The best snorkeling spots in Miami

Snorkeling is one of the best water activities you can enjoy in Miami. With numerous diving spots to explore, shipwrecks to see, and reefs to swim at, missing out on a snorkeling opportunity as a tourist seems unlikely. 

For the lovers of underwater adventures, sail.me compiled a list of the best spots to snorkel in the Miami area! Check it out:

The most scenic underwater destinations in Miami for snorkeling enthusiasts

Biscayne National Park

The Biscayne National Park is a top place for snorkeling in Miami and overall one of the best places for diving in the US. The area allures snorkeling enthusiasts with a scenic underwater landscape, amazing offshore reefs, and an abundance of sea life. 

There is no beach or entry spot to snorkel from the park shore The stunning coral reefs within the Biscayne National Park area are only accessible by boat. The park offers organized tours for those interested in exploring the underwater world nearby. 

If you have your own boat, a yacht charter, or a boat rental, it is possible to find the best spots by yourself or by hiring a guide. One thing is guaranteed, the amazing aquatic scenery, tropical fish variety, and sea turtles are a sight that is worth it.

West Palm Beach

Another stunning place to satisfy your urge to snorkel in Miami is West Palm Beach, also known as Diver’s paradise. As the name suggests, the tropical atmosphere of the region sets the tone for a wonderful and unforgettable snorkeling experience. 

If you enjoy deep diving, West Palm Beach offers great opportunities to explore the depths of the ocean. Swim through the seagrass to spot some sea turtles and beautiful tropical fish up close or admire the vibrant colors of the live coral reef formations nearby. 

Devil’s Den Spring

Put your masks, snorkels, and fins on, because Devil’s Den is a Miami snorkeling destination you should not miss out on! The area offers superb exotic adventures for snorkeling enthusiasts, looking for the extreme factor.

At the Devil’s Den Spring you can dive at a depth of 60 feet and explore some of the most scenic underwater caves in Miami. The thrilling experience is completed with the local abundance of sea life and the aquatic beauty of nature. 

Since the Devil’s Den Spring is one of the busiest snorkeling spots in Miami, the diving center has limited the time a visitor can spend inside the den to 2 hours. After the 2 hours pass, you would no longer be able to access the den.

Dry Tortugas National Park

With its alluring tropical beaches, the Dry Tortugas National Park is a perfect place for snorkeling in Miami. The scenic area is rich in underwater views and abundant wildlife and is also considered one of the best diving spots in the US. 

In the area, you can see the most vivid live corals in Florida and lots of exotic and colorful fish. All Dry Tortugas corals are protected from the government so their collection is strictly prohibited.

Peanut Island

Quench your thirst for snorkeling and explore the secrets of the ocean at Peanut Island,  Riviera Beach. The charming tiny island is only accessible by boat, so you might need to get a water taxi, rent a boat, or catch a ferry to go there. 

The beach waters are always clear and welcoming to Miami boaters and snorkel diving lovers. Home to magnificent marine creatures like parrotfish, angelfish, and sea turtles, the rocky coast of Peanut Island is ideal for shallow water snorkeling, near the shore.

The top snorkeling site on Peanut Island is the eastern shore where the rocks attract all kinds of sea animals. Another option is to try out the snorkeling lagoon at the southern shore where you can spot manatees in winter.

Peanut Island is also a family-friendly area and a great place for a romantic trip. For those of you feeling adventurous, you can combine the snorkeling experience with some kayaking or paddleboarding. 

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the US and has been around for almost 60 years. This amazing snorkeling spot in Miami is accessible by boat.

The reef is famous for its clear tranquil waters and rich aquatic life and can be explored with or without a guide. If you want a guided experience, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers private underwater tours and snorkeling charters. Equipment could be hired at the facility, but you need to contact the visitor center in advance. 

Divers and snorkeling fans love exploring the 25-mile long underwater paradise that extends for up to 3 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. For visitors who want to level up the experience, the park also offers glass-bottom boat tours and kayak adventure activities.

Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs is the most exquisite aquatic cave formation in Miami. The natural underwater structure astonishes every snorkeling and diving lover who dares to submerge in the waters. 

On top of being amazingly captivating, Ginnie Springs is home to some of the most exquisite tropical fish in the world! The warm waters all year round are extra welcoming to diving enthusiasts. All those factors make Ginnie Springs one of the best places for snorkeling in Miami. 

Plan the best snorkeling trip in Miami with sail.me

With sail.me you can rent a boat to reach all the best snorkeling spots in Miami! But that is not all. Thanks to the advanced filters in our boat booking engine, you can sort out boat rental listings with snorkeling equipment included or the option to have a diving instructor on board.