About Snorkeling in Georgia

Geography

• The coast of Georgia is dotted with small islands. These include Tybee, Wassaw, Ossabaw, St. Catherines, Sapelo, Little St. Simons, Sea, St. Simons and Jekyll Islands. Of these, Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island offer the best opportunities for snorkeling.

Types

• When snorkeling in Georgia, you have two distinct options. Snorkeling is less popular in Georgia than it is in Florida, so if you're set on embarking on this type of adventure, you're unlikely to find a guided tour. However, experienced snorkelers can take to the oceans themselves. If you're looking for a guided experience, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta offers a program that will allow you to snorkel in one of their tanks.

Features

• When snorkeling off one of Georgia's beaches, you are likely to encounter a wide variety of marine life. This coast is home to loggerhead turtles, coral, barracuda and angelfish. Loggerhead turtles are especially prevalent on Jekyll Island. The coast of Georgia and Florida is also the only known breeding ground of the Northern right whale.

Potential

• If you choose to participate in the Georgia Aquarium's dive program, you will get a truly unique experience. Your snorkeling will take place in a 6.3 million gallon tank. You will be swimming with the whale shark, the largest fish in the world. Other marine creatures in attendance include sawfish, zebra sharks, cownose rays, leopard whiprays and humphead wrasses, to name just a few.

Considerations

• If you are an avid snorkeler interested in the best locations, you will find more snorkeling groups and tours if you travel farther south to Florida. The Georgia Aquarium program is a perfect choice for beginners who need a guide. Adventurous spirits can explore any of the islands along the coast of Georgia for good snorkeling areas and may just discover a great new spot.