This reef is located just offshore of the East Pass jetty. Jamaica's first protected marine park, Montego Bay Marine Park is an excellent spot to go snorkeling in the vibrant underwater world. In the water, you will see some incredible wildlife that you will never see anywhere else on Earth. Waking up with the fish, turtles, reef sharks, rays, swimming amongst angle and butterflyfish is the way how you spend your time here. Make a day of it on the Gulf Coast more memorable by booking a paddle adventure with Gnarly Harley. Natural coral reefs arent native to these areas, but shipwrecks and other debris have created homes for many ocean creatures and marine life. 1. There are numerous underwater beaches in the Gulf of Mexico that are sure to pique the interest of scuba enthusiasts. Along the shore, youll spot famously beautiful shells and lots of colorful fish. The Sanibel Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce keeps a directory on its website of cruise companies and private captains that offer snorkeling excursions. 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. Raja Ampat in West Papua, Indonesia is a divers' paradise. However, you should take usual water safety precautions and check with locals about currents and riptides when exploring unfamiliar waters. Its stunning beaches and famously beautiful shells create the perfect backdrop for snorkeling. Sanibel Island is great for snorkeling. Closer to home, the Belton Johnson Reef, about 5 nautical miles off Bowmans Beach, was named for a well-known local fishing guide. South Florida is a popular vacation destination and for many good reasons. Sanibel Island Snorkeling & Scuba Diving Cape Town or Durban: Which South African City to Visit? There are usually schools of vibrant fish in the area, and the water is calm for being in the ocean. If you're strapped for time, sail on a half-day luxury cruise, or take a speedboat for a thrilling snorkel adventure. The USS Mohawk was intentionally sunk twenty-eight nautical miles off Sanibel Island at Charlies Reef in 2012. Belton Johnson's Reef is only a few miles away from Bowman's Beach. 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928. . 1. WEST BAY, ROATN. Are you ready for your next diving adventure? 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. Follow the links to the left to learn more about artificial reef locationsor go toSWFL Reefs . An abundance of marine life can also be found alongside the nearby jetty. 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. Blind Pass Beach is actually located on Captiva Island, not Sanibel Island. Snorkeling is a great way to enjoy the wrecks and artificial reefs found in Captiva and Sanibel Islands. In addition to the wonderful beaches and shopping area, Naples offers a variety of restaurants and shops. Apart from the occasional tooth and a few playing dolphins, larger marine life is less common at Blind Pass Beach. The water has always been a favorite place for outdoor recreation. Guests are able to swim, fish and snorkel, with all gear included. The 200-foot-long Honduran fighter is now resting on her starboard side, 110 feet below the oceans surface. 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? The protected beach and nearby Blowing Rocks Preserve in Jupiter offer excellent snorkeling with coral reefs teeming with marine life such as fish, nurse sharks, eels, sea turtles, and crabs. The depth of the water and distance from shore means that Pegasus Reef has lots of exciting marine life to meet and discover. Cayo Costa is known for its secluded beaches, making this a perfect location for couples. Blind Pass Beach is excellent for experiencing swimming with schools of fish and spotting pretty seashells. Board your waiting catamaran and set out on an adventure to one of the most beautiful reefs near Nassau. For almost three decades visitors and locals alike have been choosing Fury Water Adventures for snorkeling Key West's nearby reef. You can book the tour on the sea front at Puerto Morelos. All gear included at no cost to you while you spend your time at Cayo Costa state park. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. From Miami: Key West Bus Tour. Blue Reef Explorers: They're The Best When It Comes To Snorkeling - See 56 traveler reviews, 81 candid photos, and great deals for Sandy Bay, Honduras, at Tripadvisor. "When we dove the Edison reef, on Tuesday, we saw nothing," said Rick Bartleson, a water quality scientist with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. You'll often find stingrays swimming about the statue. If you want to visit Edison Reef, you'll have to rent a private charter or join a snorkeling tour. However, the best snorkeling is reserved for the outer islands, just off the coast. Sanibel is located just off Fort Myers Beach, and just north of that is Captiva. If you choose to make the trip, it is best to hire a car and drive to the beach via the connecting channel bridge. The Belton Johnson Reef -- named for a well-known fishing guide -- is located five nautical miles off Bowmans Beach. We have all types of inflatables from balls to boats, every kind of towable equipment from tubes to water skis, canoes and kayaks and the carriers and racks to get them to the water, snorkeling gear, pools, waterproof action cameras to record your aquatic adventures. Like the USS Mohawk, only thosewith Advanced Level Certification are permitted here. (239) 872-6295. Sanibel Island can be found in Lee County, Florida. Coral Reef Snorkeling: Grab your snorkel gear and join your guide for a first class snorkeling tour amidst tropical fish, abundant marine life and colorful coral. With so many factors to consider, it can seem a difficult decision. The Best Cozumel Snorkeling Tour Palancar, Colombia and El Cielo Reefs 30 Recommended Ports of Call Tours from C$118.05 per adult Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and Cielo Reefs 52 from C$83.33 per adult Cozumel Snorkeling Tour from Playa del Carmen 14 from C$173.74 per adult El Cielo Cozumel 4 Day Trips from C$180.55 per adult Captain Pauls Yacht Charters offers small groups a private charter tour aboard the 44-inch Boadicea. A life jacket must be worn. Key West: All-Inclusive Watersports Adventure Tour, Islamorada: Snorkeling and Sandbar Catamaran Trip W/ Drinks, Key West: Full Day Tour of Key West National Wildlife Refuge. The Florida Keys is the southernmost part of the United States and an excellent place for snorkeling. There are 35 public access points to the seven-mile long beach. Key West is perfectly located on the worlds third largest living coral reef, flourishing with over 500 different species of marine wildlife. Since this is out in open, deep water, it is best that only confident, experienced divers go here, or at least bring an experienced, safe guide. Snorkeling here is a great way to get up close and personal with the areas wildlife. West Bay, Roatn is regularly named among the most beautiful and healthiest reefs of the Caribbean. For the most part, the further south you go along the coast, the clearer the water will be and the more youll be able to see. For families and larger groups, the beach provides a cheaper, casual, and sociable way to experience snorkeling Sanibel Island. 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! While not part of the city of Fort Myers, the Sanibel Island beaches are considered part of the recreation area. Artificial Reefs LOBSTER AT CHRIS KOEPFER'S ARC Lee County, Florida is a special, sunny place that sits along the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. All Rights Reserved. Fort Myers Beach and the outer islands have several great access points for snorkeling, including Blind Pass. Thus, it also caters to fishing and kayaking. Youll want to consider the best places for marine life, safety, water visibility, and accessibility. The beaches on the west side of the island are not overcrowded or devoid of natural beauty due to their white sands. It is the second-largest barrier reef in the world, behind Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Tips When Snorkeling Key West's Colorful Reef. Junket or fact-finding? Naples, Florida is one of the best places to go snorkeling. Enjoy Nassau Catamaran sailing and snorkeling on the warm Bahama waters with a Shore Excursions cruise tour. Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Salt Pond . This reef is located approximately 15 nautical miles from the Sanibel Lighthouse. One of the largest is the Edison Reef, created from the rubble of a former mainland bridge. The vibrant aquatic flora and fauna found on these reefs are just waiting to be discovered. 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. 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. The waters tend to be calm, and the waves remain small. Parasailing for children as young as six is acceptable as long as they are accompanied by a parent. Fantastico sank in 1993, fifty miles off the coast of Fort Myers. In 1999, the county sank the 110-foot long vessel near the USS Mohawk, which now sits 88 feet below the oceans surface. If you want to visit Edison Reef, youll have to rent a private charter or join a snorkeling tour. The skirt of the mask is made from silicone, creating a comfortable seal around the face. The water is really warm, blue, and with good underwater visibility. You can take a mangrove kayak tour, go diving or snorkeling, and see some unique fish species, such as . Buccaneer AdventuresServing Sanibel, Captiva & Surrounding AreasCape Coral, FL 33904Ph:(239) 851-3483Web:http://www.swflboating.com, Sanibel Island Cruise LineDaily Cruises to Cayo CostaSanibel, FL 33957Ph:(239) 472-5799Web:http://www.sanibelislandcruiseline.com/, Captain Pauls Yacht Charters1225 SW 53rd TerraceCape Coral, FL 33914Ph:(239) 540-7623,(239) 357-8448Web:http://www.captainpauls.com/, Native Guides15951 Captiva DriveTween Waters MarinaCaptiva, FL 33924Ph:(239) 822-3337Web:http://nativeguidesfishing.com/. Alligator Reef Hands down, Alligator Reef is one of the places for the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys! Whichever factors you wish to prioritize, this list covers options for everyone. There are many colorful, diverse species of fish here. The reef is so huge that it is the size of 70 million football friends. A sunset and snorkel reef adventure is also available seasonally and sets sail at 5:30 p.m. Prices for all tours start at $50 for ages 13 years and older and are $35 for children 12 and. The skilled guides can help you spot creatures like octopuses and sea . And, of course, beach accessibility makes it ideal for those wanting an independent experience of snorkeling Sanibel Island. Sanibel Island is Known for it's Beautiful Beaches, But Don't Forget About Their Beautiful Waters. The white sand and clear blue water are perfect for a day of relaxation, and the beach is also great for snorkeling. The waves tend to be small and calm, but judge water conditions day by day and practice good water safety. There is also a lighthouse on Sanibel Island. There are more than twenty artificial reefs along the Sanibel and Captiva Islands. There are two medium sized reefs here, which extend roughly 300 feet from the beach. Cheeca Rocks. It was built less than 15 nautical miles from the Sanibel Island Lighthouse in 42 feet of water. To experience the best of the islands famous coastline, wed recommend snorkeling Sanibel Island during your stay. The best snorkeling conditions can be found all year long. Sunset Watersports | Key West Snorkeling, Jet Ski, Parasail, Cruises & More, Sale Kiteboarding Gear | MACkite Boardsports Center, Key West Scuba Diving Official PADI 5 Star Center, Fort Myers Events Calendar Fort Myers & Sanibel, Premier Ski, Fishing & Pontoon Boat Dealer in South Florida, welcome to the the Cortez Fleet, Parasailing, Jets Skis, , Sarasota. Yes, it is mostly safe to swim in Sanibel Island. Snorkelers of all levels can enjoy the wonders of Naples water, whether they are beginning or experienced. The water on Marco Island is beautiful, as is wildlife. 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. Captiva Beach contains over a dozen artificial reefs. Boogie boards. However, the best snorkeling is reserved for the outer islands, just off the coast. The majority of this island is part of Virgin Islands National Park, featuring mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Edison Reef is located off the coast of Sanibel Island, just east of the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. There are live shells, fish and man-made reef that will entice any snorkeler. She is a passionate traveller and has explored Europe, Southeast Asia, North Africa, and Australia. Some snorkelers may even find a shark tooth as a keepsake of their experience! More snorkeling opportunities can be found on South Marco Beachs only acre beach access off South Collier Boulevard. Find a Port Douglas snorkelling tour or Port Douglas diving tour departing the Port Douglas Marina directly to the pontoon, a coral cay or on a multi-site adventure. However, make sure that you snorkel in groups and still always tell someone on-land where and when you are going. The island is located north of Sanibel Island and is a barrier island. A large number of alligators can be found on Sanibel, which has over 2,200 acres of freshwater wetlands. The Florida Keys' reefs are the only living coral reefs in the continental United States. Keep in mind that COVID 19 may affect these businesses being open.conta. "This is a bucket list . Just beyond our white-sand beaches, a network of artificial reefs provide diving, snorkeling, boating and fishing opportunities for residents and visitors of Southwest Florida. Cruise across the cool blue Caribbean to a spot with shallow depths and clear waters, ideal for admiring colorful sea fans, finger coral, and sponges teeming with fish. 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