Famous for its miles of sandy beaches and seaside bliss, people from around the globe go snorkeling in Miami to experience the one-of-a-kind underwater world. This unique location has unique marine life to offer including Sting Rays, NurseSharks, Lobster, Sponges, vibrant Coral and so much more. Miami is also a gateway that grants access to the third-largest barrier reef in the world.
Best Locations for Snorkeling Near Miami Beach
Florida is home to countless reefs that host over 40 different species of fish and marine life ranging from tropical fish, sea turtles, and stingrays Miami snorkeling is at the center of the action. Miami Beach is surrounded by some of South Florida’s greatest natural destinations such as Biscayne National Park, as well as Vista Park Reef located a drive away in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Biscayne National Park
Boasting over 170,000 acres of ocean, Biscayne National Park offers endless opportunities for snorkeling. Colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, and all types of marine life can be found within the park’s borders. Snorkeling tours are a great way to come face to face with the wide array of sea creatures that this underwater park home. With a depth of about 12 feet, the location makes for a safe and enjoyable experience open to all age groups and experience levels.
Vista Park Reef
Located a drive away from the Miami area in Fort Lauderdale, Vista Park Reef is the best way to spend a day in Fort Lauderdale. Take a swim off of the shore at Lauderdale Beach to snorkel with marine life that includes schools of tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs. This snorkeling spot is a must-see location. Thanks to the proximity of the park to the shore, this snorkeling excursion is perfectly suitable to enjoy without a guided tour. All that will be required is a dive flag and the proper gear.
Snorkeling Essential: A Guide to Gear
Compared to other underwater activities such as scuba diving, the gear required for snorkeling in Miami is much more simple. Even though the gear requirements are significantly fewer in comparison, the proper equipment is necessary to fully enjoy your experience interacting with sea turtles and tropical fish. To become one with the marine life you will need:
- The rights mask
- Well-fitting fins
- A snorkel
Choosing the Right Snorkeling Mask
To ensure success while in Miami snorkeling, make sure you get a mask that fits. The mask must create a firm seal with your face to make sure that water stays out of your eyes. Quality masks come with shatterproof glass, the ability to handle increased pressure, and overall quality that makes a grocery store pair feel like money thrown down the drain. Help yourself out and get the right pair the first time around.
Well-Fitting Fins
Thanks to the warm water of places surrounding Miami Beach like Biscayne National Park, you will only need a pair of full-heel fins. While fins used for scuba diving are a viable option for both forms of underwater adventure, different types of snorkel-specific fins make your experience more enjoyable.
The Snorkel
The need for this piece of gear is quite obvious and there are several options. Make sure that your choice is well fitted for your face and head shape because the wrong snorkel could make breathing more difficult.