You can snorkel straight from the beach to enjoy the marine life, aesthetic shells, and clear water visibility. "When we dove the Edison reef, on Tuesday, we saw nothing," said Rick Bartleson, a water quality scientist with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. Sardinia or The Amalfi Coast: Which Italian Resort is Right For You? Enjoy Nassau Catamaran sailing and snorkeling on the warm Bahama waters with a Shore Excursions cruise tour. The Sanibel Island area is home to many different types of fish, coral, and other marine life. THE MENU However, the best snorkeling is reserved for the outer islands, just off the coast. Flipper's Adventuresoffers 2.5-hour snorkel tours. The marine life is abundant and lively. Peagus/Charlies Reef is located 28 miles due west of Red Fish Pass. The 1,429 miles long Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the most expansive coral reef system in the entire world. The Belton Johnson Reef named for a well-known fishing guide is located five nautical miles off Bowmans Beach. Snorkeling along Marco Islands Paradise Coast is best done in warm water. Located in the heart of South Ari Atoll, Mirihi is the smallest but finest one of the best Maldives snorkeling resorts. 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. West Bay's reef. Public Safety (Emergency Management) (EMS). Whichever factors you wish to prioritize, this list covers options for everyone. 7 Reasons We Say Yes! 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. Visitors can enjoy spotting a variety of colorful fish and other marine life while floating atop the gentle waves. However, the neighboring island is so nearby that we included Blind Pass Beach on our list. Pegasus Reef is perfect for those interested in seeing a shipwreck up close and encountering larger marine animals not just colorful fish and corals. On the southernmost point, Boaby Rock Point is a good option Grand Turk snorkeling just off the beach. The 8.5 foot, 4,000 pound statue depicts Christ with his arms outstretched, surrounded by beautiful coral formations. Snorkeling is one of Key West's bucket list activities. The skilled guides can help you spot creatures like octopuses and sea . Most of the country's best snorkel sites are along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. And, during these periods, the best place in Sanibel Island to encounter them regularly is Lighthouse Beach Park. The beaches on the west side of the island are not overcrowded or devoid of natural beauty due to their white sands. The one thing that these and every other form of water recreation have in common is that they can all be made more enjoyable with our water sports equipment. These attractions make snorkeling at Lighthouse Beach Park an ideal day trip, creating diverse entertainment opportunities. Snorkeling reefs are . 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. 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? Visitors arrive to this park to sunbathe, snorkel the reef, hike, bird-watch, fish, picnic, and search for seashells on a daily basis. 2022. A yellow and white marker shows the location of the reef, constructed of concrete culverts. You can enjoy the calm waters straight from the beach, and spot manatees, nurse sharks, dolphins, stingrays (if youre lucky). This is perfect if you dont want to take the boat out. Adventures in Paradise is one suggested by the visitors bureau. Edison Reef is located off the coast of Sanibel Island, just east of the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. 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. A Complete Safety Guide For Travel, Is Mexico Better Than Argentina? Naples, Florida is one of the best places to go snorkeling. It is the second-largest barrier reef in the world, behind Australia's Great Barrier Reef. 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. And best beaches mean, Key West 3-Hour Afternoon Reef Snorkel with Drinks, Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling, Key West Rum and Reggae Afternoon Snorkel and Sunset. Visitors can also swim in the gulf, as well as sunbathe and shell along nine miles of beach. Our boat captain knows how to direct you and when you book with us, make sure you ask our property manager as she is an avid snorkeler. Youll want to consider the best places for marine life, safety, water visibility, and accessibility. The tours come with a captain and crew, as well as snacks, soft drinks and coffee. There are plenty of fish to see, and the coral reef is a beautiful sight. It is about 3 miles in length and 1 mile in width The southwestern coast, in general, is suitable for all divers regardless of skill due to its shallow waters. 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. Closer to home, the Belton Johnson Reef, about 5 nautical miles off Bowmans Beach, was named for a well-known local fishing guide. Guests are able to swim, fish and snorkel, with all gear included. The reefs here are. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an adrenaline fix. To explore the area, simply rent snorkel gear at one of the islands many rental shops, and head down to Bowman Beach. The beaches of Fort Myers and its outer islands located on Floridas west coast are a haven for man-made reefs. Comprised of 115 tiny islands, the Seychelles is one of the best spots in the Indian Ocean for snorkeling. This is shallow water so it is also great for swimming and hanging out on the beach. Because of its open water location, Edison Reef is perfect for experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. 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. Lee County, Florida is a special, sunny place that sits along the sparkling, azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The state park, which has cabins for rent, is accessible only by private boat or ferry. Divers frequently see whale sharks, barracuda, and curious sea turtles here. Chairs,umbrellas,towels and a cooler with ice. 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. The island is really very small - just 35050 meters. Whether you're just learning how to snorkel or a seasoned pro, you'll find Discovery Cove to be one of the safest places to snorkel in Orlando. The clear waters and natural habitats in Naples, Florida, make it one of the most popular places to snorkel. Raja Ampat in West Papua, Indonesia is a divers' paradise. They are most helpful, and run great dive trips.Mike Stevens I just finished my Open Water class and was amazed at how fun, educational and affordable it turned out to be! Tips When Snorkeling Key West's Colorful Reef. There are usually schools of vibrant fish in the area, and the water is calm for being in the ocean. Put on your flippers, secure your mask and insert your snorkel; because you're about to look under the clear Gulf water to see fish, reef and live shells. Marco Island offers snorkeling lessons and vacation rentals as well as snorkeling courses. Charlies Reef (also known as Pegasus Reef), Bowmans Beach (it is easily accessible, clear, and ideal for families). 1 Take A Friend With You. (239) 872-6295. The beach also has many shells for beachcombers and shell collectors. On Captiva Island, at the northernmost point, youll find that Alison Hageup Beach is ideal for snorkeling. Well find you the new or used boat, service, accessories, parts, anything to get [], These guys have been in the business for over thirty years, and know what they are doing. 1. We will set sail from Playa Tortugas Maritime Terminal on time in the morning, and take an exciting catamaran sailing trip to Isla Mujeres. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. There are 35 public access points to the seven-mile long beach. 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901. Are you ready for your next diving adventure? Perhaps the greatest snorkelling spot in all of the South Pacific can be found near the French Polynesian island of Tahaa, which is within shouting distance of its sister island, Raiatea. And, its surrounding infrastructure makes it a convenient location once youve made the journey to Captiva Island. Tahaa is a quiet island distinguished by its low hills and vanilla farms, but it's also home to breathtaking coral reefs. The islands shells and impressive wildlife draw people in. Marco Island, Floridas largest barrier island, is located within the Ten Thousand Islands region. Within the area, there's plenty of shallow . In addition to the clear water, the ocean floor is also visible. In fact, Alligator Reef was named after a ship that sank. Swimming and exploring the many public beach access points in Fort Myers Beach are two of the best things to do on the beach. The Belton Johnson Reef -- named for a well-known fishing guide -- is located five nautical miles off Bowmans Beach. If you want to visit Edison Reef, youll have to rent a private charter or join a snorkeling tour. 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. There are tons of boat tours that will take you to all the best spots. The experience of snorkeling a shipwreck is a unique and often bucket-list way to explore the underwater world. Therefore, wed recommend Blind Pass Beach for snorkelers looking for a convenient, entry-level experience. The Destin East Pass Reef is home to a variety of marine life, including fish, coral, and other invertebrates. The Florida Keys' reefs are the only living coral reefs in the continental United States. On the most part, swimming at Lighthouse Beach Park is very safe. If you want to snorkel in Marco Island, you have to go to Tigertail Beach. scubaquestusa.com. Because of its open water location, Edison Reef is perfect for experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. Yes, it is mostly safe to swim in Sanibel Island. A small camera can be helpful in identifying the fish you see. On the way, you can enjoy unlimited drinks at the Open Bar on the ship all day long, stand on the bow with a glass of cocktail, and watch the sea water change from . Pegasus/Charlie's Reef is formed by a large tugboat and now is the home to barracuda, cobia, nurse shark, grouper, amberjack, and moray eel. Starfish Snorkeling: El Cielo, or Heaven in English, is a truly unique place to discover and snorkel. More Breathtaking New Friends. Besides being a great water sport where you never leave the surface, snorkeling provides benefits such as increasing lung capacity, providing better joint mobility, burning calories and is a great workout for your legs, core and shoulders. Apart from snorkeling, visitors to Lighthouse Beach Park can visit the 150-year-old lighthouse that overshadows the beach and walk the traditional pier for ocean views. Here, under the Blue Heron Bridge, there is an 800-foot-long artificial reef and snorkeling trail at Phil Foster Park. Cape Town or Durban: Which South African City to Visit? Puerto Rico, for all its struggles since Hurricanes Irma and Maria slammed into the island, remains a tropical paradise well worth exploring. Mosquitoes in Bali: Everything You Should Know, Tsunami Danger Zones in Australia: The Ultimate Guide for Down Under, Sailing Down Under: The 7 Best Places To Sail In Australia, The 7 Most Venomous Snakes In Australia To Know About, The 7 Cheapest Places To Live In Australia, Is Tallinn Safe: Your Safety Guide to Estonian Capital, The 7 Most Underrated European Travel Destinations In 2022. Looking to snorkel in Fort Meyers, but don't have the gear? The Florida Keys is the southernmost part of the United States and an excellent place for snorkeling. Lee County has had an active artificial reef program since the early 1990's. 1159 Causeway BlvdSanibel Island, FL 33957, Copyright 2019 Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce | All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Answers lie, How do we heal a broken America? In terms of facilities, Alison Hagerup Beach has all the makings of a comfortable day out. The reef, only 10-15 feet deep, is an ideal snorkeling destination and is accessible by swimming from the beach. Our 26 ft. Sweetwater Pontoon boat will you navigate over 400 miles of waterways in the area and get you to the beaches. Alligator Reef Hands down, Alligator Reef is one of the places for the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys! Lee County, Florida is a special, sunny place that sits along the sparklingwaters of the Gulf of Mexico. It was built less than 15 nautical miles from the Sanibel Island Lighthouse in 42 feet of water. There is also a lighthouse on Sanibel Island. What was once concrete and rubble has since been taken over by underwater flora and fauna making it a fascinating spot to snorkel and explore. It is a fun way to share your parasailing adventure with your friends and family. Hertz Arena/Florida Everblades. There are plenty of dive shops dotting the Fort Myers streets; including Captain Pete's Diving Outfitters on Colonial Boulevard and Eagle Ray Dive Center on Bonita Beach Road. Looking to catch some fish? The Park is located on Cayo Costa Island, a neighboring island north of Sanibel that is accessible by boat. All gear included at no cost to you while you spend your time at Cayo Costa state park. Her expertise includes higher education, marketing and social media, and her presentations and writing have won industry awards. It is great for dives to have long bottom times. Thanks so much to Janice, Fred, Vince [], Youre searching for a large group holiday & unfortunately this isnt possible online. One of the most popular reefs is Edison Reef, which has a forty-five-foot depth and was initially created by the collapse of an old mainland bridge that connected the islands to Fort Myers. Many professional tour companies offer educational and adventure snorkeling excursions from Fort Myers Beach, too. Image Source. You can see up to 60 feet below the surface of the water around Naples, making this a very good place to swim. Wrecks and man-made reefs help restock our waters with fish for the benefit of Scuba divers and fisherman alike. For snorkelers with their own equipment, Cayo Costa State Park just west of Fort Myers and north of Sanibel offers snorkeling in its pristine, blue Gulf of Mexico waters. It was built less than 15 nautical miles from the Sanibel Island Lighthouse in 42 feet of water. Belton Johnson's Reef is only a few miles away from Bowman's Beach. When the Fort Meyers bridge sank, an underwater habitat was created. Yes, there is good snorkeling on Marco Island Florida. Snorkeling is a great way to enjoy the wrecks and artificial reefs found in Captiva and Sanibel Islands. 2. There are two medium sized reefs here, which extend roughly 300 feet from the beach. Also, it is visible and accessible for snorkeling. Snorkelers record the fish they see at the surface, down on the bottom, or anywhere in between in the water column. You'll need to take a short boat ride to get there, but the trip is well worth it. In the water, you will see some incredible wildlife that you will never see anywhere else on Earth. Key West: 2-Hour Sunset Sail on Schooner America 2.0. The Raja Ampat snorkeling opportunities are amazing. Best Excursions, Best Prices. Fort Myers Beach and the outer islands have several great access points for snorkeling, including Blind Pass. The USS Mohawk was intentionally sunk twenty-eight nautical miles off Sanibel Island at Charlies Reef in 2012. Snorkeling can be combined with a visit to a Wildlife Refuge. Because of its clarity, the Naples park is one of the most popular spawning grounds on the Paradise Coast. For snorkelers with their own equipment, Cayo Costa State Park -- just west of Fort Myers and north of Sanibel -- offers snorkeling in its pristine, blue Gulf of Mexico waters. You can rent a vacation home or condo in Marco Island to stay while on the water or while in town. 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. The, How to stop the next police killing? All Rights Reserved | Website Design by LeAneSUAREZGroup. If you stay at Cape Coral Home Away there is no need to rent a boat though. Snorkeling just off the Coast of Sanibel Island Lighthouse in 42 feet of water the southernmost point Boaby... For those interested in seeing a shipwreck up close and encountering larger animals. Cooler with ice cape Town or Durban: Which South African City to visit Edison is. The Beach our 26 ft. 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