4 Places for SCUBA Diving and Snorkeling Around the Palm Coast

Scuba diving and snorkeling are great ways to stay active and explore the oceans around you. Throughout a scuba or snorkeling expedition, you may see a wide variety of fish, crabs, starfish, lobsters, eels, aquatic plants, and other ocean life. Get to know four of the best places for scuba diving and snorkeling around the Palm Coast.

Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach

Located about three hours down the coast from our dealership is Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach. This is a great spot for beginner divers who want to scope out sea life before diving in. From the shore, you can see all kinds of fish and sea creatures. After you get your bearings, go over to the site called Cable Crossings. Here, you can admire a natural reef that features mini caves.

Peanut Island Snorkel Lagoon

Peanut Island Snorkel Lagoon is located just north of Fort Lauderdale, along the east coast of Florida. Making this trip from the Palm Coast is well worth the drive since you’re in store for some great views of underwater wildlife. This island is only accessible by boat, making it one of the best snorkeling and scuba spots in the Palm Beach area. Beginners can get comfortable in its calm and shallow waters before diving deeper. 

During your dive, you’re likely to see manatees, vibrant tropical fish, and all kinds of invertebrates. If you don’t have access to a boat, go for a day trip with the Peanut Island Snorkel Cruise. The staff ensures that you see the best views of all the sea life and schedules tours for optimal viewing times. 

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a few hours down the coast from our dealership, and it is an optimal spot for exploring underwater life. This park features large rock outcroppings that create a reef that you can view from the edge of the water. What you see depends on what time of the year you visit. You may spot varieties of crabs, shrimp, snappers, and sea urchins. If you’re lucky, you may also see green turtles, loggerhead turtles, stingrays, and Caribbean squids. 

The Princess Anne Wreck

Experienced divers love exploring the Princess Anne wreck. In fact, it is one of the top wreck dives in the United States. This 340-foot car and passenger ferry sits at the bottom of the ocean and is home to all sorts of marine life. It is located offshore from the Palm Beach Inlet. Trained divers can explore the ferry’s open rooms, intact staircases, and other open areas of the wreck. 

Divers who aren’t trained in wreck diving can enjoy the sights of the nearby coral reef. You may see parrotfish, barracuda, Atlantic spadefish, and even a shark or two. With proper training, you can eventually venture into the depths of the wreck. 

Florida has some amazing scuba and snorkeling opportunities. Before exploring any of these sites, make sure you are properly trained and equipped to ensure your safety throughout the dive. Once you’re all set, get ready to see some captivating ocean life. 

Photo by Richard Segal from Pexels

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