South Florida is home to some of the best snorkeling opportunities in the U.S., with a mix of natural coral reefs and artificial reefs just offshore. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or a beginner, there are several beach-accessible reefs where you can swim out from shore and explore a world of vibrant marine life.
This guide covers the best snorkeling reefs in South Florida, including both natural and artificial reefs, details on what marine life you’ll see, and local restaurants for a great post-snorkel meal.
Best Snorkeling Reefs in South Florida Accessible from the Beach
1. Phil Foster Park & Blue Heron Bridge Snorkel Trail (Palm Beach County)
- Location: Riviera Beach, FL
- Depth: 4-18 feet
- Reef Type: Artificial Reef & Snorkel Trail
- Marine Life: Seahorses, tropical fish, squid, octopus, stingrays, starfish, and even manatees during winter months.
Phil Foster Park is one of the most unique snorkeling spots in Florida. Located in the Intracoastal Waterway, this artificial reef was created to attract diverse marine life. The 800-foot-long Snorkel Trail, featuring underwater sculptures and rock piles, makes it a popular site for underwater photographers.
Post-Snorkel Lunch Recommendation:
- Sailfish Marina Restaurant – A waterfront seafood restaurant just minutes from Phil Foster Park. Enjoy fresh-caught fish, conch fritters, and tropical cocktails.
2. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Snorkel Trail (Broward County)
- Location: Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL
- Depth: 12-15 feet
- Reef Type: Artificial Reef
- Marine Life: Lobsters, eels, sea turtles, nurse sharks, manta rays, and colorful tropical fish.
This artificial reef sits just 400 feet offshore, making it one of the easiest snorkeling sites to access from the beach. The reef includes two large concrete cannons, an anchor, and a ballast pile, mimicking a shipwreck.
Post-Snorkel Lunch Recommendation:
- Aruba Beach Café – Located just steps from the beach, offering Caribbean-inspired seafood and cocktails with oceanfront views.
3. SS Copenhagen Shipwreck (Broward County)
- Location: Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL
- Depth: 16-31 feet
- Reef Type: Artificial Reef & Shipwreck
- Marine Life: Parrotfish, spadefish, barracuda, and soft coral.
A real shipwreck that ran aground in 1900, the SS Copenhagen is part of Florida’s “Museums in the Sea” program. The wreck, located three-quarters of a mile offshore, is a shallow-water site, making it a great spot for snorkelers who want to explore history beneath the waves.
Post-Snorkel Lunch Recommendation:
- 101 Ocean – A casual beachside restaurant offering seafood, burgers, and craft cocktails.
4. The SS Lofthus Shipwreck (Palm Beach County)
- Location: Manalapan, FL
- Depth: 15-20 feet
- Reef Type: Artificial Reef & Shipwreck
- Marine Life: Schools of tropical fish, corals, and crustaceans.
The SS Lofthus was a 19th-century iron-hulled sailing vessel that ran aground in 1898. The wreck is now scattered across a 300-foot-long area just 175 yards offshore, making it an easy swim from the beach.
Post-Snorkel Lunch Recommendation:
- Dune Deck Café – A beachfront café known for its laid-back atmosphere and seafood dishes.
5. Breaker’s Reef & Cable Crossing (Palm Beach County)
- Location: Palm Beach, FL
- Depth: 16-22 feet
- Reef Type: Natural Reef
- Marine Life: Manta rays, sea turtles, nurse sharks, and tropical fish.
Located just offshore from the historic Breakers Hotel, this natural reef system is home to a diverse range of marine life. The Cable Crossing site is named after an old telecommunication cable that runs through the reef.
Post-Snorkel Lunch Recommendation:
- The Seafood Bar at The Breakers – An upscale restaurant inside the Breakers Hotel, serving fresh seafood with ocean views.
6. Biscayne National Park Snorkeling (Miami-Dade County)
- Location: Biscayne National Park, FL
- Depth: 10-20 feet
- Reef Type: Natural Coral Reef & Maritime Heritage Trail
- Marine Life: Dolphins, sea turtles, reef sharks, coral formations, and lionfish.
95% of Biscayne National Park is underwater, making it a snorkeling paradise. The Maritime Heritage Trail features six shipwrecks, some dating back to the 19th century. You’ll need a boat to reach the reefs, but several tours run from Miami Beach to Boca Chita Key.
Post-Snorkel Lunch Recommendation:
- Black Point Ocean Grill – A waterfront restaurant offering fresh seafood and tropical drinks near the park.
7. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Florida Keys)
- Location: Key Largo, FL
- Depth: 8-20 feet
- Reef Type: Natural Coral Reef
- Marine Life: Lobsters, eels, sea cucumbers, sand dollars, and the famous Christ of the Abyss statue.
John Pennekamp is America’s first undersea park and one of the most famous snorkeling spots in South Florida. The 9-foot bronze Christ statue sits 20 feet below the surface, making it a popular snorkeling attraction.
Post-Snorkel Lunch Recommendation:
- The Fish House – A highly-rated seafood restaurant known for its conch fritters and fresh-caught fish.
Final Thoughts
South Florida offers some of the best beach-accessible snorkeling in the country, with both natural coral reefs and artificial reefs designed to attract marine life. Whether you’re exploring the wreck of the SS Copenhagen, swimming through the Blue Heron Bridge Snorkel Trail, or visiting the famous Christ of the Abyss statue, there’s no shortage of underwater adventures.
After your snorkel session, treat yourself to some of the best waterfront restaurants nearby, offering everything from fresh seafood to tropical cocktails.
Would you like recommendations on snorkeling gear rental shops or the best times of year for snorkeling in South Florida? Let me know!
