Best Places to Snorkel Near Miami Beach

When people first think of Miami, snorkeling is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, because Miami is boasts some of the best beaches, it is quite possible for find some exciting snorkeling destinations in the area.

The Half Moon

Although the Miami Beach area lacks coral reefs, there are some man-made ocean habitats that attract an abundance of marine life in the shallows near this busy tourist mecca. The Half Moon was a two-masted racing schooner that sank in 1930 off the shores of Key Biscayne. The ship remains in its watery grave, embedded in white sand in no more than 10 feet of water. The remains of the boat make a happy home for many reef fish, sponges, and coral. At high or low tide, the ship makes a popular diving and snorkeling spot for visitors to the Miami area looking to get their flippers wet.

Snorkel the Bar

Want to combine your passions for drinking and snorkeling? The Jose Cuervo Margarita Bar may be the most unusual snorkeling site in South Florida. The 10,000-pound concrete bar was made especially for a Jose Cuervo promotion and then donated to the artificial reef program in Miami. The bar was sunk during the “Sinko de Mayo Festival” in 2000 and remains just offshore in Miami Beach for divers and snorkelers to share with the barfly reef fish who now call it home. Head 150 yards southeast of the Second Street lifeguard station to find the bar.

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park, which is just south of the city, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts that is a nice change of pace from the hectic city scene. This laid-back park has a shallow reef that is excellent for snorkeling and diving. The park’s underwater ecosystem is home to corals, reef fish, and manatees. Visitors may also see crocodiles sunning themselves and butterflies and birds fluttering through the air. Snorkeling is an excellent way to see the reef, and the water is shallow enough for those of all skill levels and ages. The park is open 24 hours a day all year, but check the weather before heading out, especially from June to November, which is hurricane season.

Crandon Park

Miami Dade Eco Adventures holds various tours around Key Biscayne and the Bear Cut Preserve from Crandon Park. The kayak and snorkel tour since it is an excellent way to get away from the shore and see the area’s marine life. Take a kayak tour of Bear Cut, then hop into the water with a mask, snorkel, and fins and see spotted eagle rays, sea stars and more. Tickets for this tour are available at the Crandon Park Visitor and Nature Center in Key Biscayne.