8 Best Places for Snorkelling in Miami
1. Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is one of the most popular places for snorkeling in Miami. If you are planning to go for the sport, you cannot afford to miss out on this one. These are some of the snorkeling trips organized by Biscayne National Park.
Snorkeling and Eco-Adventure- With only 6 people on the boat snorkel on the Maritime Heritage Trail and enjoy the breathtaking coral reefs, mangrove forests, shipwrecks, dolphins, and sea turtles. Rent masks, fins, and snorkels for $10, or feel free to get your own pieces of equipment. Swim through the colourful and vibrant marine plants and animals and enjoy the crystal clear water.
It starts from 10:15 am to 4:30 pm.Small group snorkel - The journey starts on a boat of 12 or fewer people and then people are taken to two sites, one is the open ocean and the other is an island depending on the weather and the water conditions. Witness the large variety of marine life and mangroves that makes the experience even more magical. This is however suitable for adults and children who are good swimmers. All the necessary pieces of equipment like masks, snorkels, and fins can be rented for $10 or you can also bring your own equipments.
The total duration is of 6 hours.
For passengers, it is $159 and for private trips, it is $795.
The location depends on several factors.
Snorkeling takes place every day.
Age Limit- 12 years and above
The hours of operation are from 9:15 am to 1:30 pm.
The total duration is of 3.5 hours.
For snorkelers, it is $99 and for private trips, it is $495.
Address: 9700 SW 328th Street, Sir Lancelot Jones Way, Homestead, FL 33033.
Snorkeling takes place every day.
Age Limit- 8 years and above.
2. South Beach Dive and Surf
Operating since 1995, the full day snorkeling trip is a 5 star facility that is located in the heart of Miami in South Beach, from where you need to travel to Key Biscayne, from where the boat leaves. The place is perfect for snorkeling as well as learning certain diving courses. Dive into the pristine waters of Miami and explore the coral reefs at John Pennekamp State Park. It is advised to carry your own equipments for diving, however, if you forget, there are shops to rent the equipments from. They are located close to several hotels and restaurants which range from $20 per night to over $500 per night and serve as an attractive factor for locals as well as tourists.
It operates from 9 am to 7 pm.
The total duration is of 3 hours.
The average cost is $75 per person.
Address: 850 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States.
There is both street and garage parking space. Age limit- 8 years and above.
3. Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center
Having opened in 1952, Tarpoon lagoon Dive Center is one of the oldest dive shops in the city of Miami. If you are willing to buy some amazing pieces of equipment along with some professional help, head to the Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Shop. They are internationally recognized and gives you one of the best pieces of advice that will make your snorkeling experience one of the best. In addition to snorkeling, they also provide certain courses like Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Advanced Diver, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Drift Diver, Night Diver, Buoyancy Diver, and many more.
It operates from 10 am to 6 pm from Monday to Thursday and from 8 am to 6 pm from Friday to Sunday.
The total duration is of 4 hours.
The average cost is $80 + tax per person.
Address: 300 Alton Rd #110, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States.
Remains open throughout the week.
Free parking is available.
4. Ocean Safari Diving Adventures
Spend a day exploring the wonders of the underwater. Ocean Safari Diving Adventures organizes dive trips, night dives, dive excursions, and visiting some beautiful diving destinations. The half day eco tour gives you the luxury of going in a small group of 25 people and takes you to two exotic locations- Mackay and Undine Reef. Explore the life under the crystal clear water while you swim through the coral reefs and have the best time of your life. Experience one of the best snorkeling adventures in the city with your friends and family, make memories that will stay with you forever.
It operates from 9 am to 6 pm.
Address: 677 SW 1st St, Miami, FL 33130, United States.
Remains open every day except for Sundays.
5. Dry Tortugas National Park
The shallow waters at the Dry Tortugas National Park make it one of the best places for snorkeling and skin diving. Do not have to worry about your snorkeling equipments as they provide complimentary fins, masks, and snorkels with an entrance fee of $15 per person for the park. Irrespective of whether you are a beginner or an expert, when you leave the white sand beach and go into the water, you will be able to encounter a large array of colourful fishes, sharks, parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels, etc as the park has 67000 acres of undamaged and unharmed coral reefs and thus have more marine life than what can be normally seen. They also organize night dives where you will be able to see creatures like octopus and basket starfish which might alter your perception of underwater life.
The park is open for 24 hours throughout the week.
The average cost is $165 per person.
Address: 40001 SR-9336 Homestead, FL 33034.
Parking is to be done in the city before coming to the Dry Tortugas Ferry.
6. Devil’s Den
Snorkel to the depth of 8 feet and come across some exotic marine plants and animals. If you forget to get your snorkel, masks or fins do not have to worry as you can rent these at $12 per person. You can also get to enjoy some underwater caves that make the activity even more fun and thrilling. Enjoy a day snorkeling at the natural coral reef with your friends and family.
It operates from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Thursday and 8 am to 5 pm from Friday to Sunday.
The total duration is of around 2 hours.
Address: 5390 N.E 180th Ave Williston, FL 32696.
The entrance fee is $15 per person from Monday to Friday and $22 per person from Saturday and Sunday.
Age limit- 6 years and up
.7. West Palm Beach
Located around 72.4 miles from Miami is the world’s third largest reef system with corals, limestone formations, shipwrecks, and several other things. You will also get to experience vibrant marine flora and fauna that will give you a sense of peace and calm. The top places to quench your thirst for snorkeling are Phil Foster Park, which is located in Rivera Beach which is an 800 foot long artificial reef with more than 600 boulders, Underwater Snorkel Trail, where you can find sea turtles and manatees, Red Reef Park, which is located in Boca Raton, Coral Cove Park, located in Jupiter, and John D. MacArthur Beach State Park.
You can also visit the Peanut Island where you will be able to find a snorkel lagoon which is enjoyed by both children as well as adults. There are two local beaches that are a little more secluded from the crowded area, the Coral Cove Park in Jupiter and Gulfstream Park.
The beach is open for 24 hours.
There are a lot of snorkeling tours that are organized.
8. Vista Park Reef
Located at a distance of 35.4 miles from Miami, the Vista Park Reef gives you an opportunity to dive into the ocean and explore the secrets of the underwater which is filled with corals, a large variety of marine life, and several other beautiful and colourful things that might change your perspective of the entire marine life. In addition to being the hub of snorkelers, there are also several places that you can visit and spend hours on the beach. You can also expect to see snappers, lobster, angelfish, nurse sharks, and many more.
The beach remains open for 24 hours.Come to Miami for some amazing snorkeling adventures at a natural reef or an artificial reef or even along the mangroves. You can also enjoy several other sports like scuba diving, surfing, and several others that allow you to experience the calmness of the waters. Whether you are with friends or family or on a solo trip, you cannot miss out on this. Experience something that will stay with you in your memory throughout.