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Beginner Snorkeling

Discussion in 'Diving, Hookahing, Spear Fishing, Snorkeling' started by SpaceCam, Jul 18, 2017.


  1. SpaceCam

    SpaceCam Pirate in the making
    Thread Started By

    Hey gang,

    My son and I have just started really basic snorkeling- we both have full face masks and swim fins. That's it.
    All we want to do really is see some fish in a nice relatively shallow area with calmer waters and good visibility.
    Can anyone ecommend some good places on either the Atlantic or Gulf coasts of Central Florida - preferably anywhere between say St. Augtine and Sebastian Inlet on the Atlantic side and Homosassa and Sarasota on the Gulf side. If there is good fishing also, that's a huge bonus. Springs would also be cool, as long as the snorkeling is good.

    Thanks all!
     
    SpaceCam, Jul 18, 2017
    #1
  2. lobsterman

    lobsterman Seaman Recruit

    Blue springs is great for beginners.
     
    lobsterman, Jul 18, 2017
    #2
  3. SpaceCam

    SpaceCam Pirate in the making
    Thread Started By

    Thanks lobsterman! Appreciate the reply.
     
    SpaceCam, Jul 18, 2017
    #3
  4. bogman102

    bogman102 Seaman

    I started out at Itchetucknee Springs snorkling about 40 years ago. It's beautiful there! 300 feet vis underwater!
    Any of the springs are beautiful and there are a lot of them in Florida.
    I bought a couple of books on the subject and started exploring the different springs. It's been a life long interest
    The water in the springs stays at 72F year round!
     
    bogman102, Jul 21, 2017
    #4
  5. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member

    Nautical Gator, Jul 21, 2017
    #5
    shrimpmansteve likes this.
  6. Goggle Eye

    Goggle Eye Seaman Recruit

    Here is the link for all of FL's springs. Hope this helps. Have fun.
    http://www.floridasprings.org/visit/
     
    Goggle Eye, Jul 22, 2017
    #6
  7. SpaceCam

    SpaceCam Pirate in the making
    Thread Started By

    SpaceCam, Jul 22, 2017
    #7
    Goggle Eye likes this.
  8. relicshunter

    relicshunter Pirate in the making

    we hit an area south of Steinhatchee just a little bit. It had a nice mix of coral and sponges, in 5-6' water. I need to find it again. I've seen lots of neat fish and sea life in the shallow water outside dark island by keaton. Out by a row of large rocks. Groups of spade fish, gobys, porcupine puffers, starfish, all types of stuff.
     
    relicshunter, Jul 22, 2017
    #8
  9. SpaceCam

    SpaceCam Pirate in the making
    Thread Started By

    Sounds like a great Spot relicshunter!
     
    SpaceCam, Jul 23, 2017
    #9
  10. Roadhammer

    Roadhammer Cabin Boy

    The springs and rivers are great but chilly. Of course, scalloping is loads of fun while snorkeling and you have the manatee dives in Crystal River.
     
    Roadhammer, Aug 27, 2017
    #10
  11. Troy von Blankenburg

    Troy von Blankenburg Treasure Hunter

    There's a really cool rock pile/reef on the gulf side of Egmont Key. Ive seen monster tarpon, snook, barracuda, grouper, you name it there. Need a boat or hop on the ferry at Ft Desoto
     
    Troy von Blankenburg, Jun 9, 2018
    #11
  12. rebelmusic

    rebelmusic Newbie

    Ginnie Springs is cool, especially if you like 1000 people surrounding you while you snorkel.
     
    rebelmusic, Jun 14, 2018
    #12
  13. bogman102

    bogman102 Seaman

    Don't go to the springs on weekends!
     
    bogman102, Jun 30, 2018
    #13
  14. Citadel16

    Citadel16 Newbie

    Any places to snorkel off the beach?
     
    Citadel16, Jul 20, 2020
    #14
  15. Roadhammer

    Roadhammer Cabin Boy

    Beaches are a different animal. Turbid water when the surf is up, rip currents, etc. Calm seas, one can probably got out past the first sand bar and get a little more vis. One also has to be aware of the current also moving along the beach. Not nearly as much to look at, mostly sand (desert).
     
    Roadhammer, Jul 20, 2020
    #15
  16. Jared

    Jared Pirate

    we love blue springs---great place to practice
     
    Jared, Jan 31, 2021
    #16
  17. Roadhammer

    Roadhammer Cabin Boy

    Blue Springs is awesome.
     
    Roadhammer, Jan 31, 2021
    #17
  18. shrimpmansteve

    shrimpmansteve Seadog

    Ditto on blue springs or silver glen!!
     
    shrimpmansteve, Feb 4, 2021
    #18
  19. Traffictech

    Traffictech Newbie

    It depends on the weather, tide and people.
    Me and my wife have done a lot of snorkeling at Ponce Inlet that was great but never on a Sat, Sun or holiday.
    Lots of places on the West coast around St. Pete.

    Not sure if its still in print but "Ned Deloach's Diving guide to underwater Florida" was always my go to book.
     
    Traffictech, Feb 9, 2021
    #19
  20. Srfrdave

    Srfrdave Mate

    Good one citadel I agree Ned Deloach
     
    Srfrdave, Feb 11, 2021
    #20

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