Eight great South Florida snorkeling spots
By Justin Young
Sun-Sentinel.com
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 A look at some of the improvements made to Red Reef See larger image (Staff photo/Mark Randall) Camper explores the reefs of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea See larger image (Staff photo/Nicholas R. Von Staden)  |
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In an area where 90-degrees-plus humidity is the norm, a full
aquatic immersion is nothing less than a perfect antidote. It is no
surprise that snorkeling and South Florida have always been a
perfect match. It's a recreational activity that showcases the
beauty of our water and its diverse native wildlife while providing
an escape from the oppressive heat. From the north of Palm Beach to
the shores of the Keys, hundreds of hidden niches and well-known
watering holes dot the coast. Here are a handful of areas perfect
for enthusiasts of all ages.
Coral Cove Park- Jupiter Coral Cove Park is home to a two acre, 12,500-ton, limestone-boulder artificial reef designed to attract a plethora of fish, and it works almost too well. That's because along with the large tropical game fish, migrating sharks have on occasion stopped by. Thankfully something the park is abundant in -- water visibility -- is also the one of the greatest deterrents to shark attacks since a bite is most likely to happen if the water is murky. Of course, the greatest protection against injury is the rescue staff, who evacuate the water at the first sighting of a shark until at least 30 minutes after the last sighting. Like the tourists of South Florida, sharks may make a habit of showing up but not usually for long. Don May, chief of ocean rescue, said sometimes his staff will go months without a report of one.
Coral Cove Park- Jupiter Coral Cove Park is home to a two acre, 12,500-ton, limestone-boulder artificial reef designed to attract a plethora of fish, and it works almost too well. That's because along with the large tropical game fish, migrating sharks have on occasion stopped by. Thankfully something the park is abundant in -- water visibility -- is also the one of the greatest deterrents to shark attacks since a bite is most likely to happen if the water is murky. Of course, the greatest protection against injury is the rescue staff, who evacuate the water at the first sighting of a shark until at least 30 minutes after the last sighting. Like the tourists of South Florida, sharks may make a habit of showing up but not usually for long. Don May, chief of ocean rescue, said sometimes his staff will go months without a report of one.
- 19450 State Road 707 (Beach Road) Tequesta, Florida
- General Information: (561) 966-6600
- Beach Conditions: (561) 624-0065
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More information: Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation.
Biscayne National Park- Homestead This gorgeous area provides not only fantastic scenery but also a great place to bring your family on the weekends. For the swimmers, boat trips leave at 1:30 p.m. for a price of $35 daily (including equipment) and will bring you out to the living reef, weather permitting. The reef allows snorkelers to get a good look at tropical fish along with some of the fascinating vegetation and other immobile residents of the sea. On shore amenities like grills provide a welcome way to relax before or after your adventure in the Atlantic. - 9700 SW 328 Street, Homestead, FL 33033-5634
- Headquarters: 305-230-1144
- Visitor Information: 305-230-7275
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More information: National Park Service.
Red Reef- Boca Raton This spot also has an artificial reef close to the shore, this one only about 10 feet. After being created to cover up jagged rock off the shore, it soon became home to many different organisms including hundreds of rainbow-colored, striped and spotted fish, as well as occasional sea turtles, eels and stingrays. Although the artificial reef is not as massive as Coral Cove, Red Reef also has a boardwalk for those not interested in bringing swim trunks and a change of clothes. - 1400 N. State Road A1A, Boca Raton, FL
- Recreation Service Department: 561-393-7974
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More information: City of Boca Raton.
John Pennekamp State Park- Key Largo Hands down one of the most recognized snorkeling and scuba diving areas in the country, the completely submerged Pennekamp is home to innumerable breathtaking sights. Boat trips run by the park depart three times a day at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. costing $21.95 for minors and $26.95 for adults. Equipment rentals are separate but can cost as little as $6 for fins, snorkel and mask. Masks corrected for the near-sighted are also available for rent. If you are lucky enough to have a boat yourself, try White Banks Reef, located at the southern tip of the park, the spot features a circular patch of soft and hard coral along with nearly 400 varieties of tropical fish, according to Capt. Todd Firm of Keys Divers. Although gorgeous, White Banks is hardly a hidden treasure. For a more secluded time, try Horseshoe about a mile north behind Key Largo. It not only hosts a comparable amount of sea life but also many unique "swim throughs." - MM 102.5 Overseas Highway, Key Largo
- Park Offices: 305-451-6300
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More information: John Pennekamp State Park.
Commercial Boulevard and A1A, Lauderdale By The Sea Something a little less formal then a park, one can just take a little walk either north or south of Anglin's Pier and swim out a couple hundred yards, where many kinds of fish, including nurse sharks, have been spotted. The prime spots for snorkeling here is a significant distance from the shore so snorkelers should be strong swimmers and bring a dive flag.
Peanut Island- Riviera Beach An interesting outing by private boat or commercial ferry or taxi, Peanut Island is a surprising location for such good snorkeling. The island is located in the Port of Palm Beach directly inside the inlet. The west side of the island offers docks and boardwalks. The east side of the island is home to a shady county park with picnic tables and campgrounds, as well as a fine snorkeling area. Peanut Island's rocky shoreline has attracted a large quantity and variety of fish. The advantage to snorkeling here is that there is much to see in shallow water right off the shore. Unlike Pennekamp, where one cannot stand or touch bottom for fear of harming the coral, Peanut Island snorkeling can include regular feet-on-the-ground breaks to clear your mask. The best snorkeling area is located on the south side of the island, part of a small, protected cove with shallow waters and near a white sand beach. Best visibility is recommended from two hours prior to two hours after high tide; low tide brings murkier water. Ferry service is available from Phil Foster Park for $5 roundtrip from either Palm Beach Water Taxi (561) 683-TAXI) or The Seafare, (561) 339-2504. - Just north of the Lake Worth/Palm Beach Inlet, south of the
Blue Heron Bridge.
- Camping Reservations: 561-845-4445
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More information: Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation
Bathtub Reef- Stuart Bathtub Reef offers a few of the best natural amenities that any snorkeler could ask for: regular clear and shallow water right off the coast. The southernmost public beach in Martin County is protected by the worm reef that keeps the water at optimal conditions. It also provides a terrific oppertunity for smaller snorkelers to enjoy the beauty without having to contend with large waves or a deep dive. The reef is the work over many years of millions of tiny worms (called Sabellariid.) The worms build tubelike homes that form the reef. If you do plan to pack up the minivan and head out, set the alarm early. The sandy parking lots have a habit of filling up quickly on the weekends. - 1585 S.E. MacArthur Blvd., Stuart
- Park Offices: (561) 221-1418
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More information: Photos
and information.
Indian Key - Off shore from Lower Matecumbe Key Accessible only by boat or kayak from US 1, this history-rich island is also a hot spot for local and visiting snorkelers. The island has the remnants of massacre and betrayal from bygone conflicts between everyone from tribes and settlers to pirates and shipwrecked crews. It also offers glimpses of wildlife above and below the water line. The rocky perimeter of the island provides one of the few near-shore areas for snorkelers to view coral and a variety of sea life. - Located on the ocean side of U.S. 1 at M.M. 78.5. It is
accessible only by private boat or charter boats available at
nearby marinas. For tour boats, charters or kayak rentals, try
nearby Robbie's
Marina. Robbie's dock is also a popular stop for feeding and
admiring tarpon.
- Park Office: 305-664-2540
- More information: Florida State Parks.