With 47 miles of beautiful beaches, The Palm Beaches are home to some of Florida’s best snorkeling sites. Whether you’re looking for easy shore snorkeling, colorful reefs or abundant marine life, these top snorkeling spots are the perfect place to start your underwater adventure.
Plan Your Snorkeling Adventure
Whether you’re snorkeling from the beach or joining a guided excursion, a little planning can help you make the most of your day on the water.
Best Time to Go The best time to snorkel in The Palm Beaches is in the morning, when the water is typically calmer and visibility is at its best. For the clearest underwater views, plan your visit around high tide, when cleaner ocean water moves in and visibility is often at its best.
What to Bring Pack a mask, snorkel, fins, reef-safe sunscreen, water, a towel and a dry bag. Don’t have your own equipment? Many local outfitters offer rentals.
Stay Safe
Always check current beach conditions, tides and local weather before entering the water. Snorkel with a buddy, follow posted safety guidelines and respect marine life by observing wildlife from a safe distance.
Explore the Best Snorkeling Spots
From the world-famous Blue Heron Bridge to Coral Cove Park and Peanut Island, these snorkeling sites offer some of the best underwater experiences in South Florida.
Phil Foster Park / Blue Heron Bridge
When it comes to snorkeling, the star of the show is Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach, an 800-foot-long tract of artificial reef made with 600 tons of rock boulders. It’s all part of The Palm Beaches’ Snorkeling Trail, directly under Blue Heron Bridge where the water is unbelievably clear. Snorkelers can take off from the swimming area to do the Snorkel Trail. The depth around Blue Heron Bridge goes from 4 feet at the entry point out to 20 feet near the boat wrecks. The Snorkel Trail ranges from 10 to 15 feet. Phil Foster is also a terrific spot to do watersports in The Palm Beaches or relax on the small beach.
Look up from the water to see Peanut Island. It’s across from Phil Foster Park and has an incredible history, including crazy Cold War presidential bunkers and a long-time Coast Guard base. Nowadays, you’ll find a surprising snorkeling lagoon. Don’t be alarmed if a sea cow goes by you, a manatee that is. These easy-going giants are attracted to warm water during the winter months, and quite a few can be seen from viewing spots at Manatee Lagoon.
Ocean Reef Park sits on Singer Island. Its beach is well-known for having first-rate water conditions, so the snorkeling is excellent. The park is also perfect for a sunrise walk or run. There is plenty of sand on the wide beach to relax and enjoy the scenery. Up in the park area there is a picnic pavilion as well as grills and single picnic tables.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
A little further up on A1A, exploring John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a must. With big rock outcroppings forming a reef right at the water’s edge, find great sights without needing a boat or long swim. Also from MacArthur, make time to canoe or kayak Lake Worth Lagoon — it’s amazing.
South Inlet Park
The South Inlet Park in Boca Raton has a superb natural reef about 175 feet off the beach. Those inlet rock barriers attract unique sea life easily seen while snorkeling. The reef starts in and around the park’s jetty but be careful of passing boats. Snorkeling enthusiasts can take a break from swimming by picking a good, soft spot of sand.
Red Reef Park
Just up the road from South Inlet is the Red Reef Park. The park has an artificial reef resting close to shore, a fine opportunity for beginners and kids alike. A renovated boardwalk offers a pavilion, benches, and a beautiful view of the ocean. There is also a 9-hole golf course beside the ocean and the Gumbo Limbo Center for nature lovers.
Ocean Inlet Park
Ocean Inlet Park, near the mouth of the Boynton Beach Inlet, presents excellent snorkeling around various rock piles. This is also an excellent spot for boaters and jet skiers to dart to the ocean or Intracoastal Waterway with a jetty and marina access open 24 hours. The jetty is also the perfect place to see the moon hovering high above the ocean or cast your line and fish day or night.
Delray Beach Municipal Beach
When it comes to wrecks, there’s one about 500 feet off Delray Beach Municipal Beach. The S.S. Inchulva went down in a storm back in 1903, and the nearly-400-foot freighter rests only about 20 feet down. Delray Beach Municipal Beach is right off Atlantic Avenue, which has blocks upon blocks of al fresco bistros, cool pubs, and unique shops.
Coral Cove Park
A little more off the beaten path up north, Coral Cove Park is a not-to-be-missed beach. If you enjoy a quieter beach that attracts smaller crowds but still want the benefit of great snorkeling and paddleboarding, this is the place. Right at the shore to several hundred yards out – just look for the darker shapes in the water – it is the rocks around which the fish swim. This is a The Palm Beaches must-see.
Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park in the town of Gulf Stream also offers you smaller crowds, as well as many colorful schools of fish, including nurse sharks, reef fish, and stingrays swimming around. The beach has a playground and a picnic area.
Snorkeling Tours in The Palm Beaches
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, these guided excursions take you to some of the best spots, including the stunning coral reefs of Phil Foster Park and the serene waters of Peanut Island. With professional guides ensuring your safety and providing fascinating insights, snorkeling in The Palm Beaches offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Plan your tour today and discover why this destination is a paradise for ocean lovers.
Visit Palm Beach offers guided snorkeling excursions, including trips to Peanut Island and the Blue Heron Bridge, known for its diverse marine life.
Snorkel South Florida provides private tours, kids tours, and specialty tours, featuring encounters with tropical fish, sea horses, and more.
Get Wet Watersports offers several snorkeling tours around Singer Island and Peanut Island, including a private snorkel tour by boat, a catamaran snorkel tour, a paddleboard snorkel tour, a kayak snorkel tour, and many more. Most of the tours are for all ages, and some are for advanced swimmers.
Pura Vida Divers provides group or private snorkel tours, snorkeling trips and cruises, as well as snorkeling lessons and snorkeling camps.
Keylypso offers daily snorkeling charters aboard a custom 34′ power catamaran, exploring various sites around the Palm Beaches, including Peanut Island and Ocean Reef.
Loved exploring beneath the surface? Keep the adventure going with even more beaches and watersports in The Palm Beaches. From paddleboarding and kayaking to scuba diving, boating and 47 miles of beautiful beaches, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the water.
Can you go snorkeling in The Palm Beaches?
Absolutely! With 47 miles of Atlantic coastline, The Palm Beaches offer excellent snorkeling opportunities for all experience levels. Explore vibrant reefs, clear waters and abundant marine life from both the shore and guided boat excursions.
Who can go snorkeling?
Snorkeling is a great activity for anyone, young or old. It’s not about age; it’s about your comfort level and experience in the water.
Can you go snorkeling at the beach?
Yes! Several beaches in The Palm Beaches provide easy access to nearshore reefs, making it possible to snorkel right from the shoreline. You can also book a boat tour to reach deeper reefs and offshore snorkeling sites.
When is the best time to go snorkeling?
Morning is typically the best time to snorkel. Calmer waters, better visibility and brighter sunlight make it easier to spot colorful tropical fish, sea turtles and other marine life. For the best experience, choose a day with calm seas and clear weather.
What marine life can you see while snorkeling in The Palm Beaches?
Snorkelers often spot tropical fish, stingrays, sea turtles, colorful coral and other fascinating marine life. Every trip is different, making each snorkeling adventure unique.
Insider Scoop
Tip from a Local
cHELSEA fETTER
If there’s one thing you have to do while you’re in Jupiter, it’s get out on the water. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing cruise with Pontiki Cruises or something a little more adventurous like paddleboarding or kayaking with Get Up And Go Kayaking or Going Coastal Florida, it’s hands down the best way to experience Jupiter like a local. Plus, going at high tide ensures, you have the bright turquoise, Bahama-like water. This way you can interact with the incredible marine life like manatees, rays, tropical fish, starfish, and more. Also, one of the best views of the Jupiter lighthouse is from the water! And if you’re up for it, you can even explore the area around it once you’re out there! @chelsea.fetter
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