BEST OF ORLANDO® READERS' CHOICE NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN!

23 awesome snorkel spots within driving distance of Orlando

By on Fri, Mar 18, 2016 at 6:01 pm

Snorkeling is essentially scuba diving, but without the expensive certification course and threat of an embolism. Basically, anyone can do it and Orlando is centrally located between some of Florida's best spots. What we have here are a few of our favorite places to splash around that aren't too far from Orlando. We also listed a few great snorkel spots that are definitely a haul, but well worth the drive if you've got a long weekend.

Captions by Rachel Stuart

 

Scroll down to view images
Alexander Springs 49525 County Road 445, Altoona, FL 32702 Drive time: 1 hr 6 min Grab your snorkeling gear and plan a trip to Alexander Springs any time year-round. The turquoise waters also welcome swimming, scuba diving and canoeing, so you may have to compete for a spot in the 72-degree water. Photo via raisingfloridaboys/Instagram
Alexander Springs
49525 County Road 445, Altoona, FL 32702
Drive time: 1 hr 6 min
Grab your snorkeling gear and plan a trip to Alexander Springs any time year-round. The turquoise waters also welcome swimming, scuba diving and canoeing, so you may have to compete for a spot in the 72-degree water.

Photo via raisingfloridaboys/Instagram
Fort Pickens Jetties Pensacola, FL Drive time: 6 hr 23 min Interested in snorkeling among pinfish, pipefish, seahorses and other species? Gulf Islands welcomes snorkelers who are looking for historic sites to explore, including the 1906 wreck of the tugboat Sport and the USS Massachusetts. The jetties at the northwest corner of the Fort Pickens seawall is also a popular site to snorkel, where depths can drop to nearly 50 feet. Photo via wandering_wallaby/Instagram
Fort Pickens Jetties
Pensacola, FL
Drive time: 6 hr 23 min
Interested in snorkeling among pinfish, pipefish, seahorses and other species? Gulf Islands welcomes snorkelers who are looking for historic sites to explore, including the 1906 wreck of the tugboat Sport and the USS Massachusetts. The jetties at the northwest corner of the Fort Pickens seawall is also a popular site to snorkel, where depths can drop to nearly 50 feet.

Photo via wandering_wallaby/Instagram
Blue Heron Bridge 900 Blue Heron Blvd. East, Riviera Beach, FL 33404 Drive time: 2 hr 31 min To observe the array of fish at the Blue Heron Bridge, snorkelers are welcome to rent equipment, including masks, fins, snorkels and mesh bags, for up to two days for $20. Surface swimming is allowed with snorkels in the guarded swim area of Phil Foster Park, as long as no other regulators are used for breathing. There are also guided snorkel tours from local experts to provide information while you enjoy your marine adventure. Photo via idiaz7/Instagram
Blue Heron Bridge
900 Blue Heron Blvd. East, Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Drive time: 2 hr 31 min
To observe the array of fish at the Blue Heron Bridge, snorkelers are welcome to rent equipment, including masks, fins, snorkels and mesh bags, for up to two days for $20. Surface swimming is allowed with snorkels in the guarded swim area of Phil Foster Park, as long as no other regulators are used for breathing. There are also guided snorkel tours from local experts to provide information while you enjoy your marine adventure.

Photo via idiaz7/Instagram
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 Drive time: 4 hr 50 min John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the United States, covering about 70 square miles. Bring a group of friends and go on a two-and-a-half hour snorkeling tour for about $30 each, or about $25 for those under 18. The state park also started a new private snorkeling charter at its Club Snorkel division, which allows for a personal and relaxed snorkeling experience. Photo via freedivingfanatic/Instagram
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Drive time: 4 hr 50 min
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the United States, covering about 70 square miles. Bring a group of friends and go on a two-and-a-half hour snorkeling tour for about $30 each, or about $25 for those under 18. The state park also started a new private snorkeling charter at its Club Snorkel division, which allows for a personal and relaxed snorkeling experience.

Photo via freedivingfanatic/Instagram
Rainbow Springs 19158 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432 Drive time: 1 hr 46 min While snorkeling in Rainbow Springs is only allowed in the buoyed swimming area, snorkelers can venture out from the campground or from boats once outside of the headsprings. This spring has been used for nearly 10,000 years, and it is known to be Florida’s fourth largest spring. Photo via loganfazio/Instagram
Rainbow Springs
19158 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432
Drive time: 1 hr 46 min
While snorkeling in Rainbow Springs is only allowed in the buoyed swimming area, snorkelers can venture out from the campground or from boats once outside of the headsprings. This spring has been used for nearly 10,000 years, and it is known to be Florida’s fourth largest spring.

Photo via loganfazio/Instagram
Silver Glen Springs 5271 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32134 Drive time: 1 hr 19 min The springs of Silver Glen lie along the edge of the Big Scrub of the Ocala National Forest. Although scuba diving is not permitted, snorkelers can take a trip to the springs and enjoy the cultural heritage of the area. And if the sun is shining, be sure to take a look at the bottom of the spring basin as rainbows spread across the floor. Photo via j_macalua/Instagram
Silver Glen Springs
5271 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32134
Drive time: 1 hr 19 min
The springs of Silver Glen lie along the edge of the Big Scrub of the Ocala National Forest. Although scuba diving is not permitted, snorkelers can take a trip to the springs and enjoy the cultural heritage of the area. And if the sun is shining, be sure to take a look at the bottom of the spring basin as rainbows spread across the floor.

Photo via j_macalua/Instagram
Blue Spring 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL 32763 Drive time: 48 min Blue Spring’s crystal clear spring run is open for snorkelers to wander. Although it is prohibited to snorkel with the manatees, this designated Manatee Refuge allows snorkelers to explore the 72-degree waters during all seasons excluding winter, as the spring provides a safe refuge for manatees during this time. Photo via pattymilian002/Instagram
Blue Spring
2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
Drive time: 48 min
Blue Spring’s crystal clear spring run is open for snorkelers to wander. Although it is prohibited to snorkel with the manatees, this designated Manatee Refuge allows snorkelers to explore the 72-degree waters during all seasons excluding winter, as the spring provides a safe refuge for manatees during this time.

Photo via pattymilian002/Instagram
Salt Springs 13851 N. Hwy 19, Salt Springs, FL 32134 Drive time: 1 hr 28 min Salt Springs is home to an abundance of marine life and aquatic vegetation, so snorkelers are sure to come across some unique habitats. Snorkelers can see striped bass, mullet and small fry, along with needle fish and blue crabs. The 72-degree waters pump approximately 53 million gallons of water per day. Photo via carryonsteven/Instagram
Salt Springs
13851 N. Hwy 19, Salt Springs, FL 32134
Drive time: 1 hr 28 min
Salt Springs is home to an abundance of marine life and aquatic vegetation, so snorkelers are sure to come across some unique habitats. Snorkelers can see striped bass, mullet and small fry, along with needle fish and blue crabs. The 72-degree waters pump approximately 53 million gallons of water per day.

Photo via carryonsteven/Instagram
Point-of-Rocks Siesta Key, FL Drive time: 2 hr 27 min Located at the southern end of Crescent Beach, Point-of-Rocks begins on the beach and extends out into the water for nearly 300 feet. While the rocks serve as home to fish and other marine life, snorkelers are able to view the habitats in the water that is generally less than 5 feet deep. And although the low tide may not allow for much exploring of the waters, the natural outcropping of flat, smooth beach rock is enough to take your breath away. Photo via carliemariebeal/Instagram
Point-of-Rocks
Siesta Key, FL
Drive time: 2 hr 27 min
Located at the southern end of Crescent Beach, Point-of-Rocks begins on the beach and extends out into the water for nearly 300 feet. While the rocks serve as home to fish and other marine life, snorkelers are able to view the habitats in the water that is generally less than 5 feet deep. And although the low tide may not allow for much exploring of the waters, the natural outcropping of flat, smooth beach rock is enough to take your breath away.

Photo via carliemariebeal/Instagram
Wekiwa Springs 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712 Drive time: 29 min The clear waters of Wekiwa Springs State Park are open from 8 a.m. for swimmers and snorkelers to roam. Snorkelers are welcome to explore the cool, 72-degree water of the state park, but make sure to note that snorkeling is not permitted in Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run or the Wekiva River. Photo via colefactory/Instagram
Wekiwa Springs
1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712
Drive time: 29 min
The clear waters of Wekiwa Springs State Park are open from 8 a.m. for swimmers and snorkelers to roam. Snorkelers are welcome to explore the cool, 72-degree water of the state park, but make sure to note that snorkeling is not permitted in Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run or the Wekiva River.

Photo via colefactory/Instagram
Biscayne National Park 9700 SW 328th St., Homestead, FL 33033 Drive time: 4 hr 26 min Aquamarine waters, emerald islands and coral reefs make up Biscayne, which contains evidence of 10,000 years of history. The water of Biscayne National Park is open for snorkelers 24 hours per day, so there is no excuse not to explore the park’s 172,000 acres. Photo via g_bears/Instagram
Biscayne National Park
9700 SW 328th St., Homestead, FL 33033
Drive time: 4 hr 26 min
Aquamarine waters, emerald islands and coral reefs make up Biscayne, which contains evidence of 10,000 years of history. The water of Biscayne National Park is open for snorkelers 24 hours per day, so there is no excuse not to explore the park’s 172,000 acres.

Photo via g_bears/Instagram
Crystal River 498 SE Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, FL 34429 Drive time: 1 hr 38 min Snorkeling alone can get a little lonely, and the staff at Crystal River understands. At Crystal River, visitors are allowed to embark on a snorkel tour with manatees. USCG licensed Master Captains will accompany and guide you along the tour with the playful, gentle giants underwater. Up close and personal with the manatees, you can snorkel through the spring-fed ecosystem and get a feel for the mammal’s natural habitats. Photo via rachvann/Instagram
Crystal River
498 SE Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, FL 34429
Drive time: 1 hr 38 min
Snorkeling alone can get a little lonely, and the staff at Crystal River understands. At Crystal River, visitors are allowed to embark on a snorkel tour with manatees. USCG licensed Master Captains will accompany and guide you along the tour with the playful, gentle giants underwater. Up close and personal with the manatees, you can snorkel through the spring-fed ecosystem and get a feel for the mammal’s natural habitats.

Photo via rachvann/Instagram
DeLeon Springs 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd., De Leon Springs, FL 32130 Drive time: 1 hr How can you turn down a 625-acre park that features a spring, which overlooks Spring Garden Run? Though it is not allowed to snorkel in the Spring Run, it is permitted to explore the waters in the swimming area of DeLeon Springs, which is a constant 72 degrees and ranges in depth from 18 inches to 30 feet at the spring boil. Photo via athena_amidstthereeds/Instagram
DeLeon Springs
601 Ponce Deleon Blvd., De Leon Springs, FL 32130
Drive time: 1 hr
How can you turn down a 625-acre park that features a spring, which overlooks Spring Garden Run? Though it is not allowed to snorkel in the Spring Run, it is permitted to explore the waters in the swimming area of DeLeon Springs, which is a constant 72 degrees and ranges in depth from 18 inches to 30 feet at the spring boil.

Photo via athena_amidstthereeds/Instagram
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park 11135 Gulfshore Drive, Naples, FL 34108 Drive time: 3 hr 29 min Among hiking, bird-watching, fishing and shelling, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a popular destination for snorkelers to gather at the 166-acre park as well. With a hard bottom reef that runs parallel to the beach, Delnor-Wiggins allows snorkeling along the beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Photo via myadventurehat/Instagram
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
11135 Gulfshore Drive, Naples, FL 34108
Drive time: 3 hr 29 min
Among hiking, bird-watching, fishing and shelling, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a popular destination for snorkelers to gather at the 166-acre park as well. With a hard bottom reef that runs parallel to the beach, Delnor-Wiggins allows snorkeling along the beach on the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo via myadventurehat/Instagram
The Destin Jetties 500 Gulf Shore Drive #316, Destin, FL 32541 Drive time: 6 hr 12 min Being underwater with an open ocean floor of clean, quartz sand may be your snorkel preference. When snorkeling the man-made jetties, it’s best to go during the slackwater at high tide as the area is inundated with the clean Gulf waters at this time. You may also want to check out the coral reefs and variety of sea life the Destin Jetties has to offer. Photo via jadelynbananabread/Instagram
The Destin Jetties
500 Gulf Shore Drive #316, Destin, FL 32541
Drive time: 6 hr 12 min
Being underwater with an open ocean floor of clean, quartz sand may be your snorkel preference. When snorkeling the man-made jetties, it’s best to go during the slackwater at high tide as the area is inundated with the clean Gulf waters at this time. You may also want to check out the coral reefs and variety of sea life the Destin Jetties has to offer.

Photo via jadelynbananabread/Instagram
Egmont Key 4905 34th St. South #5000, St. Petersburg , FL 33711 Drive time: 1 hr 52 min Take a trip to Egmont Key State Park if you’re looking to snorkel off a remote island. The blue-green waters call out to snorkelers who are wishing to venture out into Egmont Key’s natural and cultural history. While you’re there, check out the historic lighthouse that has stood on the island since 1858. Photo via victoria_ann28/Instagram
Egmont Key
4905 34th St. South #5000, St. Petersburg , FL 33711
Drive time: 1 hr 52 min
Take a trip to Egmont Key State Park if you’re looking to snorkel off a remote island. The blue-green waters call out to snorkelers who are wishing to venture out into Egmont Key’s natural and cultural history. While you’re there, check out the historic lighthouse that has stood on the island since 1858.

Photo via victoria_ann28/Instagram
John D. Macarthur Beach State Park 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 Drive time: 2 hr 32 min When snorkeling at this state park, keep your eyes peeled for the rare and endangered native tropical and coastal plant species. While snorkeling the depths of John D. Macarthur Beach, herons, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers and gulls are sure to be hovering above. This barrier island is also known for its unique tropical hammock and mangrove forest. And don’t forget: Be sure to rent a Diver-Down flag at the gift shop before you start your journey. Photo via gimpm3/Instagram
John D. Macarthur Beach State Park
10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Drive time: 2 hr 32 min
When snorkeling at this state park, keep your eyes peeled for the rare and endangered native tropical and coastal plant species. While snorkeling the depths of John D. Macarthur Beach, herons, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers and gulls are sure to be hovering above. This barrier island is also known for its unique tropical hammock and mangrove forest. And don’t forget: Be sure to rent a Diver-Down flag at the gift shop before you start your journey.

Photo via gimpm3/Instagram
Red Reef Park 1400 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432 Drive time: 3 hr Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities at the south end of Red Reef Park. The 67-acre ocean-front park is pretty expansive, so If you need guidance or assistance, it’s best to go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when lifeguards are on duty. Photo via beach_somewhere/Instagram
Red Reef Park
1400 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432
Drive time: 3 hr
Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities at the south end of Red Reef Park. The 67-acre ocean-front park is pretty expansive, so If you need guidance or assistance, it’s best to go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when lifeguards are on duty.

Photo via beach_somewhere/Instagram
Regina Sugar Barge 105 7th St. North, Bradenton, FL 34217 Drive time: 2 hr 23 min About 150 feet from the beach lies the Regina Sugar Barge, Florida’s 10th Shipwreck Underwater Preserve. Snorkelers wanting to observe something other than marine life can explore this 200-foot-long wreckage. If you want information on snorkeling the wreck, visit Sea Kat Dive Shop, which is located across the street from the wreck itself. Photo via hexekunterbunt/Instagram
Regina Sugar Barge
105 7th St. North, Bradenton, FL 34217
Drive time: 2 hr 23 min
About 150 feet from the beach lies the Regina Sugar Barge, Florida’s 10th Shipwreck Underwater Preserve. Snorkelers wanting to observe something other than marine life can explore this 200-foot-long wreckage. If you want information on snorkeling the wreck, visit Sea Kat Dive Shop, which is located across the street from the wreck itself.

Photo via hexekunterbunt/Instagram
St. Andrews State Park 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, FL 32408 Drive time: 5 hr 54 min St. Andrews State Park is popular for its sugar white sands and emerald green waters, and snorkelers are bound to find marine life along the shoreline and rock jetties. If you don’t have snorkeling gear, don’t fret. Equipment is available for rental at any of the concession stores on the property. Photo via karenroe78/Instagram
St. Andrews State Park
4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, FL 32408
Drive time: 5 hr 54 min
St. Andrews State Park is popular for its sugar white sands and emerald green waters, and snorkelers are bound to find marine life along the shoreline and rock jetties. If you don’t have snorkeling gear, don’t fret. Equipment is available for rental at any of the concession stores on the property.

Photo via karenroe78/Instagram
Page 1 of 2
Next Page

Chava Communications

Read our sister publications

Orlando Weekly

PO Box 953127.

Lake Mary, FL 32795

Facebook Twitter Instagram Icon Apple News Icon Google News Icon
© 2024 Orlando Weekly
Powered By Foundation
Support Us