The beach is located at the northernmost point of Captiva Island, meaning it is accessible but a slightly longer journey than to other locations weve covered. And Sanibel Island is home to plenty of exciting marine life like stingrays, nurse sharks, dolphins, and manatees. All gear included at no cost to you while you spend your time at Cayo Costa state park. Islands add interest and encourage biodiversity along shorelines, which is ideal for scuba divers interested in exploring coral reefs and sightseeing marine and land wildlife. Snorkeling cruises off the coast of the Florida Keys are an absolute necessity for anyone who takes pleasure in the sea and the natural world. If youve never snorkeled before, you might want to try Scuba Outfitters of Naples. Marine life here includes parrotfish, horse eye jacks and butterflyfish. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. 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We have all types of inflatables from balls to boats, every kind of towable equipment from tubes to water skis, canoes and kayaks and the carriers and racks to get them to the water, snorkeling gear, pools, waterproof action cameras to record your aquatic adventures. Alternatively, you can join a snorkeling day trip from Sanibel and relax with the whole experience in others knowledgeable and organized hands. Mosquitoes in Bali: Everything You Should Know, Tsunami Danger Zones in Australia: The Ultimate Guide for Down Under, Sailing Down Under: The 7 Best Places To Sail In Australia, The 7 Most Venomous Snakes In Australia To Know About, The 7 Cheapest Places To Live In Australia, Is Tallinn Safe: Your Safety Guide to Estonian Capital, The 7 Most Underrated European Travel Destinations In 2022. Snorkeling along Marco Islands Paradise Coast is best done in warm water. There are plenty of dive shops dotting the Fort Myers streets; including Captain Petes Diving Outfitters on Colonial Boulevard and Eagle Ray Dive Center on Bonita Beach Road. A large number of alligators can be found on Sanibel, which has over 2,200 acres of freshwater wetlands. Snorkeling is a great way to see the underwater world without having to wear a heavy diving suit. Sanibel Island is Known for it's Beautiful Beaches, But Don't Forget About Their Beautiful Waters. The beaches of Fort Myers and its outer islands located on Floridas west coast are a haven for man-made reefs. You can book the tour on the sea front at Puerto Morelos. Just beyond our white-sand beaches, a network of artificial reefs provide diving, snorkeling, boating and fishing opportunities for residents and visitors of Southwest Florida. Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour. The Sanibel Island area is home to many different types of fish, coral, and other marine life. Key West is perfectly located on the worlds third largest living coral reef, flourishing with over 500 different species of marine wildlife. Divers frequently see whale sharks, barracuda, and curious sea turtles here. Fort Myers is conveniently located between Miami and Tampa, on the western coast of Florida. @leecountyflbocc The Sanibel Island Cruise Line maintains an inventory of 30 sets of snorkeling gear; and takes guests out to a prime location, allowing snorkelers to explore in three to eight feet of water. If you have your own gear great! The, How to stop the next police killing? Bring along your snorkeling gear and enjoy the shallow water, while also enjoying other beach activities such as swimming and shelling. If you want to visit Edison Reef, you'll have to rent a private charter or join a snorkeling tour. 9 Places for the Best Snorkeling in the Florida Keys 1. Lee County, Florida is a special, sunny place that sits along the sparkling, azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A dry top snorkel at the top of the mask prevents water from entering the mask, if you are hit by a wave. The Park is a great option for those seeking the classic Florida snorkeling experience with high visibility, impressive white sand, and tropical blue waters. This reef is located approximately 15 nautical miles from the Sanibel Lighthouse. Kick Off Memorial Day With A Boat Rental Experience. When the Fort Meyers bridge sank, an underwater habitat was created. Join our Facebook group for travelers and connect with a global network of passionate explorers. If you havent tried snorkeling, there is no better time to try it out than on your visit to Cape Coral. Highly-rated tours cost about $150 USD, which is still a fairly cheap snorkeling Cairns tour. Well find you the new or used boat, service, accessories, parts, anything to get [], These guys have been in the business for over thirty years, and know what they are doing. The white sand and clear blue water are perfect for a day of relaxation, and the beach is also great for snorkeling. Adventures in Paradise is one suggested by the visitors bureau. Five nautical miles offshore, you can also find Belton Johnsons reef conveniently marked by a yellow and white float. For those with extra time on their hands, Cayo Costa State Park is an amazing snorkeling day trip from Sanibel Island. This reef is also home to more than 2,900 individual reefs and over 900 islands, as a result, there is more than enough to cover and enjoy. Snorkeling is a great way to enjoy the wrecks and artificial reefs found in Captiva and Sanibel Islands. Keep in mind that COVID 19 may affect these businesses being open.conta. Flipper's Adventuresoffers 2.5-hour snorkel tours. We will set sail from Playa Tortugas Maritime Terminal on time in the morning, and take an exciting catamaran sailing trip to Isla Mujeres. Between March and May, Naples has the best snorkeling season. Due to conservation and restoration efforts, the coral here is thriving. Snorkeling allows you to interact with marine life directly, and you may encounter nurse sharks, stingrays, dolphins, and manatees during your underwater experience. Snorkeling here is a great way to get up close and personal with the areas wildlife. Privacy & Legal Notice, Sanibel Island Captiva Island Snorkeling Scuba Diving. . Junket or fact-finding? Pegasus Reef is perfect for those interested in seeing a shipwreck up close and encountering larger marine animals not just colorful fish and corals. Parasailing Marco Island is an amazing experience! Since 2000 Donna T. Beerman has contributed to newspapers and magazines. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, located in Naples, Florida, is one of the best places to snorkel. One to try: the Edison Reef, off. If you want to snorkel in Marco Island, you have to go to Tigertail Beach. Its stunning beaches and famously beautiful shells create the perfect backdrop for snorkeling. Key West: All-Inclusive Watersports Adventure Tour, Islamorada: Snorkeling and Sandbar Catamaran Trip W/ Drinks, Key West: Full Day Tour of Key West National Wildlife Refuge. This reef is located approximately 15 nautical miles from the Sanibel Lighthouse. The Destin East Pass Reef is home to a variety of marine life, including fish, coral, and other invertebrates. The reef is located 15 nautical miles from the Sanibel Island Lighthouse, making it inaccessible from the beach. Many tour operators will also take you to the Christ of the Abyss statue, the most famous snorkeling site in the Florida Keys. If the options so far have seemed a little inaccessible, Bowmans Beach is probably for you. Source. Sanibel is located just off Fort Myers Beach, and just north of that is Captiva. To reach Cayo Costa State Park, you can rent a private charter or take the regular charter ferry boat then snorkel at the Park independently. And, during these periods, the best place in Sanibel Island to encounter them regularly is Lighthouse Beach Park. Where can I see manatees on Sanibel Island? Pegasus Reef, also known as Charlies Reef, is another artificial addition to Sanibel Islands underwater habitats. Great Barrier Reef trips from Cairns vary in price depending on several factors. "When we dove the Edison reef, on Tuesday, we saw nothing," said Rick Bartleson, a water quality scientist with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. It includes 2,900 individual reef formations, and it has a vast array of marine life to explore when snorkeling. Snorkeling here is suitable for all levels of experience, making it a great activity for the whole family to enjoy. To experience the best of the islands famous coastline, wed recommend snorkeling Sanibel Island during your stay. When the Fort Meyers bridge sank, an underwater habitat was created. While Sanibel Island has many natural snorkeling spots, this location is actually manmade. The Edison Reef is created from the rubble of a former mainland bridge. The Florida Reef, Florida Keys, United States. parasailing costs between $47.50 and $112.50 per person, depending on the length of line and number of passengers. Bring along your snorkeling gear and enjoy the shallow water, while also enjoying other beach activities such as swimming and shelling. A Complete Comparison Guide, A Complete Guide To Traveling Rio de Janeiro On A Budget, The 5 Best Things To Do In Salvador, Brazil, With Kids, Is Quito Safe? Even if you arent going on a guided excursion where masks, snorkels and flippers are provided, you can still get the proper accessories for this popular activity. Find Us On Social Media: This exclusive Island, which is only six miles long and four miles wide, is ideal for a safe family vacation in the sun due to its canal system architecture and peaceful setting. Puerto Rico, for all its struggles since Hurricanes Irma and Maria slammed into the island, remains a tropical paradise well worth exploring. Day 1 Cancun - Isle of Mujeres - Cancun. You can take a parasailing ride on the island that is the longest in the world. Our 26 ft. Sweetwater Pontoon boat will you navigate over 400 miles of waterways in the area and get you to the beaches. Tigertail Beach is the ideal location for a day of fun in the water for families. On Captiva Island, at the northernmost point, youll find that Alison Hageup Beach is ideal for snorkeling. Blind Pass Beach is easy to access and close to the road. The reef is an artificial habitat built from the remains of a collapsed mainland bridge. Congress racks up travel bills on your dime. West Bay's reef. Edison Reef is located off the coast of Sanibel Island, just east of the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. However, the best snorkeling is reserved for the outer islands, just off the coast. (239) 872-6295, Keep in mind that COVID 19 may affect these businesses being open.conta, All Rights Reserved 2020 Cape Coral Home Away. When the Fort Meyers bridge sank, an underwater habitat was created. You can easily access Captiva Island on foot or by vehicle over the channel bridge, and the island is a great day trip from Sanibel Island. 2022 Journeying The Globe. The waters are clear and there are many beautiful fish to see. 239-472-5799 sanibelcruise@yahoo.com. The depth of the water and distance from shore means that Pegasus Reef has lots of exciting marine life to meet and discover. Lee County has had an active artificial reef program since the early 1990's. More than a dozen artificial reefs lie within a 15 mile radius of Sanibel and Captiva making these Florida barrier islands great for snorkeling and scuba diving. Natural coral reefs arent native to these areas, but shipwrecks and other debris have created homes for many ocean creatures and marine life. SUPs (paddleboards) Snorkeling gear including, fins, snorkels traditional and full face snorkel masks. This reef is located approximately 15 nautical miles from the Sanibel Lighthouse. Captiva Beach contains over a dozen artificial reefs. Like Edison Reef, Pegasus Reef is located offshore, requiring a private charter or group tour to access it. For snorkelers with their own equipment, Cayo Costa State Park -- just west of Fort Myers and north of Sanibel -- offers snorkeling in its pristine, blue Gulf of Mexico waters. For plenty of colorful fish, Edison Reef is an excellent option when snorkeling Sanibel Island. However, the neighboring island is so nearby that we included Blind Pass Beach on our list. What are the best parts? Jamaica's first protected marine park, Montego Bay Marine Park is an excellent spot to go snorkeling in the vibrant underwater world. You have the best chances of seeing manatees at Lighthouse Beach Park, Bowmans Beach Park, and at nearby Cayo Costa State Park. Follow the links to the left to learn more about artificial reef locationsor go toSWFL Reefs . Cape Town or Durban: Which South African City to Visit? Best Excursions, Best Prices. Cayo Costa State Park is a protected marine area and receives extensive efforts in preserving and protecting both flora and fauna. Depending on your height, you can expect parasailing to take between 6-12 minutes. A Complete Safety Guide For Travel, Is Mexico Better Than Argentina? Nothing but a blanket of dead. Cayo Costa State Park is the perfect place to snorkel to spot both larger and smaller marine life. If you are interested in lessons please get in touch with Sea Horse Scuba School in Fort Meyers. This is shallow water so it is also great for swimming and hanging out on the beach. The location provides access to more than 40 snorkeling and diving spots where you can encounter manta rays and whale sharks. We like La Digue, Flicit, and Coco the most, purely for their intense variety of sea . The islands shells and impressive wildlife draw people in. To help you narrow down your choices, weve curated a list of the seven spots you must visit when snorkeling Sanibel Island. This reef is located approximately 15 nautical miles from the Sanibel Lighthouse. While not part of the city of Fort Myers, the Sanibel Island beaches are considered part of the recreation area. Where to find the best Sea Life. It is a man-made reef that was created in 1984. The largest is the Edison Reef -- named for Thomas Edison, a famous Fort Meyers seasonal resident. The reef is located 15 nautical miles from the Sanibel Island Lighthouse, making it inaccessible from the beach. Thomas Edison Home. When escaping to the tropical seaside, not many destinations tick the boxes as Sanibel Island does. Sanibel Island has some major claims to fame. One of the largest is the Edison Reef, created from the rubble of a former mainland bridge. Charlies Reef (also known as Pegasus Reef), Bowmans Beach (it is easily accessible, clear, and ideal for families). Its waters are mostly calm with clear visibility, making it a safe destination to snorkel. The one thing that these and every other form of water recreation have in common is that they can all be made more enjoyable with our water sports equipment. This is perfect if you dont want to take the boat out. The largest is the Edison Reef named for Thomas Edison, a famous Fort Meyers seasonal resident. An abundance of marine life can also be found alongside the nearby jetty. It isnt easy to access the engine room, but the deck and below are still relatively easy to get to and look around. You are requested to dress appropriately for the beach at Skys the Limit Parasailing in Marco Island. 2023 Boatsetter, Inc. All rights reserved. Captain Pauls Yacht Charters offers small groups a private charter tour aboard the 44-inch Boadicea. Pegasus is frequently visited by Goliath Grouper, a fish that is eight feet long and weighs an impressive five hundred pounds. Sanibel Island Snorkeling & Scuba Diving The reef is actually made up of 2,900 individual reefs that stretch over 1,400 miles off the Australian shoreline. There is excellent snorkeling to be found in the calm, clear waters off the coast of Naples, Florida. Southwest Florida is the only area in the country where you can kayak, snorkel, and shell. The Florida Keys is the southernmost part of the United States and an excellent place for snorkeling. There are plenty of great spots to explore, and youre sure to see a variety of amazing fish and other marine life. Visitors can also swim in the gulf, as well as sunbathe and shell along nine miles of beach. You can take a ferry from Marco Island Water Park or you can rent a boat. The hard-bottom reef at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, just a short distance away, is ideal for beach snorkellers. East Pass and Destin Jetties, at the Destin Bridge and U.S. 98, near HarborWalk Village, are popular for snorkeling, and the jetties serve as man-made reefs where fish are plentiful. The coral barrier reef that surrounds the Florida Keys is over 358 miles long, creating the perfect habitat for so many colorful reef fish. But if you need to rent gear weve listed some good businesses below that you can visit. Scuba Quest Pro Dive Centerswww.scubaquestusa.comDel Prado Blvd N, North Fort Myers, FL 33917(239) 458-1999, Scuba Adventures971 Creech Rd, Naples, FL 34103(239) 434-7477, If you are interested in lessons please get in touch with Sea Horse Scuba School in Fort Meyers. Snorkeling in Naples is a fantastic way to get a taste of a variety of aquatic life, such as fiddler crabs and colorful fish. She is a passionate traveller and has explored Europe, Southeast Asia, North Africa, and Australia. Warm water seven spots you must visit when snorkeling far have seemed a little inaccessible, Bowmans Park. The Island that is Captiva provides access to more than 40 snorkeling and diving spots where you can a! Edison Reef is located approximately 15 nautical miles offshore edison reef snorkeling requiring a private charter or group to! Be found alongside the nearby jetty is eight feet long and weighs impressive. 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