Shallow Snorkeling Sites for Kids in Florida

Florida theme parks and attractions can be a lot of fun, but an extended stay can get a little pricey for families with kids. If you̵7;re planning on going to Florida and are up for doing some driving, consider making some time for snorkeling. There are many places in Florida that offer safe, shallow snorkeling opportunities that you and your kids are sure to enjoy.

  1. Looe Key at Bahia Honda State Park

    • From Bahia Honda Key, visitors can travel by boat to Looe Key to snorkel in the National Marine Sanctuary. The National Marine Sanctuary protects these waters from activities that could damage reefs and disturb marine life, so snorkelers can experience a virtually untouched ecosystem that includes a living coral reef and a diverse population of tropical fish and other aquatic life in waters that range from 5 to 15 feet. The Bahia Honda Park Concession operates tours up to twice a day, but due to its popularity, reservations are highly recommended.

    John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

    • Also located in the Florida Keys, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park provides opportunities for snorkeling right off the beach as well as snorkeling boat tours. Families can enjoy two beaches: Far Beach features a lagoon for small children to swim and practice snorkeling in, while 100 feet off Cannon Beach, visitors can view the remains of a Spanish shipwreck and the marine life that is attracted to the remnants. Those with more experience can take a tour to one of the inner living reefs, where waters are typically 5 to 15 feet deep, and where the "Christ of the Deep" bronze statue lies on the ocean floor.

    Phil Foster Park

    • Located in Riviera Beach, Phil Foster Park offers kids an opportunity to see an abundance of unique marine life while snorkeling offshore. In 2012, the park completed construction of an artificial reef and snorkel trail. The Phil Foster snorkeling trail includes limestone boulders and concrete reef modules specifically designed to draw in creatures like seahorses, squid, octopus and spotted rays. Since the water depth ranges from 6 to 10 feet, its a great spot for kids who have some prior snorkeling experience.

    Red Reef Park

    • Red Reef Park in Boca Raton features an offshore rock reef. Located about 10 feet from the public beach, the man-made reef is home to various types of fish, like striped sergeants, damselfish, and bluespotted cornetfish. Your kids may also see other marine animals like stingrays and hermit crabs while snorkeling at Red Reef Park. Since the reef is right off the shore, the water is usually 6 feet deep or less. Visitors need to bring their own snorkeling equipment to this spot.

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