Any good snorkeling around Orlando?

[Herbi]

I do realise where Orlando is so, obviously, there's no snorkeling on the doorstep of our hotel but...

 

If I go to clearwater or even to the 'keys' is there any chance of finding a good snorkeling spot - ideally a boat trip visiting a couple of locations?

[JohninDC]

Very good snorkeling in Key Largo - about a 4+ hour drive from Orlando.

[Noxequifans]

http://www.fla-keys.com/brochures-newsletters/

 

Here is a link to Fl Keys tourism.

[Capt_BJ]

Discovery Cove .....

 

Crystal River http://crystalriverflorida.com/

 

Blue Spring https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Blue-Spring

 

Key Largo BUT not from shore ... the reef is a couple of miles off shore so you need a boat .... there are MANY operations that will take you out. The concession at Pennekamp Park (mm 10.5) is just about the nearest one to Miami and as good as any ...

 

and there are assorted trips from Miami and Lauderdale areas

https://www.getyourguide.com/miami-l176/key-west-dolphin-snorkel-tour-from-miami-beach-t61929/?referrer_view_id=54c30e780fe27df6e114207b4c89b062&referrer_view_position=5

 

not really much on the west coast other than the springs areas

 

there are some operations in the Palm Beach area. Not as good as the Keys .. but closer

http://westpalmbeach.com/activities/snorkel.php

 

http://scubanation.com/discover-palm-beaches/

 

(I've been snorkeling and diving around Florida (and beyond) since the early 80's)

[brunello22]

Lauderdale by the Sea, 3-1/2 hours south of Orlando, is the Shore Dive Capital of South Florida. Unlike the Florida Keys, where the reefs are only accessible by boat, LBTS's coral reefs, some located within 100 yards off the beach, can be reached. Also located about 700 feet offshore, LBTS also has a unique artificial reef project powered by solar-buoys, which help accelerate the rate of coral growth.

 

On some early mornings when the water is calm and like glass, we take our paddle boards and our snorkel gear out to the reef, and have seen some amazing fish, turtle, rays, etc.