I would like to make a trip to Florida to go snorkeling. I am searching for beaches where I can go snorkeling right off the beach without having to take a boat trip.

I have found snorkel sites described on the web, but they are all tours from a boat.

My problem is that I am a certified diver. I was certified last summer (2000). I am very, very fortunate because I have three dive buddies to go diving with, but we only go on one trip per year. (I am NOT complaining about this!!!) But, they do not want to go to Florida for a week or for a long weekend vacation. They have been diving for more than 10 years, and they have done the Manatee River dives. They have also been to the Keys. So, they are not thrilled about going to Florida.

But, I would like to go to enjoy the beach and sunshine this winter. I live just outside of Cleveland, Ohio.

Lasy year in the spring, I made a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. I bought a book before I left (Snorkeling Guide to the Big Island) that described many of the beaches there. I was able to go snorkeling by myself from many beaches. I was wondering if this was possible in Florida.

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Are there any good tour boats/companies that can accomodate single snorkelers?

Ken - Unless I'm mistaken the best snorkeling in Florida is in the keys...especially the upper keys. However, all the beaches in the keys are man-made and very small, so if you're after a beach/snorkeling vacation, you'll be disappointed there. I think the kind of vacation that would best suit your needs would be in the Caribbean.

No real good snorkeling from the shore in Florida. But I don't really understand your last question, why wouldn't snorkel tourboats NOT accomodate single snorkelers? As far as I know they operate on a first-come, first serve basis, you show up (or make a reservation) and if there is room, you go out on the snorkel trip. You will probably get paired up with a stranger as a snorkel buddy for safety reasons, but that won't be too bad. Susan is correct, usually the most interesting snorkeling is out of Pennekamp Park in Key Largo.

I'll concur with the others, there's no snorkeling to be had other than Pennekamp. These sandy beaches are wonderful for swimmers, but there's nothing worth looking at.

Why don't you please everyone and head just a bit further off...go to Grand Cayman. If you want to snorkel all you need do is walk 3 feet out and start floating. There it is, right there...or go out with your dive buddies and do The Wall or any number of other dives. Cayman is a great vacation for anyone interested in what's in the water, not necessarily so for what's on land...which is just average. I've never seen better snorkeling though, and as it's just south of Cuba, it's a quick and inexpensive flight from Miami.

It sounds like you're coming to Florida alone and want to go snorkeling. If you're a certified diver I would skip the snorkeling and go diving. There are lots of dive boats that go out from Miami Beach and the Keys, that's how most of us go who don't own boats) There's more available for divers than snorkelers and they rent all the equipment. My husband owns gear but I rent every time. I like walking off the boat and not having to worry about cleaning and storing....there isn't anything to see off shore. YOu have to go out to the reefs off the Keys or the wrecks off Miami Beach.

I, too, don't understand why you want to go snorkeling if you are a certified diver. Yes, you can go to Largo and hook onto any of a dozen or more boats as a single diver. And maybe I'm wrong, but I think you might be able to get a package to somewhere like Grand Cayman or even better, Bonaire, for really great diving!

I agree with the idea of going to Grand Cayman. I was just there in Aug. and it was so great. The beaches where great and the snorkeling was the highlight of the trip. I am surprised your friends who are experienced divers wouldnt suggest that. Its more expensive then Fl. but you can get great airfare for a week in Cayman for less then $300. And the deals are running through March.
The snorkel trips they run are about $30 1/2 day and $65 full day w/lunch. Or you can get a dive book on Cayman and it tells you the best snorkel spots from the beaches.
E-mail me without the xx's if you need more info.
Good Luck

Ken, I am a third generation native floridian and have been all over the state. I would recommend John Pennekamp State Park -or- Bahia Honda State Park. Both offer a beautiful dive or snorkeling excursion. If you are going down in that area for several day, then you could start off at John Pennekamp & travel down to Bahia Honda. Not to mention, Bahia Honda State park was voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! In general though, Strike Zone Charters is a great company to hook up with down in the "keys area". Enjoy!!!

ken -

I'm confused too - why are you telling us that you are a certified diver and then asking for snorkeling info? What does one have to do with the other?