11 Amazing US Snorkeling Destinations You Probably Don't Know About, Including one in West Palm Beach

Photo by Channey on Unsplash

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA-- Forget boring snorkeling. Leave your passport behind and go fish peeping at these US rivers, parks, and beaches.

If you tend to think of snorkeling as only a tropical pursuit that requires a passport to a foreign country, you may be surprised to learn that there are some mind-blowing spots right here in the U.S of A, many of them far enough off the beaten path that only the locals take advantage of them. Here's a round-up of some of the most unusual U.S. snorkeling spots.

Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida

Imagine drifting effortlessly along a crystal clear river, watching fish dart in and out of lush river grasses. The waters of Rainbow Springs State Park near Dunnellon, Florida provides a rare opportunity to snorkel in spring water. Follow up with a picnic onshore and you may have the perfect day spent with your face in the water.

BONUS: Rainbow Springs is just a few miles from the famed Crystal River Manatee snorkeling area.

Blue Heron Bridge, Florida

Ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of the Intracoastal Waterway? The snorkeling trail at Phil Foster Park beneath the Blue Heron Bridge in Palm Beach County give you a glimpse of the freaky diversity of life in the canals. Known to scuba divers as one of the best "muck dives" in the world, snorkelers can wade in just as the water clears before the tide recedes to see octopuses, rays, seahorses, and an incredible array of tropical fish. Check out this video we took of an octopus! This is a common sighting at Blue Heron Bridge, in West Palm Beach.

Discovery Cove, Florida

One of the easiest ways to learn to snorkel is in a controlled environment. The man-made oasis of pools, lagoons and reefs at SeaWorld's Discovery Cove in Orlando is an ideal spot to fall in love with snorkeling.

Pensacola Beach, Florida

The coastline of Florida's Panhandle is more known for stunning stretches of white sand than for snorkeling and diving, but that is beginning to change as the parks of Escambia County are aiding in the installment of artificial reefs—including two parks with reefs designed for snorkelers.

Biscayne National Park, Florida

Biscayne Bay is another spot that is off of the radar for most snorkelers, but there are reefs within sight of Downtown Miami. Snorkeling from the beach at Biscayne National Park will let you experience seagrass beds and the life within them, but the reefs are offshore and require boat charters or rentals.

Conasauga River, Georgia

Snorkeling in land-locked Georgia probably never occurred to you. The Conasauga River in Northwestern Georgia offers the opportunity to have a look at the biodiverse life in this river near the Tennessee border. Check out 365AtlantaFamily for a trip report and great directions to the best spot.

Bonneville Seabase, Utah

If desert snorkeling intrigues you, then your next stop is the bizarre Bonneville Seabase—less than an hour west of Salt Lake City. Tropical angelfish, grouper, and puffers are among the residents of this "inland sea" created by the spring water bubbling up through the salt flats.

Homestead Crater, Utah

An hour southeast of Salt Lake City is another crazy spot to put your face in the water—Homestead Crater Resort. The 96-degree waters of this spring-fed pool within a cavernous crater rank as one of the strangest places to snorkel in the country. Peek beneath the surface, while enjoying a soak in the warm mineral water.

Santa Catalina Island, California

While SoCal residents consider Catalina as their backyard, the rest of the country tends to forget that it offers some of the best Pacific diving and snorkeling in the U.S. It's a short ferry ride away, but the island has the feel of a European island destination. Wade in from shore directly beneath the iconic Avalon Casino at Casino Point Underwater Park, or rent kayaks and paddle the shoreline to find your perfect private snorkeling spot.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Who knew there was a world of life to see beneath the cold waters off Alaska's Inside Passage? All you need besides your mask and snorkel is a heavy wetsuit and Snorkel Alaska to guide you. Expect sea stars, stingless jellies, urchins, and maybe even a curious seal.

Honaunau Bay, Hawaii

Snorkeling may be one of the most popular water sports in the Hawaiian Islands, but there are still a few surprising spots for fish peeping. One of those is nicknamed "Two Steps" near Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, or Place of Refuge, a National Historic Park on the Kona Coast of the Big Island. It is not easy to find, but well worth the effort in terms of underwater beauty. It is known for large numbers of turtles, beautiful reefs, plus an occasional passing pod of spinner dolphins. TropicalSnorkeling.com has the directions you need to find it.

You might also enjoy these News Break stories:

The Best Little Stretch of Beach in Broward County Florida

Why in the World Should You Choose Camping in New Mexico Over Cruising?

I’m Sixty-One and I Should Be Scuba Diving

Follow me to see more articles like this.

...

Follow