If you are scoping the internet, trying to find the best places to snorkel in the US, you can be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed. The options are endless thanks to the miles and miles of coastal borders and it can be difficult to know where to start.
Luckily your options become narrowed down when you start to factor in things like location preferences, level of skill, diving equipment requirements and which ocean you have more desire to see, the Pacific or the North Atlantic.
Take a look at some of the options:
Key West, Florida
With the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world, Key West is one of the best snorkelling destinations situated in the Florida Keys. Here, alongside Key West Snorkeling, you will come face-to-face with loggerhead turtles, manatees, and stingrays, and the varied ecosystem allows you to combine more than one adventure.
Take a sailboat out to the reef – or try an underwater scooter – in search of wild dolphins, or spend some time exploring the mangrove forests before hopping in the water to observe the immense marine life.
Lahaina, Hawaii
Located in Maui, Lahaina is claimed to be the best snorkelling spot the area has to offer. And because you snorkel very close to Kapalua Beach, you will have easy access to the water straight from the sand.
A coral reef runs parallel to the beachfront, home to turtles, eels and an array of rainbow tropical fish. But, if you are after something much bigger, consider joining a whale watching and snorkelling tour, which takes you out to deeper waters for the chance to spot migrating humpback whales.
Catalina Island, California
Travelling 22 miles out of Los Angeles, you will find Catalina Island, which boasts clean and clear water that is ideally suited for snorkelling. Giant kelp forests are visible just below the top of the water, which can be effortlessly accessed by the beach.
Alternatively, you can rent a kayak and take yourself to one of the many quiet coves dotted around the area. Guided snorkelling tours will take you even further out to sea, but a wetsuit is a must for this chilly body of water.
Culebra, Puerto Rico
This secluded white sand beach is found on Culebra Island, located 20 miles northeast of Puerto Rico’s mainland. It is one of the last untouched beaches left in US territory. You don’t need to venture out very far before being met with incredible sights of bright red coral, topped with sea fans. You will also be able to spot large schools of tropical fish that have moved away from the bigger tourist spots.
St Croix, US Virgin Islands
The protected marine sanctuary of Buck Island Reef National Monument is considered by many to be the best location for snorkelling in the world. The reef itself covers 19,000 acres, surrounding nearly two-thirds of St Croix.
Because of its protected status, you will need to join a snorkelling tour or splash for a private charter, but the diverse and exotic sealife waiting for you makes it worth every penny. Sea turtles, manta rays, and massive groups of colourful fish make their homes in this reef, the largest contiguous reef in the Eastern Caribbean.
Hatteras Island, North Carolina
With calm and shallow waters, Hatteras Island is the perfect place to take kids for their first snorkelling experience. The sandy bottom of Pamlico Sound host a variety of different fish and shellfish, and you can test your swimming skills by venturing out to various shipwrecks located on the Outer Banks.
There are multiple family-friendly tours to choose from, giving everyone an opportunity to have a complete adventure.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is well-known for many things, snorkelling being one of them. Located in one of the most beautiful locations on earth, you will find yourself swimming side by side with green sea turtles in the waters of Turtle Canyon.
Cruise past Diamond Head and Waikiki as you head towards Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve to explore the beautiful coral reefs found just off the beach. This location is elevated further by the picturesque backdrop of coastal hills.
Key Largo, Florida
Like many snorkelling spots in Florida, Key Largo will not leave you disappointed. Home to the famous John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park, you will be able to experience the first underwater park in the entire United States.
On your boat ride to ideal places to snorkel, you will pass mangrove forests and sea grass beds, mesmerisingly swaying beneath the water’s surface. Additionally, you will view the Christ of the Deep, a bronze statue that became submerged in 1965 that is now home to coral and fish.
Avalon, California
This small marine preserve, found off the coast of Avalon Bay, is the best snorkelling spot on this famous southern California island. After making your way down a slightly difficult pebble staircase, you are welcomed by many cold-watered fish, friendly enough to directly approach you, looking for food. A rock reef and thick kelp forest are also waiting to be explored.
