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Top 5 Places to Snorkel in the US

published on May 16, 2014 by

The best part of late spring and pretty much all of summer is playing in the water. On your next timeshare rental visit one of these perfect snorkeling locations around our great United States.

1. Crystal River, Florida: Home of the West Indian manatee. Guides can assist you on manatee etiquette. When you snorkel at Crystal River you have a better chance of encountering a sociable manatee when you swim slowly and stay calm.
Best time to go: Winter
Web: American Pro Dive

2. Lover’s Cove, Catalina Island, California: This protected spot boasts kelp, rock reef, and tame cool-water fish (they aren’t shy, be careful if you feed them). Guides can take you to the best snorkel spots by boat. You can also head out on your own through the Pebbly Beach access stairs just don’t forget your flag marker. Look for sea stars, eels, anemones, octopuses, and if your lucky the orange Garibaldi fish.
Best time to go: Summer
Web: Catalina Dive Shop

3. Papalaua Wayside Park, Maui, Hawaii: Just off the Honoapiilani Highway is a snorkeling mecca in Hawaii’s crystal blue waters. At the eastern end of the park is Coral Gardens. Snorkel there and discover shallow corals, butterfly fish, green turtles (pictured) and maybe you’ll see a humuhumunukunukuapuaa, a reef triggerfish.
Best time to go: Year-round
Web: Maui Dive Shop

4. Coral Reef, Key Largo, Florida: Key Largo is known for having the first underwater state park: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The Key Largo area is dubbed the “Diving Capital of the World” and the area is great for beginning snorkelers. The region is home to 323 different species of fish including parrotfish, angelfish, blue tangs, groupers, and yellowtail snappers.
Best time to go: Spring
Web: Captain Slate Dive Center

5. Cape Ann, Gloucester, Massachusetts: Just off the rocky shores of Gloucester is the perfect spot to snorkel. Keep an eye out for sea stars, anemones, blackfish, striped bass, pollock, and bluefish. You can also take a kayak and snorkel tour through Discovery Adventures.
Best time to go: Summer
Web: Cape Ann Divers

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Photo Credit: Pride of Maui