12 Best Places to Snorkel with Marine Life in the Wild

One of the most fulfilling sport hobbies is snorkeling with marine life in the wild. Being able to observe wildlife in their natural habitat while respecting their space is an amazing feeling.

Whether you are a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, knowing which locations are snorkel-friendly is step number one. This article takes the guess work out of choosing a location well known for its magnificent marine life. Here are 12 of the best places to snorkel with marine life in the wild!

North America

Florida and the Gulf of Mexico might come to mind as good snorkeling locations in the U.S., and with good reason. Florida is the only continental U.S. state that provides optimum snorkeling conditions throughout the entire year. Additionally, this state provides plenty of beachfront, state parks and riverways to catch glimpses of a variety of water mammals.

Crystal River, Florida

A winter haven for the manatees, the warm springs of Crystal River welcome hundreds of the gentle giants each year. It is a popular location for snorkelers because it is the only Florida location where swimming and snorkeling alongside these amazing mammals is legal. There are three main locations to spend some time in the water via a tour boat. Choices are the House Spring, Three Sisters Spring, and Jurassic Spring. To enter the water from the shoreline, Hunter Springs public beach is the only option.

The year-round water temperature of the springs range between 72 and 74 degrees. And the best time to swim alongside the manatees is from November to March.

Salt Springs, Florida

Located within the Ocala National Forest, this is a prime destination for beginners. The shallow water that remains a steady 74 degrees year-round is a great place to practice snorkeling, while seeing some small marine life. The outing will result in sightings of mullets, Orinoco sailfin catfish, and blue crabs. Along with aquatic plants, the spring’s bedding is a balance of rocks and sand.

Silver Glen Springs, Florida

Also situated inside the Ocala National Forest, Silver Glen Springs is located on the west side of Lake George. There is a required admission cost, and the recreation area provides picnic tables, drinking water, and restrooms. This location is 10 miles south of Salt Springs.

The bed stone of this location varies between algae, roots, and limestone atop a mostly sandy bottom. However, this location isn’t as common for manatees as Crystal River.

A bonus for choosing this location to snorkel with marine life is the freshwater turtles. They typically hang out close to the shoreline. Other species within this location are the sunfish, mullet, and hundreds of large striped bass.

Blue Heron Bridge, Florida

Part of Phil Foster Park, this destination is ideal for beginners. It is a great place to view marine life, with its seagrass beds and artificial reefs. A variety of fish reside here, including angelfish, barracudas, and stingrays, along with cowfish, pipefish, and frogfish. An extra treat are the seahorses in the shallow edges, alongside shrimp.

Visit small artificial reefs, sculptures, and even a shipwreck throughout the park’s snorkel trail. You’ll likely spot yellow stingrays, spotted scorpionfish, pearly razorfish, and boxfish. Lionfish, bandtail pufferfish, and yellowtail damselfish are a few more species found here. In total, 29 species call this area home.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

About 600 yards off the coast of Fort Lauderdale is an artificial coral reef. The Northern Erojack measures about 250 yards and creates a shelter for a variety of species, ranging from French angelfish, French grunt, bar jacks, and gray angelfish. Peek in and around cubby holes and crevices for a chance sighting of lobster and be watchful of green sea turtles near the reef.

Other fish species that are located here are the bluehead wrasse, stoplight parrotfish, the Spanish hogfish, and the orange spotted filefish.

South Bimini Island, Bahamas

Snorkeling with marine life at the wreck of the Sapona is a popular tourist activity when visiting this area of the Bahamas. Just a few miles from South Bimini Island, the cargo steamer wreckage rests in a shallow, 15-feet body of water.

Because of its vast sea life collection, this is a popular snorkeling and diving spot. Snorkeling tours bring you directly to the wreckage; alternatively, you can charter a boat. This is another great spot for eyeballing smaller marine species, specifically various types of fish. Species range from schoolmaster snapper, bar jack, sun coral, and the great barracuda.

Mayan Riviera, Mexico

Being able to snorkel with whale sharks is quite the adventure, and a popular destination in Mexico for this activity is found in the vast region of the Mayan Riviera. This area includes the cities of Cancan, Tulu, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Holbox.

That’s a lot of cities to choose from, and while most of the cities’ hotels double as tour pickup locations, Cancun is probably the most popular city for snorkeling with whale sharks.

The tours can last between six and 11 hours and average a price of $165 per person. While the sharks can be seen from the middle of May until mid-September, ideal times to visit this area are between mid-June until August.

In addition to the whale sharks, visitors can view turtles, dolphins, whales, and manta rays.

Puerto Morelos, Mexico

A small fishing village, Puerto Morelos is considered the most beautiful and well-preserved location within the Riviera Maya. Snorkeling from the shoreline is prohibited, but there are two ways to reach the reef. Guests can choose from a one- or two-hour guided snorkel tour or a full-day tour. The full-day tour option includes two or three stops along the reef, lunch on the beach, and possibly other activities.

Yellow stingray can be spotted, along with green sea turtles; yellow, southern, and Atlantic spotted eagle rays; and great barracuda.

Akumal Bay, Mexico

This location is split between two specific areas: the seagrass beds close to the shoreline and the barrier reef that is about 300 yards offshore.

Though a popular place to snorkel beside green sea turtles and stingray, guests are only allowed in the area with a guide. Respect for marine life is mandated and keeping a distance of at least 10 feet from the sea turtles is strongly recommended.

The reef is home to a variety of hard coral species, including leafy coral, Acropora, and Porites. Species of fish available to view range from parrotfish, butterfly fish, grunts, and blue tang. Spotted eagle rays and yellow rays can occasionally be spotted here as well.

Larger species such as the great barracuda, green sea turtle, southern stingray, yellow stingray, and nurse sharks can also be viewed while snorkeling.

Australia

This is another continent that provides amazing views. Snorkeling with marine life in the wild of Australia’s waterways is always an amazing experience, thanks to the Great Barrier Reef. Choose Turquoise Bay in western Australia or Lady Elliot Island in Queensland. Either provide plenty of snorkeling options.

Lady Elliot Island

Known as the home of the manta ray, this island is located on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. A shallow lagoon on one side and a reef on the other provide two unique snorkeling experiences. The adventure provides plenty of options for snorkeling with marine life. Species range from dolphins to sharks, and manta rays to turtles.

Kurnell

This location is on the southern tip of Botany Bay and is a favorite. A suburb of Sydney, Kurnell is home to Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Follow the beach shoreline to James Cook landing place and enter the water on either side of the pier. Consisting of seaweed and seagrass, it’s a paradise for seahorses and seadragons. Other neat marine life accessible here include octopus, wrasse, and stingrays.

Snorkeling with marine life can be an amazing experience; these 12 locations are the perfect places to jump right in.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/chameleonseye