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The Ultimate Guide to Point of Rocks on Siesta Key
Siesta Key is a world-famous beach that offers its guests everything from the cool, soft, white sand and warm turquoise waters to thrilling watersports and epic adventures. Along the eight-mile key on the west coast of Florida is a hidden gem from Mother Nature called Point of Rocks that attracts a large number of both sea life and human visitors. This secluded beach spot has proven itself to be a gorgeous location to admire a famous Siesta Key sunset or stroll along the coastline in search of a magnificent collection of seashells. Above all, Point of Rocks is also highly regarded as a snorkeler’s paradise. Learn more about Point of Rocks from the local experts here at Best Western Siesta Key.
Where is Point of Rocks?
Siesta Key has three main beaches, Siesta Beach, Turtle Beach, and Crescent Beach. If you have ever visited Crescent Beach, you may remember seeing a group of jetted rocks at the most southern end. This half-mile-long rock formation is called Point of Rocks and has been a popular destination for birdwatchers, photographers, beachgoers, spearfishers, and snorkelers for centuries.
Why is it Special?
Point of Rocks is a unique series of rock formations created from limestone, molluscan grindstone, and quartz thought to have been formed perhaps 4300 years ago. During the time of world explorers, cargo ships, and pirates, it is believed that Point of Rocks acted as an ideal hiding spot for pirates to bury the loot they had stolen from other ships and vessels passing through the Gulf. According to legend, there is still a hole at the bottom of Point of Rocks where buried treasure and bags of gold dust were abandoned.
Tips for Snorkeling at Point of Rocks
From beginners to experts, Point of Rocks is one of the most popular, scenic, and colorful locations on Siesta Key for snorkeling. The Gulf of Mexico provides a clear, calm surf allowing swimmers to easily navigate the relatively shallow waters and admire the beauty that lies beneath the surface. The rock formation is submerged underwater, providing a brilliant habitat for a wide range of sea life.
During your snorkel excursion, you are sure to encounter all sorts of marine wildlife, including schools of fish ranging in sizes, shapes, and colors, crabs, sponges, a myriad of algae, crustaceans, snook, starfish, an extraordinary collection of seashells, and maybe even dolphins. It is not uncommon for manatees to also inhabit the waters near Point of Rocks in the summertime.
While Point of Rocks is the best place to snorkel on the Gulf Coast just about any time of year, the water clarity is at its all-time high from the morning to early afternoon. The high visibility can allow snorkelers to see approximately 20 feet in the deeper waters and close to six feet closer to the rocks. From late spring through early fall, water conditions are ideal for snorkeling, while the winter months cool the water temperature. We recommend bringing a wetsuit if you plan to snorkel in the latter part of the year.
You will want to bring or rent additional gear while visiting Point of Rocks, such as a mask, snorkel, fins, and a diver down flag. If this is your first snorkel experience, or you prefer to rent equipment while on your Siesta Key vacation, a reputable and easy to work with snorkel equipment rental shop is Ride & Paddle by Siesta Key Sports Rentals.
Parking Hints for Point of Rocks
In addition to visibility, planning your Point of Rocks adventure for the morning will give you a greater chance to claim prime parking at Beach Access 12 or 13. With only 20 parking spots and a short walk to the rock formation on Crescent Beach, the earlier you arrive, the better. Since Point of Rocks is a secluded beach location, be prepared for a quick walk no matter where you find parking.
There is nothing quite like exploring Point of Rocks during your visit here to Siesta Key and Sarasota. This natural beach attraction is the only one of its kind on Florida’s west coast, and you surely don’t want to miss its beauty and wonder. Luckily, when you stay with us here at Best Western Siesta Key, Point of Rocks is less than two miles from your hotel room!