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The Best Places to Dive & Snorkel in Florida
Grab a map of Florida and you'll see why there are as many diving opportunities as there are gators in the
glades. Looking much like a long finger pointing into the blue oceanic waters, many of the best dive sites
are within a few short hours drive from just about anywhere in the state including your
Florida beach vacation rental.
You could dive from spots at the top of the Panhandle to the bottom of the Florida Keys - and every place
in between. Here's a roundup of the best places to enjoy Florida's underwater world.
Florida beach vacation rental and Best Place to Snorkel:
Dry Tortugas National Park
Whether you are a beginner or expert, you'll agree that some of the best snorkeling in North America is
found on this coral island some 70 miles west of Key West. Under the massive ramparts of Fort Jefferson
and lying on a carpet of brilliant white sand is a myriad of colorful tropical fish and living coral.
The shallow waters make this area perfect for first time snorkelers. You'll see lots of colorful corals,
several varieties of tropical fish, starfish, queen conchs and much more in this protected marine
sanctuary. A great addition to your snorkel experience is a side trip to the Windjammer wreck. This
200-foot Schooner wreck, located just off Loggerhead Key, is home to thousands of tropical fish and spiny
lobster.
Florida beach vacation rental Best Place to See Manatees:
Crystal River
This is a sea cow heaven. But leave your spurs behind as only fins are welcome here. The area is a major
Mecca for manatees, which congregate in herds in the warm waters from November through April. The gentle
creatures can reach an average 10 feet in length and 1,000 pounds and are a protected and endangered
species.
Only snorkeling is allowed in the posted manatee areas and harassing or chasing them is strictly
prohibited. Divers can experience dozens of freshwater springs that boil from the underground aquifer.
The salty mix of Gulf waters create a marine environment that is nothing short of spectacular. You are
also just as likely to find tarpon, snapper and redfish as you are to see large mouth bass and garfish.
Florida beach vacation rental Best Place to Experience Natural Springs:
Ginnie Springs
This natural phenomenon is kind of like diving in a big bottle of spring water. Put a face mask on and
you'd swear the fish are floating in air. The 100-foot-diameter depression, located on a 200-acre forest
setting, is near the town of High Springs. It features campsites, a country store and bath facilities.
There are nine springs that flow into the tannin-dyed Santa Fe River, which is an endless source of fun
when lazily floating on tubes above divers exploring the caverns below.
Florida beach vacation rental Best Places to Cave Dive:
Devil's Den and Blue
Grotto
Devil's Den: Near the small town of Williston, this fern draped sinkhole offers a unique geological
setting and was actually once thought by early settlers to be the den of hell, as steam rising from
the warm waters in winter does bear resemblance to its name. Divers know better, as do snorkelers and
swimmers who enter the open steps from this window above to enjoy the underground basin 60 feet below.
The water's depths range just below 50 feet and the cave system in the deeper area of the basin has been
gated off.
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