10 Awesome Snorkeling Spots In The United States

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the most amazing leisure activities to engage in. Not only will you enjoy floating in quiet and relaxing serene but you will also enjoy floating in the warm sea, viewing fantastic sea creatures and exploring the underwater world.

The good thing about snorkeling is that it is affordable. In addition to that, you don’t have to be certified as it is usually the case with scuba diving. All that you need is good swimming and breathing techniques, mask and you are good to go. It is one of the best leisure activities that you can engage in if you are on tight budget, but you want to have fun with your friends and family. So are you searching for the best snorkeling spots in the US? If yes then today you have just landed in the right place. Below are 10 awesome destinations in the US.

1. Santa Catalina Island, California

This amazing island is located 30 miles off the coast of Long Beach. If you love snorkeling, then this a snorkeling spot that you should not miss. You can take a boat, night and guided tours to view amazing sea creatures. You can also swim past caves and trenches and get to explore the underwater world. Two popular snorkeling locations near to this amazing island include the Casino Point Marine and the Lover’s Cove. If you visit any of these two sites, you will get to view a variety of fish species and amazing underwater habitats.

2. Key Largo and Key West, Florida

Any snorkeling enthusiasts will tell you that the Florida Keys offers one of the best snorkeling spots not only in the US but across the globe. If you are keen to discover the undersea life, then Key Largo and Key West, Florida are one of the best spots to visit. The John Pennacamp Coral Reef state park offers an unforgettable experience for both experienced and novice snorkelers. You are going to spot amazing fishes such as yellowtail snappers, blue tang, and dolphins. The Key Largo is also home to the only living coral reef in the United States, and it is the third largest in the world.

3. Kankakee Illinois

It is easy to doubt if there is any snorkeling spot in Illinois. However, the truth is that the town of Kankakee host one of the best snorkeling areas around the world. In fact, this snorkeling spot has hosted thousands of experienced snorkelers and divers. The Haigh quarry in Kankakee was once a limestone mine which supplied stones for the construction of highways. However, the quarry was later closed and stayed abandoned for years. A private developer decided to buy the land and unplugged all pumps that the mining company had left behind. In less than 3 years, the quarry was filled with spring fed water making is one of the best snorkeling spots around the world.

4. Crystal River, Florida

How would you feel snorkeling in a river? Of course, it would feel great. The good thing is that your dream can come true if you visit crystal river, Florida. Most people usually associate snorkeling with going underwater. Of course, that is true. However, the Crystal Rivers offers something unique. You will not only get to enjoy snorkeling in warm water from naturally occurring spring, but you will also get to see manatee, a giant creature that you have never seen before. The manatees usually swim upstream to warmer waters during winter. It is the only spot where you can get up-close and personal with the manatees. You will also enjoy snorkeling in clear water.

5. Molokini Crater, Maui

The Molokini Crater in Maui, Hawaii is an awesome undersea spot that any snorkeler enthusiast will enjoy. The Molokini crater was formed almost 230,000 years ago via volcanic eruption. The crescent formation that resulted from this volcanic activity become a haven for sea creatures. When snorkeling in this amazing spot, you will get to view a wide variety of marine life including the triggerfish, white striped octopus, spot manta rays, and the reef sharks.

6. La Jolla, California 

Have you ever dreamt of swimming with the sharks? If yes then the La Jolla Shores, California is the perfect snorkeling spot for you. You will get to enjoy swimming in crystal clear water alongside leopard sharks that usually migrate to this location from May to October. In addition to that, you will also get the chance to view a wide variety of marine life including the bottom feeder fish and the ray species.

7. Peanut Island, Florida

Located at the mouth of Lake Worth Inlet, Peanut Island is a perfect snorkeling spot for those who want to have fun with family members. Peanut Island has shallow clear waters that are perfect for both experienced and novice snorkelers. On your way to this amazing island, you will get to view amazing marine creatures including dolphins among many others. Once on the island, you can decide just to side down and relax as you see other people snorkeling. This island is also perfect for those individuals who want to hike. For snorkeler enthusiasts, you will get to snorkel in shallow clear water and get to view amazing marine life.

8. New London, Connecticut

If you are obsessed with the underwater environment, then this is the place to go. The New England Sailing, which is a nonprofit ocean adventure program usually offer snorkeling and kayak tours in ocean beach and surrounding area. Although you won’t spot coral reef and tropical fish, you will get to enjoy the underwater environment that is filled with a critter that will capture your attention.

9. The baileys harbor, Wisconsin 

Many locals usually call this snorkeling spot, the best-kept secret. This is because people won’t consider this location as a perfect snorkeling spot. However, when you visit this place, then you get to know why it receives thousands of snorkeler each year. Lake Michigan has amazing spots to explore. Although it does not have the crystal blue waters like that of the Caribbean, it has something unique. It has plenty of shipwrecks that dates back to 1800 that have sunk to the bottom of this sandy lake. When snorkeling in the baileys harbor, you will get to explore amazing shipwrecks and discover things that you never knew before.

10. Marathon, Florida

Marathon has some of the calmest water in the US. It is one of the island in Florida Keys and has multiple snorkeling spots. It has plenty of amazing crannies and nooks that will give you a lifetime experience. For instance, snorkeling at the Sombrero Reef, which can only be accessed by a boat will give you a memorable experience. You will get to see colorful coral reef and other amazing underwater creatures.