Lee County, Florida is a special, sunny place that sits along the sparklingwaters of the Gulf of Mexico. Powered by Mai Theme, Where To Stay In Miami: Best Hotels and Areas, Key West Double Dip: 2-Stop Snorkeling Trip, Fort Zachary is one of the best beaches in Key West! If you choose to make the trip, it is best to hire a car and drive to the beach via the connecting channel bridge. Besides being a great water sport where you never leave the surface, snorkeling provides benefits such as increasing lung capacity, providing better joint mobility, burning calories and is a great workout for your legs, core and shoulders. 2022. Captain Pauls Yacht Charters offers small groups a private charter tour aboard the 44-inch Boadicea. "This is a bucket list . Key West is perfectly located on the worlds third largest living coral reef, flourishing with over 500 different species of marine wildlife. Blind Pass Beach is actually located on Captiva Island, not Sanibel Island. But if you need to rent gear weve listed some good businesses below that you can visit. In doing so, it created the first Veterans Memorial Reef. You can snorkel along the . Pegasus Reef is perfect for those interested in seeing a shipwreck up close and encountering larger marine animals not just colorful fish and corals. 1. @leecountyflbocc There are more than 20 artificial reefs along the coast of Sanibel and Captiva. Located just 70 nautical miles from Key West, the Yankee Freedom III serves as Dry Tortugas's official ferry. It is a man-made reef that was created in 1984. You'll often find stingrays swimming about the statue. Visitors can enjoy spotting a variety of colorful fish and other marine life while floating atop the gentle waves. Her expertise includes higher education, marketing and social media, and her presentations and writing have won industry awards. The Destin East Pass Reef is home to a variety of marine life, including fish, coral, and other invertebrates. It is roughly 20 miles southwest of Fort Myers in Lee County, Florida. Natural coral reefs arent native to these areas, but shipwrecks and other debris have created homes for many ocean creatures and marine life. All Rights Reserved. Between March and May, Naples has the best snorkeling season. Snorkeling in Naples is a fantastic way to get a taste of a variety of aquatic life, such as fiddler crabs and colorful fish. Peagus/Charlies Reef is located 28 miles due west of Red Fish Pass. The location provides access to more than 40 snorkeling and diving spots where you can encounter manta rays and whale sharks. Over two-hundred-fifty species call the ships region home, including: Many of these fish and creatures have made the ships interior home, so dont be surprised when you enter the hull to see someone looking back at you. Perhaps the greatest snorkelling spot in all of the South Pacific can be found near the French Polynesian island of Tahaa, which is within shouting distance of its sister island, Raiatea. The marine life is abundant and lively. Snorkelers of all levels can enjoy the wonders of Naples water, whether they are beginning or experienced. Youll want to consider the best places for marine life, safety, water visibility, and accessibility. One thing to note before snorkeling at Edison Reef is that the reef has suffered from dead zones over recent years. However, currents occasionally get strong, so its best to check with locals on the day you plan to snorkel. You can easily access Captiva Island on foot or by vehicle over the channel bridge, and the island is a great day trip from Sanibel Island. Experience new cultures, share your own adventures and make memories that will last a lifetime. A yellow and white marker shows the location of the reef, constructed of concrete culverts. The Raja Ampat snorkeling opportunities are amazing. On Cinco de Mayo in 2000, a 10,000-pound concrete Jose Cuervo bar was sunk to create an artificial reef, and to promote near-shore snorkeling and diving. On Captiva Island, at the northernmost point, youll find that Alison Hageup Beach is ideal for snorkeling. Apart from the occasional tooth and a few playing dolphins, larger marine life is less common at Blind Pass Beach. And, its surrounding infrastructure makes it a convenient location once youve made the journey to Captiva Island. Blind Pass Beach is easy to access and close to the road. The skilled guides can help you spot creatures like octopuses and sea . When the Fort Meyers bridge sank, an underwater habitat was created. Since it sank more than ten years before the USS Mohawk, it is considerably more worn, but the marine flora and fauna are more abundant. This reef is located approximately 15 nautical miles from the Sanibel Lighthouse. One to try: the Edison Reef, off. From Miami: Key West Bus Tour. THE MENU Visitors arrive to this park to sunbathe, snorkel the reef, hike, bird-watch, fish, picnic, and search for seashells on a daily basis. One of the largest is the Edison Reef, created from the rubble of a former mainland bridge. Cayo Costa State Park is a protected marine area and receives extensive efforts in preserving and protecting both flora and fauna. 2022 Journeying The Globe. To reach Cayo Costa State Park, you can rent a private charter or take the regular charter ferry boat then snorkel at the Park independently. 1 If you're strapped for time, sail on a half-day luxury cruise, or take a speedboat for a thrilling snorkel adventure. Starfish Snorkeling: El Cielo, or Heaven in English, is a truly unique place to discover and snorkel. This reef is also home to more than 2,900 individual reefs and over 900 islands, as a result, there is more than enough to cover and enjoy. Put on your flippers, secure your mask and insert your snorkel; because you're about to look under the clear Gulf water to see fish, reef and live shells. With a long and dry summer season that starts at the end of May and lasts till the end of September and a short, mild winter period (Dec-February), Egypt's Red Sea Coast is a year-round travel destination. Closer to home, the Belton Johnson Reef, about 5 nautical miles off Bowmans Beach, was named for a well-known local fishing guide. There are tons of boat tours that will take you to all the best spots. Islands add interest and encourage biodiversity along shorelines, which is ideal for scuba divers interested in exploring coral reefs and sightseeing marine and land wildlife. Wrecks and man-made reefs help restock our waters with fish for the benefit of Scuba divers and fisherman alike. There are plenty of dive shops dotting the Fort Myers streets; including Captain Pete's Diving Outfitters on Colonial Boulevard and Eagle Ray Dive Center on Bonita Beach Road. Even if you aren't going on a guided excursion where masks, snorkels and flippers are provided, you can still get the proper accessories for this popular activity. After an amazing 1215 minute ride, you will be slowly and safely removed from the boat. 19450 County Hwy 707, Tequesta, FL 33469, Phone: 561-966-6600 Snorkelers can expect to see schools of fish, starfish, and seahorses. The Sanibel Island Cruise Line maintains an inventory of 30 sets of snorkeling gear; and takes guests out to a prime location, allowing snorkelers to explore in three to eight feet of water. Apart from snorkeling, visitors to Lighthouse Beach Park can visit the 150-year-old lighthouse that overshadows the beach and walk the traditional pier for ocean views. Snorkeling here is a great way to get up close and personal with the areas wildlife. There are more than twenty artificial reefs along the Sanibel and Captiva Islands. It was built less than 15 nautical miles from the Sanibel Island Lighthouse in 42 feet of water. The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is a historical museum that takes you back in time. But, when snorkeling Sanibel Island, which locations should you choose? This reef is located just offshore of the East Pass jetty. The reef is located 15 nautical miles from the Sanibel Island Lighthouse, making it inaccessible from the beach. Check out Lee Reefs for more information on reef and ship wreck locations. Pegasus Reef, also known as Charlies Reef, is another artificial addition to Sanibel Islands underwater habitats. Raja Ampat in West Papua, Indonesia is a divers' paradise. You'll need to take a short boat ride to get there, but the trip is well worth it. The, How to stop the next police killing? Therefore, wed recommend Blind Pass Beach for snorkelers looking for a convenient, entry-level experience. You have the best chances of seeing manatees at Lighthouse Beach Park, Bowmans Beach Park, and at nearby Cayo Costa State Park. Alternatively, you can join a snorkeling day trip from Sanibel and relax with the whole experience in others knowledgeable and organized hands. More than a dozen artificial reefs lie within a 15 mile radius of Sanibel and Captiva making these Florida barrier islands great for snorkeling and scuba diving. Source. Ithas soft and white sandy beaches and clear, warm water. Grants from federal, state, and private sources helped create a range of recreational opportunities from inshore to the deep water of the Gulf of Mexico. The state park, which has cabins for rent, is accessible only by private boat or ferry. There are many different boat tours and coastal beaches in order to enjoy everything this reef has to offer. A large tug boat was added to several railroad hoppers that already have quite an assortment of residences, including barracuda, cobia, nurse shark, grouper, amber jack and a moray eel. Bowmans Beachs easy accessibility and beautiful setting make it an ideal choice for those whod like to combine snorkeling with a beach day. With its crystal-clear waters, sandy banks and abundance of starfish, this is a must-see for any visitor. What are the best parts? Day 1 Cancun - Isle of Mujeres - Cancun. Just beyond our white-sand beaches, a network of artificial reefs providing diving, snorkeling, boating and fishing opportunities for residents and visitors of Southwest Florida. I'm glad, Dozens die daily waiting for donor organs. Captiva Beach contains over a dozen artificial reefs. Key West: 2-Hour Sunset Sail on Schooner America 2.0. Here, visitors can snorkel straight from the beach, making it a great location for independent and budget snorkeling. Parasailing Marco Island is an amazing experience! It is suggested that one or more people experience this Parachuting adventure at Skys the Limit. Top Helsinki Scuba & Snorkeling Activities: See reviews and photos of scuba & snorkeling in Helsinki, Finland on Tripadvisor. The beach is located at the northernmost point of Captiva Island, meaning it is accessible but a slightly longer journey than to other locations weve covered. Fort Myers Beach, the most prominent beach in the area, offers several hot spots for snorkeling, including Blind Pass. The depth of the water and distance from shore means that Pegasus Reef has lots of exciting marine life to meet and discover. For snorkelers with their own equipment, Cayo Costa State Park just west of Fort Myers and north of Sanibel offers snorkeling in its pristine, blue Gulf of Mexico waters. The reef is actually made up of 2,900 individual reefs that stretch over 1,400 miles off the Australian shoreline. Yes, there is good snorkeling on Marco Island Florida. Bowmans Beach is very popular, which is good for water safety. Like Bowmans Beach, you can snorkel this location straight from Blind Pass Beach. The Sanibel Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce keeps a directory on its website of cruise companies and private captains that offer snorkeling excursions. 9 Places for the Best Snorkeling in the Florida Keys 1. Gaiola Archaeological Park. In addition to the clear water, the ocean floor is also visible. The 8.5 foot, 4,000 pound statue depicts Christ with his arms outstretched, surrounded by beautiful coral formations. Of course, youll need a boat and a captain to access this unique site. Snorkeling Sanibel Island: 7 Snorkel Spots You Must Visit. The Sanibel Island Cruise Line maintains an inventory of 30 sets of snorkeling gear; and takes guests out to a prime location, allowing snorkelers to explore in three to eight feet of water. This reef is located approximately 15 nautical miles from the Sanibel Lighthouse. There is excellent snorkeling to be found in the calm, clear waters off the coast of Naples, Florida. The boat features a spacious deck area, shaded as well . Cheeca Rocks is a great little reef for snorkeling in Islamorada. Looking to snorkel in Fort Meyers, but don't have the gear? Your best option is to participate in a tour. So, if you build up your confidence in the shallower waters, you can always decide to join a snorkeling tour to Belton Johnsons reef later. Wrecks and man-made reefs help restock our waters with fish for the benefit of Scuba divers and fisherman alike. The 1,429 miles long Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the most expansive coral reef system in the entire world. Why Kavanaugh, Barrett may be key to student loan cases at Supreme Court, Biden 'not confident' on court ruling of student loan plan. A Complete Comparison Guide, A Complete Guide To Traveling Rio de Janeiro On A Budget, The 5 Best Things To Do In Salvador, Brazil, With Kids, Is Quito Safe? There are only two options to reach this spot: By taking a one- or two-hour snorkeling tour with a guide. More snorkeling opportunities can be found on South Marco Beachs only acre beach access off South Collier Boulevard. Marine life here includes parrotfish, horse eye jacks and butterflyfish. Remarkably enough, Florida is the only state in the contiguous United States to offer prolific, extensive shallow coral reefs. Blue Reef Explorers 5 Photos Reviews 48 #5 of 18 Outdoor Activities in Sandy Bay Scuba & Snorkelling Open now 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Write a review See all photos About If you are looking for an unexplored & exciting underwater experience, Blue Reef Explorers is the diving outfitter for you. And no, don't worry, there are no alligators here. Image Source. Blind Pass Beach is excellent for experiencing swimming with schools of fish and spotting pretty seashells. The Florida Keys' reefs are the only living coral reefs in the continental United States. The reef is approximately 28 miles offshore, so it is a good snorkeling location for those wanting a day trip and full ocean experience. Many professional tour companies offer educational and adventure snorkeling excursions from Fort Myers Beach, too. Tigertail Beach is the ideal location for a day of fun in the water for families. Blue Skies, Sunshine and Summertime on Sanibel Captiva Islands, What to do on Sanibel-Captiva this Summer, Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce 60th Anniversary Annual Meeting. Lee County has had an active artificial reef program since the early 1990's. In terms of access, snorkeling Lighthouse Beach Park doesnt get much easier. A yellow and white marker shows the location of the reef, constructed of concrete culverts. Season 3 of 'The Mandalorian' is finally here, 10 best Amazon deals you can shop for today, Solo Stove fire pit deals are hot this weeksave, How to stock a survival kit worthy of 'The Last, Saving endangered right whales pits advocates, Meet the New College alum who says he helped, Are we enabling white nationalism by staying on, Jalen Carter's arrest warrant leaves rampant, Trade, megadeal or tag? The majority of this island is part of Virgin Islands National Park, featuring mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. July 25, 2018. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, located in Naples, Florida, is one of the best places to snorkel. Its waters are mostly calm with clear visibility, making it a safe destination to snorkel. Scenic, great for independent trips, and a good place to combine snorkeling with a relaxed beach day, Alison Hagerup Beach is a notable addition to our list. Belton Johnsons Reef is only a few miles away from Bowmans Beach. Like Edison Reef, Pegasus Reef is located offshore, requiring a private charter or group tour to access it. And, often, you will spot manatees, dolphins, and stingrays making for a memorable snorkeling experience. Pegasus is frequently visited by Goliath Grouper, a fish that is eight feet long and weighs an impressive five hundred pounds. For families and larger groups, the beach provides a cheaper, casual, and sociable way to experience snorkeling Sanibel Island. Thus, it also caters to fishing and kayaking. Adventures in Paradise is one suggested by the visitors bureau. Visitors can also swim in the gulf, as well as sunbathe and shell along nine miles of beach. Because of its clarity, the Naples park is one of the most popular spawning grounds on the Paradise Coast. Also, it is visible and accessible for snorkeling. Fantastico sank in 1993, fifty miles off the coast of Fort Myers. Occasionally, you may spot larger marine life like stingrays, dolphins, and manatees who venture into shallower waters. Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour. Is India A Good Travel Destination? With a Boatsetter captained boat rental you can explore the many snorkeling spots around Fort Myers and make the most of your time out on the water. If youve never snorkeled before, you might want to try Scuba Outfitters of Naples. Its approximately fifteen nautical miles away from the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. The water isnt quite as clear as the southernmost phttps://www.boatsetter.com/boat-rentals/miamiflunited-statesoint of Florida (Miami for example), but visibility is still good enough for snorkeling and swimming. There are 35 public access points to the seven-mile long beach. And best beaches mean, Key West 3-Hour Afternoon Reef Snorkel with Drinks, Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling, Key West Rum and Reggae Afternoon Snorkel and Sunset. 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