snorkeling near Orlando?
- Thread starter td1415
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SugarFox03
Animal Behaviorist
Orlando is in the middle of the state - so no snorkeling in Orlando (unless you visit Discovery Cove!) But some of the best snorkeling in Florida is in the Keys if you can make it down that far. It's a bit of a drive, probably 5 hours from Orlando, but worth it if you like to snorkel. I am sure there are some spots on the west coast of FL, but I don't know. Hopefully someone else can chime in. 
There are several spots on the central east coast that might fit the bill. Sebastian inlet can be good on an in coming tide, and if the ocean hasn;t been too rough. South of there I would check out bath tub reef , and Light house point inlet down in Stewart. Or under the Blur heron bridge in Palm Beach. You also might want to check out peanut island.
Good luck.
Good luck.
I punched "living seas" into the search engine at the Disney World website but it didn't turn anything up. Does it have another name? Is the Living Seas exhibit similar to the Discovery Cove that Sugar Fox mentioned? Does anyone have experience with those places? I went to the Discovery Cove website and it looked like it might be more geared toward kids, but it's tough to say from just a website. I will look into these other suggestions a little more--it looks like there are some possibilities at least.
vbsaltydog
Member
I am in Satellite Beach, about 25 miles north of Sebastian Inlet and 60 miles SouthEast of Orlando. Sebastian Inlet is definitely the closest snorkeling site from Orlando (on the East Coast anyway) and although there is excellent water clarity, there are no corals and/or exotic fish to see like you get in the keys.
virginiabreeze6
New member
bathtub reef is closed, they are not sure how long before it re-opens. You may also try Macarthur park, not much on corals, but water is clear and a lot of fish.
maxheadroom
Clownfish Farmer
Yup, bathtubs closed. Like virginiabreeze6 said, John Macarthur state park is nice. So is Peanut Island (at high tide!).
I live in Indian Harbour Bch just north of the inlet and go snorkeling there frequently. The visibilty of the water is not always the best, but when the oceans have been calm, and you catch a good in coming tide, it can be excellent.
As far as no exotic fish I take exception. I've seen butterfly fish, queen and french angels, pork fish, high hats, morey eels to mentions a few. And if you are lucky you can get a chance to get up cllose and personal with a manatee.
vbsaltydog
Member
Beaker,
I am actually in Indian Harbour Beach too. I am at the foot of Eau Gallie Blvd by A1A.
I have seen good water quality conditions in the lagoon even with rough seas the day before so I am not sure that days of calm seas prior to your snorkeling is required. I have not seen the fish species you describe in the lagoon. Are you in the lagoon when you see these fish species or are you over by the L dock?
I have seen manatees and dolphins in the lagoon several times during high tide.
I am actually in Indian Harbour Beach too. I am at the foot of Eau Gallie Blvd by A1A.
I have seen good water quality conditions in the lagoon even with rough seas the day before so I am not sure that days of calm seas prior to your snorkeling is required. I have not seen the fish species you describe in the lagoon. Are you in the lagoon when you see these fish species or are you over by the L dock?
I have seen manatees and dolphins in the lagoon several times during high tide.
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