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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
Snorkeling on Siesta Key
Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or just want to give it a try while visiting the tropical oasis of Siesta Key, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get in the water and encounter some of our beautiful marine life. As a quieter means of underwater exploration, snorkeling can allow you to see more marine life in an undisturbed fashion than with SCUBA diving. Plus, unlike diving, there are no courses or certificates required. Just a bit of gear and the ability to swim. The local experts at The Best Western Siesta Key have some great tips on snorkeling in and around our island, from where to get equipment to the best location for snorkeling. Plus, if you’d like an expert to help you out, we can point you in the right direction!
The Decision to Rent or Buy Equipment
The decision to rent or buy your snorkeling equipment is really a personal one based on your habits and schedule. If you frequent the beach or travel to sunny coastal regions often, it might be worth the investment to have your own snorkel gear. It doesn’t take up too much space, nor is it a huge investment. However, if your trips to clear, tropical waters are few and far between, you may find it easier to rent snorkeling equipment on site. On Siesta Key, we highly recommend Ride & Paddle by Siesta Key Sport Rentals. They’ll give you a great price on all the equipment you need while you’re staying on the island.
The Best Place to Go
Once you have your equipment in hand, we suggest you head towards Point of Rocks on the southern end of the island. Located at the south end of Crescent Beach, this area is teeming with colorful reefs, flowing bright green seagrass, and a huge variety of fish and other marine life during high tide. The beach itself features our famous quartz sand and the beautiful rock formations jut out into the water a half-mile, forming limestone reefs to explore. This is truly one of the best spots on the entire Gulf Coast of Florida for snorkeling.
Can you get a guide?
If you’re looking for a guide to get you started, there are several places along Siesta Key that can help you out. Key Life Charters is a charter boat company that will get you out in deeper water, and they’ll customize your excursion! You choose the number of people you’d like to take, how long you’d like to stay out on the water, and be sure to mention that you’re hoping to snorkel. You can also rent your own boat through Siesta Key Watersports or join into a tour with Fun Boat Tours of Sarasota. Make sure you mention your desire to snorkel when making your reservation, so you understand the terms.
Can you snorkel on the Sarasota side of Siesta Key?
The fun part of snorkeling is that it can be done anywhere you swim. Take your snorkeling gear to your favorite Siesta Key beach and enjoy snorkeling just offshore. Discover prime spots like Point of Rocks or an excursion captain’s favorite offshore locale to ensure seeing amazing fish and marine wildlife. While there are some sunken barges and wrecks in and around the Bradenton, Sarasota, and Longboat Key areas, these are better for SCUBA diving and exploration than they are for snorkeling. You can certainly check them out, but you might find that you spent more time searching for the perfect spot than you did actually in the water.
Siesta Key beaches are truly some of the most beautiful in the world. Bringing your snorkeling gear to our shores is just one more activity to keep you indulging in the sunshine, gorgeous powder white sand, and sparkling waters a little longer. Enjoy your visit with the people AND marine life in and around Siesta Key. For more great tips about snorkeling or other ways to enjoy your stay on Siesta Key, talk to the friendly, welcoming staff at The Best Western Siesta Key. We’re always happy to point you in the right direction.