Jul
12
Written by:
WaterplayUSA
7/12/2010 4:24 PM
We all know it’s hot. Blisteringly, melting the skin off your face kind of hot. What’s a better way to cool down than to take a dip in the water? Compiled below, in no particular order, is a list of the Top Ten, absolute best crème de la crème of the snorkeling world:
Pompano Beach, Florida – Known widely as “the jewel of the south Atlantic coast”, Pompano Beach is best known for their excellent condition, natural, three-tiered coral reef system and abundant animal life. The reef begins just 20 feet down and about 100 yards off of shore, which makes it perfect for snorkelers. Further offshore, there’s more artificial reefs and more than 75 wrecks that house everything from nurse sharks, sea turtles and parrotfish. (And don’t expect just a bunch of ships…they’ve sunk their fair share of bizarre things like a margarita bar and a 94 foot DC-4 airplane!) The year-around warm, clear water makes for ideal snorkeling conditions, and is also a popular site for both day and nighttime scuba dives.
Aliso Beach Park, California – The name may be a bit misleading. The best spot to snorkel is actually along the right side of AIiso Beach, in a spot known as Treasure Island. And if there’s one thing this location is best known for, it would have to be its serenity. The best point of entry is difficult to get through and has to be accessed through Aliso Beach, which is a bit of a trek. While this may seem like a disadvantage, this means that it’s usually pretty empty and great for a relaxing dive. And the hike will definitely pay off—once you get across the beach, the natural reef begins only a short swim from shore. The usually calm conditions are perfect to spot the wildlife (check it out at the height of lobster season if you want to see more crustaceans in one spot then you’ll ever see again in your life) and the waters are usually clear for good visibility. It’s also a popular spot for night dives when the nightlife of the sea comes out!
Ahihi Bay, Hawaii – This is a great location for “rugged snorkelers”. The farther down the beach you’re willing to walk, the better the snorkeling! There are no nearby facilities, but this is a great, shallow dive with pristine natural reefs not far below the surface in all directions. With great visibility, easy access from entry point, and private beaches that lend itself to much-coveted privacy, Ahihi Bay is great location for a calming afternoon snorkel.
Destin Jetties, Florida – While Destin Jetties, is a bit too far north for coral reefs, their rock jetties are home to just as much marine life. Loggerhead turtles, dolphins and seahorses aren’t uncommon to see on a swim. The water is bright blue and crystal clear, allowing for amazing night dives, especially if there happens to be a full moon! There’s also plenty of wrecks to check out, including old WWII ships, a landing craft and even the old Destin bridge. These are some of the best snorkeling conditions in the Florida panhandle!
Stillwater Beach, California – This is one of the more exclusive snorkeling locations in the US, with only ten divers per day being allowed to explore the area per day. Make sure you call ahead for a reservation to make sure you get to dive this location! It’s also one of the best places in the country to go abalone diving. (Abalones are sea snails whose shells are one of the main sources of Mother-of-Pearl.) If you can’t find many abalones of legal size (3.75 inches) don’t fret. There are plenty of seals, sea otters, fish and other wildlife to keep you occupied!
Wailea Beach, Hawaii – Wailea Beach is one of the top-rated (yet little known) locations for snorkeling in the USA, thanks to its calm, turquoise waters and excellent visibility. Prepare yourself for a walk…it’s a 300 yard hike from the parking area down to the beach. But don’t let this little caveat turn you off to the experience. Snorkelers and divers say that the wildlife you see, including octopi, sea turtles and huge schools of fish, are worth every step! This location is also great for intermediate scuba divers and night dives. And the best part is how relatively unknown it is. This means plenty of quiet time for you and the coral reef.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Florida – The first underwater park created in the US resides in the beautiful Florida Keys. This is a great experience if you’re looking for a more educational, guided snorkeling tour. There are a bunch of professionally guided tours throughout the day, each tour lasting about two and a half hours. They also give you educational instruction about the reef, the marine life in and around the park. This trip is great for scholarly snorkelers.
The Cave, California – If you’re someone who loves a challenge with a great payoff, this location is perfect for you. You can either take the more difficult path down to the water through the rock ledges, or you can swim or kayak from La Jolla Cove a little ways down. This is one of the more unique sites in the country, where you can explore the caves and the creatures that reside there. There are plenty of animals you won’t be able to get close to in many other locations other than this one, like sea lions, horned sharks and Garibaldi fish, who are friendly and very used to being around humans. Since the swell is so calm, you’ll be able to swim right into the caves without a problem. If you’re willing to work to get there, you’re in for an unforgettable and unique snorkeling experience!
Crystal River, Florida – This is a very rare fresh water complex that’s fed by warm freshwater springs. The naturally warm water means that it’s a great dive spot throughout the year. There’s plenty of coral and unique fish, but the real reason for its popularity is mostly thanks to the wild manatees that reside there. There are over 400 of them swimming around Crystal River, and they’re all extremely gentle and curious—don’t be frightened by seeing these nearly 10 ft., 800+ pound creatures swim right up into your face! They’re known for their friendly and playful nature. You’ll most likely have to rent a boat to access the best parts of the river, though it can be accessed through a surface swim from Hunter Springs Park. And be careful of the manatees when you’re in a boat with propellers! These animals like to stay a bit closer to the surface of the water, which often means that they get clipped and cut up by boaters who aren’t looking where they’re going. Be safe, respect the marine life and enjoy one of the most unique snorkeling experiences available.
Place of Refuge, Hawaii – This is without a doubt one of the most popular dive sites in the entire country. The reefs are pristine and the wildlife, including wild sea turtles, dolphins and rays—will swim right up to divers to play. You’ll begin to see the wildlife less than 100 feet offshore, which is easily accessible through the lava-ledge entry point. The visibility is flawless, conditions are calm and it is a perfect location for snorkelers and divers of all ages and skill levels. It’s one of the highest rated and most loved spots by water lovers across the globe—which can make it a bit of a free-for-all during peak hours and seasons. To see the reef and wildlife without the possibility of bumping into another snorkeler, get there as early as possible! This location needs to be on your Top 3 list of places to dive before you die!
That should give you plenty to work with…you can now officially call yourself a snorkeling snob. Go cool off, and find an adventure!