Snorkeling is an easy yet exciting way to explore the underwater world. With oceans surrounding three-fourths of its borders, the United States offers a diverse selection of snorkeling destinations. From the crystal-clear waters of Florida and vibrant marine life of Hawaii to the thriving kelp forests of California, the USA boasts some of the most spectacular snorkeling spots in the world. This guide will explore the best places to go snorkeling across this vast country, highlighting what makes each location unique and the marine life you can expect to encounter.
Here are some of the USA’s top snorkeling destinations:
- The Florida Keys, Florida.
Stretching over 120 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, this chain of islands offers an abundance of snorkeling sites, each with its own unique charm. Clear, warm waters and extensive coral reefs make the Florida Keys a must-visit destination for snorkelers.
‘The Keys,’ as it is often referred to, offers a taste of the Caribbean without ever having to leave the United States. The marine biodiversity is fantastic, with over 6,000 species of marine animals, including fish, sea turtles, sharks, crustaceans, coral, sponges, and much more!
When not snorkeling, the Florida Keys also offers a wide range of exciting top-side activities like exploring Florida’s Everglades, boating, jet skiing, paddle boarding, bird watching, and fishing. Diving in Florida is also famous worldwide. If you’re ready to take your snorkeling to the next level, there’s no better place to earn your Open Water Diver certification than in the Florida Keys.
Must-Visit Sites Within the Florida Keys:
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Located in Key Largo, John Pennekamp State Park is the first underwater park in the United States. This protected marine park covers approximately 70 nautical square miles and features vibrant coral reefs teeming with life. It is a favorite site among snorkelers thanks to the calm, shallow water, where you can explore things like the famous Christ of the Abyss statue, a nine-foot-tall bronze sculpture sitting just 25 feet deep.
- Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.
Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary: Further down the Keys, you will find Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, another protected marine area boasting some of the most pristine coral formations in the Keys. The shallow depths, calm water, and excellent visibility make it ideal for snorkelers of all skill levels. Visitors can expect to see tons of marine life, including nurse sharks, rays, loggerhead sea turtles, and many Caribbean fish species.
- Dry Tortugas National Park.
Although remote and only reachable by seaplane or ferry boat, this unique National Park is a beautiful place to visit both above and below the water. The main island is home to Fort Jefferson, a historic 19th-century fort you can explore; however, the waters surrounding the fort are where the beauty lies. Snorkeling in these warm, crystal-clear waters, you will see schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, coral, sea grass beds, and many juvenile marine species. And thanks to the park’s remote location, you will enjoy little to no crowds and an intimate underwater experience.
- Oahu, Hawaii.
Oahu is the most popular Hawaiian Island and is easily accessible by direct flight from many large cities on the mainland of the United States. Oahu is one of our top choices for snorkeling destinations in the U.S. due to its beautiful reef ecosystems, unique marine mammal encounters, and the fact that it’s the only warm-water Pacific destination within the USA. It is also a fantastic place to go diving in Hawaii.
Not only can you snorkel the pristine coral reefs surrounding Oahu both by land and boat, but every year from December to May, it is possible to go snorkeling with humpback whales. Other exciting encounters include green sea turtles, dolphins, eels, and the famous state fish: the humuhumunukunukuapuaa.
Must-Visit Sites Within in Oahu:
- Hanauma Bay.
The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of Oahu’s most popular snorkeling sites. This site is an excellent choice for beginning snorkelers and families with younger children, thanks to its calm, warm, clear water and extremely shallow reef access. Hanauma Bay is home to over 400 species of fish, and there is a high probability that you will encounter the graceful green sea turtle, known as ‘honu’ in Hawaiian, soaring through the water or basking on the sandy beach.
- Shark’s Cove.
On the island’s opposite end is another fantastic snorkeling site called Shark’s Cove. This more secluded beach area sits on the North Shore and offers unique underwater topography, more green sea turtles, eels, and reef fish. The most fun, however, comes from navigating around and through the unique rock formations, small caves, and swim-throughs. The North Shore is world-famous for its big wave surfing, and since this site is not as well protected as Hanauma Bay, snorkeling here is best during the summer when there is much smaller surf.
- Crystal River, Florida.
Crystal River, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, offers a unique snorkeling experience centered around its resident population of West Indian manatees. The river’s warm, spring-fed waters provide a sanctuary for these gentle giants, particularly during the winter when they swim upriver to seek refuge from colder ocean temperatures. Snorkelers can book guided manatee tours to observe and interact with the manatees up close and personal in their natural habitat.
Crystal River’s clear, shallow water provides excellent visibility and the unique opportunity to meet a manatee face-to-face, as these tranquil marine mammals have no fear of humans. In addition to manatees, snorkelers can also see various fish species, turtles, and the occasional river otter.
- Southern California.
On the USA’s west coast, Southern California offers a nearly unlimited supply of stunning snorkel sites characterized by unique marine life and picturesque coastal landscapes. The Pacific Ocean’s temperate waters are home to diverse underwater ecosystems like kelp forests, submarine canyons, and rocky reefs, making Southern California an exciting destination for snorkelers seeking to explore the vibrant Pacific coast. California’s kelp forests are also the perfect location to learn to dive deeper and stay down longer by taking an SSI Basic Freediver course.
Must-Visit Sites Within in Southern California:
- La Jolla Cove.
One of Southern California’s most famous sites is La Jolla Cove in San Diego, renowned for its clear water and rich biodiversity. Snorkelers here can explore underwater caves and kelp forests teeming with vibrant garibaldi, leopard sharks, lobsters, stingrays, and the rare abalone. Playful sea lions also congregate here every summer.
- Channel Islands National Park.
Often called the “Galapagos of North America,” this protected marine park offers unparalleled snorkeling opportunities with its pristine waters and abundant marine life. Snorkelers can encounter sea stars, anemones, garibaldi, horn sharks, sea lions, and even the elusive harbor seal amidst the kelp forests and rocky reefs.
- Casino Point.
Casino Point Underwater Park is located on Catalina Island and is one of the easiest ways snorkelers can access the kelp forests California is famous for. The park is quickly accessible by just a few stairs. Only feet from shore, you will swim through a healthy kelp forest system thriving with kelp bass, sheephead, opaleye, garibaldi, and many other fish species.
- U.S. Virgin Islands.
The U.S. Virgin Islands sit in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, south of the U.S.’s mainland, and include St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Thanks to this area’s warm, clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and calm conditions, the U.S. Virgin Islands is a snorkeler’s paradise.
Photo by Josh Duncan on Unsplash
Must-Visit Sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands:
- Buck Island Reef National Monument.
This protected marine park is located just off St. Croix and offers an extensive coral garden teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays.
- Trunk Bay.
Located on the island of St. John, Trunk Bay is one of the best snorkeling destinations in the Virgin Islands as it features a mapped-out underwater snorkel trail, complete with informative plaques that guide you through the coral formations and marine life.
Exploring the top snorkeling destinations in the USA can be an exciting adventure. Consider taking a Snorkel Diver course before you start exploring. It is a great way to become a better, more confident snorkeler so you can enjoy these destinations and many others for years to come!
