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.
August is an exciting time to visit South Beach in Miami. Throughout the month there will be a wealth of events, ranging from food festivals to performances by some of the biggest names in pop culture. Below we have compiled a list of the top events happening in August 2018 to ensure your stay in South Beach is action-packed and memorable.
Are you a foodie? Then South Beach promises not to disappoint. Miami Spice, for instance, is an event that occurs throughout the month of August where select restaurants offer guests three-course, prix-fixe menus for great prices (brunch: $23, lunch $23, and dinner $39). Exceptional food at exceptional prices. Another popular event is the South Beach Mango Festival. August is mango season in Miami and what better way to celebrate than by eating delicious mangoes? The event will take place on August 5th at Lummus Park at 12th Street and will feature live music, cooking classes, a mango eating contest, and plenty of mango-inspired dishes.
In addition to the many food offers in Miami, make sure you get to experience the amazing performances by the popular artists showcasing their latest hits. At the American Airlines Arena in downtown Miami, you can catch performances by Kesha and Macklemore, Janet Jackson, and Shakira. Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift will also be performing in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium in August.
If you are looking to experience some cultural activities, August is a great time to do so. The International Ballet Festival of Miami, which runs from July 28th through August 19th, will showcase more than 20 ballet companies from around the world and over 100 skilled dancers. At the African Diaspora Dance and Drum Festival of Florida (August 3rd through 5th), you can enjoy African and Caribbean dance, as well as drum and music workshops. This festival is ideal for everyone in the family as the event will also feature festivities such as African folklore storytelling, face painting, drum circles, and more. Furthermore, the IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Festival (August 12th through 18th) allows guests to celebrate Afro-Cuban tradition and culture at the three-day IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Festival. Activities include a children’s camp, academic conference and dance presentations at the Koubek Center.
With all these activities occurring throughout the month of August, you certainly will not be lacking things to do during your South Beach vacation.