If you’ve ever vacationed along Florida’s jaw-dropping Gulf Coast, you likely searched for “snorkeling near me” on your favorite web search engine. Depending on where you were vacationing, “snorkeling near me” likely produced mixed results. Those who select the sunny St Pete Beach area for a well-deserved getaway, however, will quickly discover that there are several awe-inspiring snorkeling destinations within minutes of Madeira Bay Resort, one of the top-rated Madeira Beach hotels. And, luckily for you, we’ve compiled the three best St Pete Beach snorkeling locales so you won’t have to search “snorkeling near me” during your tropical getaway!
Egmont Key State Park
Whether you’re planning on visiting Egmont Key State Park on a Dolphin Snorkeling Cruise or a four-hour round-trip with Island Boat Adventures, you’ll never forget the day you swam with sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and friendly octopuses. Egmont Key State Park is home to Fort Dade’s Spanish-American War ruins, an eerie trip back in time. This 328-acre island is one of the most substantial sea turtle breeding grounds in Pinellas County. You’ll also discover thriving crab, snapper, and shrimp populations as this land and the surrounding ocean are part of a well-preserved National Wildlife Refuge.
Shell Key Preserve
As more and more families choose the St Pete Beach area for a tropical vacation, the more people discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Shell Key Preserve, a tropical, 1,800-acre island right here in Pinellas County. There are several ways to get to the isle, including private boat rentals and the more popular option, the ten-minute Shell Key Shuttle from Pass-a-Grille. Snorkelers of all levels of expertise choose Shell Key Preserve because it’s highlighted by the largest sand dollar population in Florida. Friendly rays, rare whelks, gigantic horseshoe crabs, and majestic starfish also frequent the shallow, turquoise ocean water that surrounds the key.
Fort De Soto Park
If you were to search “snorkeling near me” upon arrival here at Madeira Bay Resort, you likely wouldn’t find any insider information about Fort De Soto Park. Fort De Soto Park remains one of the best-kept secrets here in Pinellas County while also providing visitors with some of the best snorkeling near Tampa. Most visitors utilize this beautiful area for day-time bicycling, kayaking, and hiking, which are all worthwhile activities on a sunny day, but we recommend venturing into the surrounding waters in search of sea turtles, schools of mullet, sand dollars, sandy crabs, and queen conches. And as an added bonus, Fort De Soto Park is accessible by car, so you can stay as long as you wish!
Marina-Front Madeira Beach Hotels
Snorkeling is the ideal way to experience the natural glory of Florida’s Gulf Coast; the beaches, islands, and channels that surround Madeira Bay Resort are brimming with gorgeous sea creatures. Hopefully, after reading this post, you no longer have to search for “snorkeling near me.” Yes, our marina-front Madeira beach hotel is just minutes away from a potential snorkeling expedition, but we also have a heated pool, on-site fishing charters, beach access, private balconies, and a waterfront restaurant! To learn more about our affordable, conveniently-located, and Mediterranean-style hotel, please give us a call today at 1-866-398-2970.