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Tag Archives: Key West

Under the Sea: Top 3 Snorkel Spots in Florida

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SNORKELING IS TOPS

Ask anyone who has enjoyed a yachting vacation what activity they enjoyed the most, and chances are they will tell you, “the snorkeling.”  Indeed, there is something magical about donning a pair of fins, strapping on a mask and snorkel, and exploring the world below the waves.

It is this opportunity to explore first-hand the undersea world that draws so many travelers to South Florida, to enjoy a Florida yacht charter vacation, and spend part of the time off the boat – and in the water.

 

BEST SNORKEL SPOTS IN SOUTH FLORIDA

With so many areas easily accessible and filled with interesting sights, we asked our charter department to put their heads together and come up with their favorite snorkeling spots in South Florida.  In no particular order, here are their top 3:

 

1.  PEANUT ISLAND (Rivera Beach)

peanut island underwater riviera beach florida turquoise water full of fish with coral reefs on each side

Above the waterline, it’s hardly a remote, tropical oasis. This unique eighty acre public park is a man-made island situated in the Intracoastal Waterway near the Lake Worth Inlet in close proximity to the City of Riviera Beach, and the Port of Palm Beach. Locals take small boats, kayaks and rafts and float out to the park for picnics – and it can be super crowded on weekends.  The real reason to visit this destination during a private yacht charter is the opportunity to snorkel around the island and the see the sea life. The list of creatures you can encounter is a long one – squid, rays, octopus, and thousands of brilliantly-colored tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you might even see a Florida manatee!

Tip:  The best time for snorkeling is around high tide. The waters here are a bath-like 85 degrees well into September.

 

2. KEY LARGO

The further south you head in Florida, the warmer the water gets, even in winter.  It’s the warmth, both air and sea that draws boaters to the Florida Keys.  Many charter yacht vacations begin in Miami. Key Largo, about a 2-3 hour cruise from Miami, is often the first night’s destination.   This island is a snorkeler’s dream – shallow coral reefs, tropical sea life, and oh yeah – really warm water!!!  In the summer, the water temp can climb to nearly 90 degrees – ahhhh…

Tip:  A snorkel outing to John Pennekamp Coral Reef (underwater) State Park is a must.

girl snorkeling in key largo florida - holding a large starfish

statue of christ at john pennekamp underwater state park in key largo florida - christ looking up with outstretched arms

LASTLY,

3.  DRY TORTUGAS (Key West)

At the southernmost tip of the chain of islands that make up the Florida Keys, is the island of Key West. 70 miles to the west lies Dry Tortugas National Park. 100-square miles of mostly open water with seven small islands makes this a great snorkeling destination.  Rarely crowded, its accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of the Civil War’s Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, and abundant coral reefs and marine life.

Tip:  After snorkeling, take a tour of the old fort, hosted by National Park Rangers.

dry tortugas national park off of key west florida - a fort surrounded by ocean with multiple yachts anchored around one side of it

 

HOW TO YACHT CHARTER FLORIDA KEYS

Did we overlook your favorite snorkel site???  Tell us where you like to snorkel in South Florida, and what makes it special.  As a thank you, we’ll send you an Eco-tote bag that you can use to carry your towels and your snorkel gear.   Leave us a comment below or fill out our convenient online form at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ today.

We’ll see you below the waves…

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