize has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of the Caribbean. If your prefer to stay out of the jungle and wild life sanctuaries on mainland Belize, head to the coasts and check out Belize snorkeling options, you won’t be disappointed.
One of the biggest reasons to check out Belize snorkeling, and a site on many avid snorkeler’s bucket list is the Belize Barrier reef. Around 300 meters offshore you will find the enormous reef that stretches down the coast of Belize over 190 miles long, making it the second longest barrier reef in the world. Really the only good snorkeling in Belize is out on this reef, which you will need to get to by boat.
Most of the best Belize snorkeling will embark from the city of San Pedro to Ambergis Caye. Given its northern location, the visibility in the water is better due to the lack of rain forest river run off as you will find in the south. One of the most popular cayes (small, sandy islands) to head out from in all of Belize given its direct access to the reefs, the Ambergis Caye has a few specific spots that when in Belize snorkeling are can’t misses. Start out by checking out Tres Cocos, a shallow spot right on the reefs edge where you will find a ton of friendly and color fish coming into feed on the reef’s outskirts. Another great spot at Ambergis Caye is Hol Chan Cut. Hol Chan Cut starts out shallow but offers deeper waters as well, where you will find bigger species of fish that you don’t find so much inland. However probably the most unique location in all of the Ambergis Caye has to be the Shark Ray Alley. The shallow water here provides for the once in a life time opportunity to swim with friendly and harmless nurse sharks and rays.
Whether in Belize specifically for water activities or on a family vacation, Belize snorkeling is an activity the whole family can enjoy.
Cancun Snorkeling
Cancun, Mexico is often known as a tourist destination that attracts spring breakers and honeymooners looking to enjoy one of the cliché party aspects of this Mexican oasis. It is less commonly known however this Caribbean Sea destination has one very underrated aspect and tourist activity often overlooked by its hundreds of thousands of tourists each year; the beautiful Cancun snorkeling.
With the average sea water temperature around 80 degrees literally year round, Cancun snorkeling is hard to beat as far comfortability in the water goes and will never require a wet suit. Given there are so many options to snorkel the perfect turquoise blue water that Cancun boasts, today we will look at some of the best spots to experience Cancun snorkeling.
If you happen to be staying in one of the numerous beautiful luxury hotels in the “hotel zone” area of Cancun, you will more than likely be able to head straight out from the sandy beaches and try some snorkeling on your own, if you brought your own gear of course. If not there are plenty shops in the area where you can rent gear for a few hours or a day. From the “hotel zone”, Head to the southern end of the “hotel zone” near the Westin to get the best out of the area. If staying near the northern part of the zone, head to Bahia de Mujeres Beach for the opportunity to see some stunning sea life just out into the crystal clear water.
Something unique to the Cancun snorkeling experience are the many cenotes that surround the area. Found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula region (the piece of land separating the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea), cenotes are sinkholes filled with groundwater. With their calm water and perfect visibility, these often provide great pockets of snorkeling for snorkelers of all skill levels. If you plan to check out one of the cenotes in the Cancun area, be sure to do so with an expert guide as the underground caves and rivers can make for dangerous situations for the average snorkeler.
Another great spot for Cancun snorkeling is the beach club in Turtle Bay. This Riviera Mayan hotspot provides for the once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with enormous green sea turtles among breathtaking rock and coral formations. Not to mention when you are done, relaxing on one of the very best beaches in all of Cancun.
If you are looking for a mixture of both fresh water and saltwater snorkeling, the Nichupte Lagoon between Cancun City and Cancun Island is definitely the place for you.
Catalina Island Snorkeling
Every year close to a million tourists flock to Catalina Island just 26 miles off the coast of southern California. From casino goers to boy scouts and vacationers alike, there is something to do for the whole family while on the island. For the water lovers however you can head out on a glass bottom boat tour to see shipwrecks, marine life and of course coral reef. Here you will notice the underrated beauty of the reefs and a hidden gem activity of the affluent island; Catalina Island snorkeling.
One of the best ways to experience Catalina Island snorkeling is through one of the many guided tours. Head out with local expert guides and check out the beautiful underwater sea gardens and various marine species in Lover’s Cove, a protected marine preserve. With one of the largest population of concentrated fish on the west coast, the guides will help you learn the types of species you are swimming with while snorkeling. A very unique aspect of snorkeling at Lover’s cove is that the fish are so used to being fed and sought after, they are very docile and not afraid of humans. This provides for a very personal yet non threating encounter with some of the Pacific Oceans most beautiful creatures. One of the most beautiful creatures you may encounter is the bright orange Garibaldi fish, which is a local celebrity in the world of Southern California fish and specifically Catalina Island snorkeling. Even if you are an experienced snorkeler, this can often be one of the best ways to experience Catalina Island snorkeling given the guidance of what certain sea life is can be interesting.
Another great spot to experience the very best of Catalina Island snorkeling is Two Harbors at the Isthmus. Voted by Scuba Diving Magazine recently as the “World’s Healthiest Marine Environment”, the water has exceptional visibility stretching to nearly 100 feet in some places. As with Lover’s cove, guidance, lessons and equipment to rent is available here as well. One of the best ways to experience Two Harbors snorkeling is to head out to one of the secluded coves via a kayak and hop out to an underwater world covered in kelp sea forests, home to an abundance of marine wildlife. If kayaking isn’t your thing, some tours offer small power boats to take you out to the hidden coves. Because of its dense sea forest and isolated location, it’s important you have basic swimming skills before heading out to Two Harbors.
Cozumel Snorkeling
This underdeveloped Mexican island off its southern coast provides for postcard perfect views and stunningly clear warm water. This popular cruise ship destination also serves as a great snorkeling location being home to a portion of the Mesoamerican reef and Museo Subacuatico de Arte’s submerged statues.
Averaging over 320 sunny days a year and with water temperatures at constant 80+ degree temperature year round, the crystal clear water you will find while during your Cozumel snorkeling trip is home to over 500 varieties of sea life and coral. A large portion of the of the ancient and much sought after Mesoamerican barrier reef lies just a few football fields off the shores of Cozumel.
With Cozumel snorkeling be such a highly sought after trip on many of the Mexican cruises that frequent the area, the sea life you will encounter while underwater are some of the friendliest and most docile of anywhere in the world. Looking down just over 15 deep below the surface, you can see and start snorkeling over the plethora of coral formations that the area plays host to. In the shallower waters you can swim through caverns and valleys of seemingly endless coral with the crystal clear visibility found few other places in the world.
What makes some the coral reefs some of the cleanest in pristine in the world, is a matter of geographic fortune. Around 8 miles off the coast of mainland Mexico, the island is long and narrow, running north and south in direction. The ocean currents that flow throughout the area happen to run the same direction, constantly cleaning the corals and providing them the nutrients they constantly need. Mix that with the nearly full year of perfect sunlight and the crystal clear water, and you will be hard pressed to find a healthier group of corals than you do while in Cozumel snorkeling.
With the bountiful healthy coral growing in the Cozumel waters, many of the coral formations stretch down very deep to the ocean’s bottoms. Some of the coral formations, stretch down more than 400 feet, and have been estimated to be growing for millions of years! While many divers flock to this region for that purpose, snorkelers fret not, the tops of these mountains are a sight to see themselves. As anywhere else you snorkel in the world, Cozumel snorkeling provides the opportunity to see some of the oceans most unique creatures including but not limited to eels, stingrays, lobsters and more!
If looking for a location to snorkel in North America, you can’t go wrong with Cozumel snorkeling.
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling
Hanauma Bay is one of Hawaii’s most famous beaches. With its calm shallow water, white sand and large fish population, it is popular among snorkelers. An old volcanic crater believed to be 35,000 years old, the bay is protected from virtually all sides. With almost no ocean swells, Hanauma Bay makes a great location for snorkelers of all ages and skill levels. This geographic quality can be found in its name Hanauma which literally translates to “curved bay.”
Hanauma Bay is not your average beach, but instead a “Nature Preserve.” The County of Honolulu has gone through extensive lengths to prevent any kind of damage done to the land. They have gone to the lengths of before even being allowed on the reserve, you must watch a short video in their Marine Education Center, which encourages goers and especially snorklers to treat Hanauma Bay as a “living museum.” Much of the damage came from its busiest years when Hanauma Bay had as many as 10,000 visitors, about half snorkelers. These days just a few thousand a day are allowed in daily to further prevent the impact to the ecosystem.
Once you leave the soft white sand that stretches throughout the bay, you will just need to venture out a few yards to begin seeing coral. With its calm waves, you will be able wade directly out with zero difficulty. After swimming out a short ways, you will find caves and various crevices to check out once you get to the larger coral reefs. With depths ranging from waste deep to 15 feet plus, this is a coral range that any level of enthusiast can feel comfortable venturing into.
As far as fish you may see while exploring the bay there are a plethora of possibilities: trumpet fish, parrot fish, moorish idol, damsel fish, invertebres, surgeon fish, tang, wrasse, cardinal fish, squirrel fish, big eyes, perch, chub, hawk fish, butterfly fish, mullet, cornet fish, needle fish, eels, crustaceans, and jacks are just naming a few.
For any non-residents of Hawaii and travelers over the age of 13, there is a $5 fee for entry. Parking is limited and once filled, you will be turned away, so make sure to get there early in the day. You can park there the whole day for $1. There is also a concession stand to buy food and drinks, as well as showers restrooms and lockers. For anyone worried about their small children, there is also a lifeguard on duty.
Islamorada Snorkeling
The tiny 7 square mile island of Islamorada is located just off the coast of Florida in the northern part of the Florida Keys. The “Purple Island” as it’s translated to in Spanish, offers great beach destinations just a jump, hop and a skip off the United States mainland. While sport fishing is largely popular on the island, an often overlooked but great activity to try while on the island, is Islamorada snorkeling scene.
While snorkeling around the island you can expect to see fish species such as French grunt, goatfish, and queen angelfish. The pristine coral reef provides a great feeding source for a large congregation of green moray eels that can be found gliding in and out of the dips and valleys in the coral. Below we will look at a handful of shipwrecks, mini walls and of course coral reefs to check out while in the area.
Crocker and Conch Walls
The Crocker and Conch Wall are two walls that play host to not only a wall of coral but are a hotspot for some of the islands most unique and popular fish. The Conch Wall offers a different style of coral than other places you will find Islamorada snorkeling, as it is a sloping wall that goes to the ocean floor where you will find the indigenous barrel sponge. The Crocker Wall is over 400 feet long, and features deeper water which plays home to everything from yellowtail and grouper fish to spur and grove coral that covers the wall.
The Eagle shipwreck
Unlike many other shipwrecks you may encounter in the world of snorkeling, this 285 feet ship was actually sunk intestinally as a dive and snorkel attraction. This Islamorada snorkeling attraction is covered in covered in colorful sponge and coral, and plays home to enormous schools of fish including tarpon and jack.
Alligator Reef
An excursion to an Islamorada snorkeling would not be complete without a trip to Alligator Reef. This unique landmark is home to the USS Alligator which in 1822, was grounded and sunk in an effort to protect a US convoy from pirates. Now also home to a towering lighthouse, the site of the ship wreck are absolutely devoured in coral reef. Given its shallow nature of 25 feet and great visibility, the bustling coral are a sight to see for snorkelers of all skill levels.
Whether traveling to Islamorada Island for fishing or just passing through, be sure to spend a couple hours Islamorada snorkeling, you won’t regret it.
John Pennekamp Snorkeling
You simply can’t plan a trip to the Florida Keys without including John Pennekamp in your itinerary. If you are a new snorkeler or did not bring your gear with you, fear not. Everything from masks, fins and wetsuits are available for rental right at the State Park. As with every snorkeling spot in the Keys, you will not be able to see any coral reef without taking a boat out from shore, but the beaches here provide a nice environment to get adjusted to the water temperature and your gear, while still being able to see several types of marine life.
Done via snorkel boats to the reefs just a short ride off shore. Weather permitting, there are three snorkel boats that leave from shore each day at 9:00 am, 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Depending on the conditions, you can expect to be in the water for a minimum of 1.5 hours while snorkeling via the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park official snorkel boat tours, which are inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The snorkel boat fee ($29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children under 18) is a class teaching the basics of snorkeling when the boats first arrive to the reef. While it is not required, it is a great intro into snorkeling and a great brush-up for anyone who hasn’t been out in a while. One thing that will be made known, weather you take the class or not, is that all reefs are “no touch” because they are categorized as Sanctuary Preservation Areas.
The reefs, located between 4 to 5 miles offshore, can range down from a few feet to 20 feet deep. While you may be able to and tempted to stand at some portions of the reef, it is important to note that it is illegal to stand anywhere while at the reefs and participating in John Pennekamp snorkeling. While on the snorkel boats, the captains have a variety of locations to take you to depending on the day’s conditions. Some of those spots include Grecian Rocks, Banana Reef, White Banks Dry Rocks, Key Largo Dry Rocks and Cannon Patch.
John Pennekamp snorkeling is some of the best in the United States and can’t be missed by anyone who considers themselves an avid snorkeler. Make sure to add this to your bucket list of snorkeling, no matter your skill level!
Kauai Snorkeling
Located in the mid-Pacific, the Hawaiian island of Kauai is home to a large tropical rainforest, dramatic cliffs on its Na Pali Coast and home to some of Hawaii’s best hiking. While there are bountiful options of activities on land, Kauai snorkeling should not be overlooked and is a hidden gem in the Hawaii snorkeling circuit. Today we will look at snorkeling in Kauai in some depth and explore the options available to novice and expert snorkelers alike will visiting the 550 square mile Hawaiian island.
One of the absolute best times to plan your Kauai snorkeling trip is in the summer, when boat tours will take you along the Na Pali Coast, which is one of the most famous back drops in the world and in many Hollywood films. One convenient aspect of Kauai snorkeling is that almost every snorkel location can be accessed directly from a beach. As with some other islands in Hawaii, Kauai provides snorkelers the chance to swim with green sea turtles just off the beach, often in ideal depths as they are not too deep but deep enough for great snorkeling.
If you are looking for more of a reclusive beach that provides snorkeling options check out Hideaways Beach on the islands north sore. Also called Pali Ke Kua to the locals, Hideaway beach like other snorkeling spots in Hawaii is best snorkeled in summer months, while the ocean is calm. The best of the corals are just a short distance from shore, which make this Kauai snorkeling spot one of the most worthwhile trips on the island.
Another snorkeling location on the north shore are the snorkeling tunnels, also known as Makua Beach. This large reef is in the shape of a bay which keeps the waters calm and the corals inside it pristine. The horseshoe in nature coral reef provides tons of caves and tunnels that more experienced snorkelers should be sure to check out on the reef’s outer edges.
The south shore of Kauai in my opinion provides for some of the best snorkeling on the whole island. Be sure to check out Koloa Landing, which is an old boat ramp no longer in use. Here you can see some of the islands’ largest and healthiest coral heads. Unlike many of the other reefs you will find while in Kauai snorkeling, Koloa Landing is best snorkeled in the winter months because of its location on the north shore, avoiding the waves that surfers flock to annually.
Key Largo Snorkeling
When planning a trip to the Florida Keys and hoping to do some Key Largo snorkeling while there, it is important to know some basic facts about what to expect. While you can stay on shore and snorkel at the State Park, the best snorkeling Key Largo has to offer will require scheduling a boat tour. The boat tours can be found in two places on the island: Key Largo and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Below we look at the options in some more detail to get the best out of your Key Largo snorkeling experience.
One of the best ways to snorkel Key Largo is a snorkeler’s only trip from the harbor in Key Largo. While they also offer boat tours that mix snorkelers with divers, the snorkel only trips provide for a much more snorkel focused day and better experience. Chartering a private boat is most often the best option, as they allow for seeing reefs that the bigger boats just can’t reach.
When planning your Key Largo snorkeling trip, or planning any snorkeling trip in the Florida Keys, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must-see. America’s first undersea park, it is truly a national treasure and provides fun for a whole family and serious snorkelers alike. Setting out to snorkel from the beach, you can access a bay with a seagrass bottom where you will find fish and other ocean animals. About 100 feet from the end of the beach, you will find the remains of a Spanish shipwreck which a cool exploring opportunity.
The sea gardens are an amazing spectacle as they are some of the healthiest patch of soft corals in the world. The molasses reef, one of the most visited coral reefs in the world, does not disappoint either. Located about six miles off the shore of the Florida Keys, you will want to make sure the weather is complying before heading out to see it. Because of its location and the volatility of the bigger boats travel plans, it is best to schedule a private charter to see both of these sights.
One of the most popular spots to visit in all of the Keys, is this nine foot tall bronze statue of Jesus Christ located on the ocean floor. It is a bit of a swim down for snorkelers, but definitely a sight to see if you are comfortable at greater depths.
Key West Snorkeling
World-class snorkeling doesn’t always require a passport if you are an American citizen. In the case of Key West snorkeling, east coasters don’t even need to fly to Hawaii. Just off the southern coast of Florida, the Florida Keys rank 3rd in the world’s largest living coral reefs.
Most snorkeling done in the Key West is done by boat tours that will take you out to the reefs from the main island. Depending on your preferences and group size, a private boat can be chartered for anywhere from $50 to $150 a person. If you wish to stay on the shore, head to the southern shores of the island to Key West Marine Park, where you can find a safe swimming/snorkeling area. Below are some other snorkeling options when visiting Key West.
Fort Zachary Taylor is another beach that does not require leaving the main island, which for a small fee can be accessed and snorkeled. This beach features a breakwater making it a great place to see sea creatures. If you do decide to visit Fort Zachary Taylor, make sure to check and be mindful of the currents.
Located 7 miles southwest of Key West, Sand Key is essentially a giant sand spot surrounded completely by coral reef. Given that fact, visibility varies by the day based on wind and wave conditions. The old lighthouse still on the island is a neat site to see given its historical significance.
Another great option is the Dry Tortugas National Park. Roughly 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas is worth the long boat ride. This full day trip provides for great and unique snorkeling in warm crystal clear water ranging from 5 to 12 feet deep. There are a handful of great spots to snorkel on the island. The first and one of the best is the moat wall where you can see a plethora of fish as well as both hard and soft corals and sponges. If you are with family or friends who don’t snorkel, they can walk along the wall itself alongside you. Another great spot to hit on the island is the Southern Wharf Ruins. This area features large poles (old pilings) in the water that have corals growing on them and fish swimming throughout. If you wish to not charter a private boat or sea plane, check out the Yankee Freedom Ferry. While it is a bit of a hike, Key West snorkeling wouldn’t be the same without Dry Tortugas.
La Jolla Cove Snorkeling
When out on the west coast, you don’t have to head all the way out to Hawaii to get in some great snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean. Head down the California coast to La Jolla cove just outside sunny San Diego in southern California. Protected as part of a marine reserve, La Jolla Cove is a popular with snorkelers and swimmers a like, thanks to its clear waters and abundance of marine life. La Jolla cove snorkeling is some of the very best snorkeling California has to offer, and appropriate for snorkelers of any age and experience level.
Of course as with any location you plan to snorkel or swim, La Jolla cove snorkeling often requires you to check with local officials on the day’s conditions as large swells are known to sneak in from the open Pacific Ocean. In our experience it is best to head out to the cove during low tide, as many smaller tide pools will surface and provide for some perfect snorkeling. From the top of the cove, head down towards the beaches where you will find the lifeguard station, filled with useful information on swells, water conditions and more. It’s also not a bad idea to ask the friendly lifeguards where the best spots are that day for La Jolla cove snorkeling.
Being part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, a marine refuge area, common water devices that would attract distracting-swimmers such as boogie boards, inflatable rafts, and even kayaks, are strictly prohibited in the cove and monitored heavily by the lifeguards on duty. Also with the La Jolla cove protected as an ecological reserve, fishing is also prohibited and strictly monitored. Because the cove faces outward into deeper water than most of the San Diego/La Jolla coastline, the water may be a bit colder than other parts of southern California. With the weather on land never varying much from 70-90 degrees from spring to fall, it’s still not quite cold enough for a wet suit to be necessary while La Jolla cove snorkeling.
Also a popular aspect of La Jolla cove snorkeling visitors are the caves on the outskirts of the cove. Water conditions permitting, head over to snorkel the caves where you will have the chance to swim with the docile leopard sharks, rays, shell fish and if you’re lucky enough the playful (and also docile) seals that call the cove home.
Maui Snorkeling
Maui is widely considered to be one of the best locations for snorkeling not just in the United States but the world. Below are three of the best for snorkeling in all of Maui.
Often referred to as “Turtle Town”, Maluaka beach offers unique Maui snorkeling for precisely that reason. Located in between Black Sand Beach and Nahuna point, Maluaka Beach is infamous for incredible Hawaiian Green Sea turtle congregations perfect for any snorkelers looking to see wildlife beyond typical fish and sharks. With mountains protecting it from strong winds, this off the beaten path often local-populated gem of a beach is ideal for snorkeling and swimming alike. The calm water and high volume of sea turtles make for a very unique snorkeling experience not found elsewhere in the islands and sparingly throughout the world.
Maui snorkeling would be incomplete without a trip to the crescent moon-shape isle of Molokini. One of Hawaii’s most visually stunning snorkeling spots, this partially submerged volcanic crater basin provides calm waters making it a great destination for snorkelers of any level, especially beginners. With 200 plus species of fish, it’s hard to get bored snorkeling in and around Molokini. For the best experience, it’s recommended to book a boat tour from the Maalaea Harbor as early in the morning as possible. Being a marine life conservation district, visitors are not allowed to step foot on the island itself.
One of Hawaii’s most popular snorkeling spots, Honolua Bay receives up to 1500 visitors a day in it’s peak season, and for good reason. Almost completely engulfed in a bay, Honolua is one of Hawaii’s calmest snorkeling locations no matter how strong the winds are. Unlike most snorkeling locations in Hawaii, Honolua has no beach but instead boulder and rock shores surrounding it. The best corals to snorkel at Honolua Bay can be found on the right side, if looking out into the bay. Here you can see a wide array of interesting corals in various formations and in massive volume and density. The bay is quite large, with each side of it featuring different formations and types of fish. Snorkelers will often split their day in two when visiting this Honolua Bay, doing one side in the morning and other in the afternoon. Some of the coral that can be found here are Thick Finger, Cauliflower, Blue Rice, Lobe and Sandpaper Rice.
Miami Snorkeling
Most visitors to Miami don’t have snorkeling at the top of their activity list, but the ones that do are in for a pleasant surprise. Just offshore South Beach’s sandy white beaches lies the third largest barrier reef in the world; The Florida Straights. The 220 mile reef is North America’s only barrier reef and is protected by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s National Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary Program. Snorkeling in Miami is a great way to explore coral reefs and marine life not otherwise seen in the continental United States.
Snorkeling in Miami does not even require heading out on a boat like many locations worldwide often do. If you would like to get in some snorkeling while your friends and family have a day at the same beach, head out to South Pointe Park and Government Cut. The Jose Cuervo reef, reaches a depth of about 15 feet and is a great location to see local marine life and snorkel at the artificial reef. The reef was created in 2000 by Jose Cuervo to promote beach snorkeling near South Beach.
Snorkeling in Miami would not be complete without a visit to Biscayne National Park. Here you will be able to snorkel reefs such as Emerald Reef and Half Moon. Half Moon is an underwater Archaeological Preserve which features a 360-ton ship that sunk offshore, providing great wreck snorkeling for anyone who is interested in maritime style snorkeling. Located at Key Biscayne in Crandon Park, Eco Adventures offers a very unique sea kayak and snorkel experience. Accompanied by a guide, you will kayak along the Bear Cut Preserve and snorkel through the mangroves and reef in the area.
Located in the Miami Beach Marina, snorkeling via the Tarpoon Lagoon Diving Center can also offer a unique experience while snorkeling in Miami. After boarding their snorkel boat, you will check out some of the best reefs that South Florida has to offer. These spots include but are not limited to Rainbow Reef, Emerad Reef, and the aforementioned Half Moon Underwater Archaeological Preserve. The tours last roughly around four hours and run Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and cost $60 a person. This a great value for any snorkeler no matter their experience.
As with snorkeling anywhere, it’s important to remember that conditions will often influence your snorkeling experience, but snorkeling in Miami provides incredible snorkeling memories without even leaving the continental United States.
Oahu Snorkeling
The Oahu island of Hawaii draws more visitors than any other with its incredible scenery as well as its bustling cities. Furthermore, the crystal clear water and white sand beaches make for some amazing snorkeling as well, ranking as the top activity on the whole island. Beyond Hanauma Bay, which we looked at here previously, below are some can’t miss spots when snorkeling Oahu.
Makaha Beach is 35 miles northwest of Honolulu and one of the best spots on the entire island for snorkeling. The perfectly blue water is calm and its lack of current provides for great snorkeling all year round, especially in the summer months. Slowly creeping out from the beach, the water reaches depths of up to 40 feet and provides tunnels and arches that can be snorkeled for hours. Makaha Beach is also home to an abundance of wildlife. Everything from green sea turtles, manta, eagle rays, octopuses and eels make their home at Makaha.
Located near Waikiki next to Diamond Head, Kapiolani Beach is a very unique experience. For snorkeling, one of the best spots is in the center in a section called Queen’s Beach. There is also an aquarium at the beach, Waikiki Aquarium, as well as easy access to a public beach nearby. Hawaii’s first official park, Kapiolani Park offers 140 acres of beaches for swimming, surfing and snorkeling. If your snorkeling Oahu, you have to check out the Sans Souci Beach, located across from the park. The beach is next to Otani Kaimani Beach Hotel, and allows snorkelers to swim straight out from the beach. As in most cases, make sure to snorkeling the morning to see the most wild life as possible.
Located on the North Shore about an hour from Honolulu, Sharks Cove is a must-see when snorkeling Oahu. The location however is between two large surf spots, so you’ll want to check the swells on the day you head out. Summer is a great time to visit the cove because it is in Hawaii’s surfboarding “offseason” when waters should be calm. There are no sand beaches here however, so you’ll want to be careful entering and exiting the bay which ranges from 8 to 15 feet deep. One of the best places to snorkel at Sharks Cove is on its southern side at the Pupukea tide pools, which provides calm waters to explore the corals and wildlife.
Puerto Rico Snorkeling
When conditions are cooperating, Puerto Rico offers some of the best snorkeling in the world and does not even require a passport to get there from the United States! On the right day most snorkeling spots in Puerto Rico can extend to beyond 50 feet visibility. As is with most of the best snorkeling spots, taking a day trip on a private boat will be your best option. In Puerto Rico, take a ride to the Coast of Fajardo to find the boats lined up and to start your snorkeling experience. Below we will look at some of the best options when snorkeling in Puerto Rico.
Some of the best snorkeling in Puerto Rico can be done here at Mona Island. Just off the western coast of mainland Puerto Rico, Mona Island is just a short boat ride away from San Juan. As far as reef condition, you simply can’t beat Mona Island when snorkeling in Puerto Rico. Fish ranging from eels, turtles, octopuses, sting rays and more can be found in and around the reefs here. It is important to note that you cannot rent gear on the island, so you will want to bring your own equipment.
Located on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico, La Paguera is Puerto Rico’s only bioluminescent bay that allows snorkeling, which provides for an incredible experience. Heading out around sunset, this natural phenomenon actually allows you to swim and snorkel surrounded by dinoflagellates that will be lit up all around you. In addition to this, you can head out to the mangrove canals in the bay and spend around an hour exploring the caves and reefs. The always calm waters here and plethora of fish species and coral reef formations make La Paguera a true can’t miss when snorkeling in Puerto Rico weather its day or night. Paradise Scuba and Snorkeling Center is a great company to schedule a tour through for La Paguera snorkeling.
Just off the coast of Ponce lies the untouched and uninhabited Caja de Muertos Island. Translated to “Coffin Island” because of its shape, the island is stuff of legends with tales of everything from piracy and beyond. The reefs surrounding the island are plentiful and you can spend a whole day here snorkeling in and around the island. Snorkeling in Puerto Rico certainly requires a stop at “Coffin Island” to create memories and legends of your own.
Punta Cana Snorkeling
Located on eastern shores of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is home to a plethora of water related activities such as catamaran sailing, sport fishing, swimming with dolphins and whale watching. However one of the most popular activities that can be enjoyed by tourists of all ages, is the exceptional Punta Cana snorkeling and exploring of the local reefs just off the Punta Cana shores.
One of the best ways to experience Punta Cana snorkeling is via one of the many snorkeling excursions that head out by boat from shore. These often half day excursions offer the opportunity to snorkel with the docile and friendly nurse sharks as well as plenty of stingrays. Many of the excursions also will offer the opportunity to see the beautiful sights along the coast of Cabeza de Toro and Bavaro. The natural pool in Bavaro is a truly can’t miss location to relax with your favorite beverage in hand after a long day of snorkeling. As with most snorkeling tourist snorkel boat tours led by a guide, expect the tour to provide snorkeling gear as well as instruction on how and where to find some of the waters most unique and interesting pinpoints. As you will find in most Punta Cana activities, there will be at least one English speaking guide on your tours. Many snorkel trip tours offered in Punta Cana will depart directly from the beach of your hotel. Beyond the basic snorkel equipment, many companies offer a wet suit or snorkel jacket that will allow you to relax and float with no effort or swimming motions.
For one of the absolute best Punta Cana snorkeling experiences plan to head over to Saona Island for the day. The natural beaches are surrounded by stunning coral reefs and is one of the most pristine settings in all of Punta Cana. For friends or family that want to join you for the day but not snorkel, Saona Island provides the perfect compromise as there are other activities on the island to enjoy not to mention a massive paradise in the sandy white beaches that cover the islands outer rim. Punta Cana snorkeling trips are a great way to see this tropical island that you may otherwise never get to for any other reasons. The beautiful country of the Dominican Republic’s waters are home to everything from trumpet fish to balloon fish and even eagle rays, providing some of the ocean’s best companions when snorkeling its shores.
San Diego Snorkeling
When one thinks of the west coast of the United States, it is common place to think you must go thousands of miles off the coast to Hawaii or east to the Caribbean or off the coast of Mexico. Many will be surprised to know however that some of the best United States snorkeling can be found in one of America’s most beautiful cities, San Diego. Today we will breakdown how and where you can find some of the best snorkeling in San Diego.
Some of the best snorkeling in San Diego can be found in the La Jolla cove, just outside the city of San Diego. This ecological underwater park provides fun for the entire family. As long as you have a basic ability to swim, expert guides will take you out into the cove where you can expect to swim with garibaldi, sheep head fish, colorful starfish, sting rays, perch and if you’re lucky even dolphins and seals! One of the most popular tours in all of La Jolla is one of the La Jolla leopard shark tours. Head to the shallow waters of La Jolla where these incredible (and friendly) leopard sharks comes to produce their offspring annually. Enjoy the once in a lifetime experience of swimming with these docile creatures, no matter your level of snorkeling experience. Wetsuits, fins, masks and snorkels can be provided if you need them as well.
To enter the La Jolla cove, you will want to head to Ellen Browning Scripps Park. If you plan to head out of the water near sunset, be sure to stick around to check out the views from the bluff of the beautiful Pacific Ocean sunset. While the entire cove is used for swimmers and beach goers alike, head to the south end of the cove to the kelp beds where you can find some better snorkeling. As with any place you plan to go snorkeling in San Diego, check with local officials on currents before you venture out for your snorkeling session. If you want to check out some sea caves and the plethora of fish that inhabit them, head up the coast slightly north from the Ellen Browning Scripps Park. If planning to see the caves, you will want to make sure the tide is at its lowest and be very mindful of wave surges.
Whether you decide to just snorkel in the cove or venture out to other areas of La Jolla and San Diego, snorkeling in San Diego can be fun activity in a city with plenty of aquatic and land options to consider.