About Snorkeling in St. Petersburg, Florida

With abundant sunshine and white-sand beaches, St. Petersburg, Florida, is an ideal place for snorkeling. Egmont Key, a small island in the mouth of Tampa Bay, is one of St. Petersburg's premier snorkeling sites. After an enjoyable 30-minute boat ride, snorkelers can marvel at the sunken remnants of Fort Dade, which was built during the Spanish-American War, and also dive for sand dollars. Egmont Key also features a beautiful beach for sunbathing and a reconstructed lighthouse.
Those seeking a truly unforgettable aquatic experience can make a 90-mile drive north of St. Petersburg to Crystal River for an opportunity to snorkel with lumbering manatees.

  1. Geography

    • Situated on Florida's west coast at the southern end of a peninsula separating Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, St. Petersburg is blessed with idyllic beaches where sun-dappled waters lap against the shoreline. The shallow waters and prevailing calm seas combine to create excellent conditions for snorkeling.

    Considerations

    • Late spring and summer is the best time for snorkeling along the beach in St. Petersburg because the Gulf of Mexico tends to be warmest and most tranquil during this period. Freshwater springs like nearby Crystal River offer top-notch snorkeling conditions throughout the year. The clear waters in these springs provide extraordinary visibility with a near-constant temperature of 70 degrees F.

    Benefits

    • Observing the underwater realm while snorkeling in St. Petersburg is a great way to reduce stress and promote physical fitness at the same time. Since a dive mask, inflatable life vest, snorkel and flippers are relatively inexpensive, snorkeling also presents a superb way for parents to introduce their children to the ocean environment.

    Prevention/Solution

    • It is all too easy to get sunburned while snorkeling in St. Petersburg. Jellyfish and other stinging sea creatures also are found in these coastal waters.
      To avoid a painful sunburn or sting, consider wearing a skin suit, also known as a dive skin. These thin yet durable suits usually sell for less than $100. As an added benefit, a skin suit will help prevent snorkelers from getting chilled while in the water.

    Warning

    • Like any water activity, snorkeling poses some hazards. Always keep safety in mind and avoid snorkeling alone. Wearing a life vest is a wise precaution. For inexperienced snorkelers, guided tours are a recommended option, and will enhance their enjoyment and safety (see Resources below).