Active adults hoping to snorkel in Florida can leave the wetsuit behind. On the southern Atlantic coast, the waters are warm, and there are ample opportunities to throw on a diving mask and some swim fins to explore the tropical habitats beneath the water’s surface.
Coastal Living recently found some of the best beaches in the state for snorkeling. We’ve found which 55+ communities are closest. If you’re a fan of exploring the underwater world we’ve got you covered.
1. Peanut Island in Riviera Beach
Peanut Island is easy to identify by its man-made barrier of rocks. This island off the coast of Riviera Beach in Palm Beach County is a great place to snorkel because the water is clear, calm, and full of bright fish and plant life. There’s also a historic Coast Guard Station and lifeguards on duty. Riviera Beach is an idyllic place to enjoy the beach or take a stroll, with its marina full of fishing boats.
Nearby Communities
2. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach
Shore diving and snorkeling are popular activities at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, which is also rich in history. It was once a segregated beach, and the name honors the individuals who turned it into a state park in 1973. The snorkeling is particularly excellent at this beach, thanks to the stunning rock reef and rich underwater ecosystem.
Nearby Communities
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Meadowbrook Lakes – Dania Beach
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Coral Ridge Towers – Fort Lauderdale
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Fountainhead – Lauderdale by the Sea
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Lauderdale West – Plantation
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Hollybrook Golf and Tennis Club – Pembroke Pines
3. Sebastian Inlet State Park in Melbourne
Sebastian Inlet provides miles of coastal recreation, including snorkeling. Visibility is especially good during the summer months, and snorkelers find the best results along the rock reefs near the shoreline. For your safety, make sure you stay within 100 feet of a dive flag at Sebastian Inlet.
Nearby Communities
4. Bathtub Reef Beach in Stuart
On the Treasure Coast in Stuart, snorkelers delight in the reef system just offshore of Bathtub Reef Beach. You have the chance to see over 500 marine creatures that make these waters their home, including the endangered sea turtle. This beach gets its name from its calm, warm, bathtub-like waters. Stuart was once a refuge for shipwrecked sailors, and its location on the Atlantic makes this quiet community a desirable place to visit and live.
Nearby Communities
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Montego Cove – Stuart
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Sea Pines – Hobe Sound
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Whispering Sound – Palm City
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Eaglewood – Hobe Sound
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Veranda Gardens – Port St. Lucie
5. Snorkel for Shark’s Teeth on Venice Beach
The gulf coast beaches are generally calmer than those on the Atlantic side of the state, and if snorkeling for treasures is what you’re passionate about, you’ll want to visit Venice Beach. Fossils of shark teeth are often found in the shallow waters and snorkeling is a perfect way to discover those natural souvenirs. While you’re at the beach, stay for a sunset on the Venice Pier.
