Top 10 U.S. Snorkeling Destinations (with Gear Recommendations) – U.S. Divers

Top 10 U.S. Snorkeling Destinations (with Gear Recommendations)

The U.S. is one of the best places in the world for snorkeling. Often overshadowed by its staggering mountaintops and vast prairies, the United States is home to some of the most majestic snorkeling spots on planet Earth. Here, you can see both lakes and oceans; clear water, murky depths, tropical fish, freshwater creatures, and scenes normally featured in National Geographic.

What makes snorkeling in the U.S. so special is its diversity. With coasts on either side of the country and plentiful lakes in between, you are truly never able to snorkel everywhere in America. And that’s why we’ve put together this list, so you can pick from the best of the best.

If you’re a seasoned snorkeler, maybe you’ve already been to some of the places on this list. If you’re a beginner and you’ve never snorkeled in your life, you’re in the right place. We’ve included gear we think will be of great use on your snorkeling adventures!

What Makes a Great Snorkeling Spot?

While many things can make a snorkeling spot spectacular, there are some well-known features that snorkeling enthusiasts typically seek out. Below are characteristics of a good spot for snorkeling:

1. Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming in a volcano, this might be the only place in the world you can make that happen. This crater turned marine sanctuary is teeming with colorful fish (over 400 species!). Its calm conditions, clear waters, and beach access are ideal for beginner snorkelers and tourists. With ongoing coral restoration efforts going on, Hanauma Bay is a great place to take the kids snorkeling for the first time.

Photo by Kaydn Ito on Unsplash

2. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida Keys

Seventy miles off the coast of Key West lies one of the most remote snorkeling spots in the United States, and easily one of the most unforgettable. Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by ferry or seaplane, which keeps the reefs pristine and the crowds light. Snorkel around 19th-century Fort Jefferson, explore vibrant coral heads, or float above the Windjammer Wreck, a historic shipwreck now home to tropical fish and soft corals. It's a once-in-a-lifetime snorkel with serious castaway vibes.

Photo by Ollie Craig on Pexels

3. La Jolla Cove, San Diego, California

Tucked beneath sandstone cliffs, La Jolla Cove is a California classic where sea lions bark from the rocks and snorkelers swim through kelp forests alongside bright orange garibaldi. The cove is part of a protected marine reserve, so the waters are full of life and well-preserved. Visibility is great on calm days, and the easy beach access makes this a favorite for families and first-timers. Just watch out for the chilly Pacific temps; you’ll want a wetsuit!

Photo by Alexia Laiter Garza on Unsplash

4. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, Florida

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park lets you snorkel right over living coral reefs, swim with schools of tropical fish, and even visit an underwater statue of Jesus known as Christ of the Abyss. With calm, warm waters and guided snorkel tours, it’s a perfect intro to the Florida Keys’ marine magic. Keep an eye out for those beautiful lionfish, but don’t touch them; their spines are venomous. Don’t skip the seagrass beds; you might spot a manatee!

Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels

5. Molokini Crater, Maui, Hawaii

Rising from the ocean like a crescent moon, Molokini Crater is a partially submerged volcanic caldera and one of Maui’s most iconic snorkeling sites. Only accessible by boat, this offshore spot boasts crystal-clear water and visibility up to 150 feet. The protected inner reef is home to hundreds of fish species, while the outer walls (for advanced tours) drop off dramatically into the deep blue. It’s like snorkeling in an aquarium, if that aquarium happened to be inside a volcano.

Photo by Farid Askerov on Unsplash

6. Crystal River, Florida

If snorkeling with manatees is on your bucket list, Crystal River is the place to make it happen. Fed by freshwater springs, this spot is famous for its gin-clear water and gentle giants. During the cooler months, hundreds of West Indian manatees migrate here to stay warm—and snorkelers can share the springs with them under strict wildlife-safe guidelines. It’s less about coral and color, more about connection with one of Florida’s most iconic creatures.

Photo by NOAA on Unsplash

7. Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel, California

Tucked along the rugged Central California coast, Point Lobos offers a wilder kind of snorkeling. Kelp forests sway in the current, harbor seals glide through the shallows, and the dramatic underwater landscape feels untouched and ancient. It’s a marine protected area, so the biodiversity is rich. That said, the Pacific can be chilly, and conditions change quickly. Best for experienced snorkelers looking for a raw, beautiful adventure.

Photo by Nick Agee on Unsplash

8. Buck Island Reef, U.S. Virgin Islands

Just off the coast of St. Croix, Buck Island is a snorkeler’s paradise wrapped in turquoise water. The protected reef is part of a national monument, famous for its underwater snorkeling trail; there are markers to guide you through coral gardens and schools of tropical fish. Expect brain coral, elkhorn coral, and maybe even a sea turtle or two. With white sand beaches and Caribbean vibes all around, it’s a postcard-perfect snorkel experience.

Photo by Karl Callwood on Unsplash

9. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Snorkeling in Lake Tahoe might surprise you—it’s freshwater, chilly, and nestled high in the Sierra Nevada mountains. But what it lacks in tropical fish, it makes up for with crystal-clear visibility, unique rock formations, and underwater forests of kelp-like plants. The cool temperatures call for a wetsuit, but the experience of exploring this alpine lake’s underwater world is totally worth it for adventurous snorkelers looking to mix things up.

Photo by Peter Hulce on Unsplash

10. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina

Known for its shifting sands and wild Atlantic currents, Cape Hatteras offers a unique snorkeling experience along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Explore vibrant reefs teeming with colorful fish, delicate corals, and fascinating shipwrecks hidden beneath the waves. While the conditions can be challenging with occasional strong currents, the reward is a rich underwater ecosystem that few get to see. Ideal for snorkelers with some experience looking to discover something off the beaten path.

Ready for an Adventure?

Snorkeling is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to experience the magic of the underwater world (no scuba certification or passport required). From the tropical reefs of Hawaii and the Florida Keys to the chilly clarity of Lake Tahoe, the U.S. is home to some of the most diverse and unforgettable snorkeling spots on the planet.

Wherever your fins take you, make sure you’re geared up with reliable, high-quality equipment from U.S. Divers. With the right mask, snorkel, and fins, you’ll be ready to dive in and explore with confidence.

 

Featured image: Photo by Zunnoon Ahmed on Unsplash

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