Skip the pricey plane ticket to the Caribbean or the South Pacific—some of the most breathtaking underwater worlds are hiding in plain sight right here in the United States. From Hawaii’s volcanic sea floors to Florida’s reef-filled coastlines, these awe-inspiring snorkeling spots will have you gliding alongside curious sea turtles, dazzling schools of fish, and marine life that looks like it swam straight out of a Pixar movie.
The best part? You don’t even need a passport. All you need is a snorkel, a mask, a pair of fins, and a willingness to dive into something unforgettable. If you’re ready to explore the world beneath the surface, these incredible snorkeling destinations in the U.S. will leave a lasting impression on your next vacation.
10. Sombrero Reef, Florida
Just six miles off the coast of Marathon in the Florida Keys lies Sombrero Reef, a protected marine sanctuary brimming with color and life. The coral formations here stretch from two to thirty feet deep, making it ideal for everyone from beginners to seasoned snorkelers. Towering above it all is the historic Sombrero Key Lighthouse, a 142-foot structure that’s guided seafarers since 1858.
The reef’s name comes from its sombrero-like shape when seen from above, but what lies below the surface is the true treasure. Local operators run daily boat tours, offering equipment rentals and guidance to help you make the most of this unforgettable underwater adventure.
9. Channel Islands, California
Just off Southern California’s coast, the Channel Islands serve up a snorkeling surprise in chilly Pacific waters. Dubbed “North America’s Galapagos,” these islands offer extraordinary biodiversity—and yes, that includes sea lions that love to perform impromptu acrobatics in front of lucky snorkelers.
You’ll want a wetsuit (water temps hover around 55–65°F), but the payoff is stunning. Kelp forests tower like underwater skyscrapers, filtering beams of sunlight while garibaldi fish dart between swaying stalks. If you’re lucky, harbor seals may watch you curiously, making the whole scene feel like a documentary you’ve swum into.
8. Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
Formed by a collapsed volcanic crater, Hanauma Bay is one of Hawaii’s most iconic snorkeling spots. Once a royal-only preserve, today it welcomes visitors to float over reefs teeming with more than 400 species of fish, including Hawaii’s state fish—the humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa.
Because the bay is shielded from ocean swells, the water stays calm and shallow—ideal for beginners and families. Expect to share the water with vibrant convict tangs and yellow butterflyfish. Note: the bay closes on Tuesdays for reef preservation, so plan accordingly.
7. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Seventy miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park feels like a real-life treasure island. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, it features the 19th-century Fort Jefferson as its dramatic centerpiece. Surrounding it are vibrant coral reefs, untouched by the crowds you’ll find elsewhere in Florida.
Snorkelers can explore the moat wall, where colorful fish dart in and out of coral crevices. Just beyond, sunken ships serve as underwater habitats for nurse sharks, groupers, and barracudas. Remote and raw, it’s a snorkeling trip for true adventurers.
6. La Jolla Cove, California
Each summer, leopard sharks gather in the shallow, warm waters of La Jolla Cove—but don’t let the name scare you. These gentle creatures are harmless, and their presence makes for a surreal and thrilling snorkeling experience.
The cove is also home to bright garibaldi fish, curious sea lions, and even harbor seals. Water temperatures climb into the 70s by late summer, with peak visibility in early fall. It’s an ideal spot to witness marine life up close without ever leaving the continental U.S.
5. Shark’s Cove, Hawaii
Despite its name, Shark’s Cove isn’t crawling with predators. Instead, it’s a summer haven for snorkelers looking to explore lava tubes, underwater caves, and tide pools packed with marine life. Located on Oahu’s North Shore, this rocky bay transforms into a calm aquatic playground during the dry season.
Eels, octopuses, sea turtles, and schools of reef fish are frequent sights in the cove’s 10–20-foot waters. Entry can be tricky due to uneven volcanic rock, so water shoes are a must. But that minor challenge helps keep the crowds down—and the experience pristine.
4. Buck Island Reef National Monument, U.S. Virgin Islands
A short boat ride from St. Croix brings you to Buck Island, where one of the Caribbean’s finest elkhorn coral reefs awaits. What sets this destination apart? An underwater trail with signs guiding snorkelers through the reef’s best features like it’s a museum below the waves.
The protected waters are a sanctuary for hawksbill and green sea turtles, often seen cruising just feet from snorkelers. The contrast between the calm, sheltered side and the more rugged northeast side gives you a taste of both tranquility and drama.
3. Crystal River, Florida
Crystal River is the only place in the U.S. where you can legally swim with manatees—and yes, it’s just as magical as it sounds. These slow-moving, gentle giants flock to the area’s warm springs every winter, offering once-in-a-lifetime encounters.
Tours are heavily regulated to ensure safety and conservation, teaching snorkelers how to observe without disturbing the manatees. If you’re lucky, one might even nuzzle up against you, making this one of the most personal and emotional snorkeling experiences in the country.
2. Molokini Crater, Maui, Hawaii
Imagine snorkeling inside a half-moon volcanic crater that rises from the sea like something out of a sci-fi film. That’s Molokini. Located just off the coast of Maui, this marine sanctuary boasts some of the clearest waters on Earth—often with visibility exceeding 150 feet.
The reef plunges hundreds of feet down, attracting everything from butterflyfish to manta rays and, on rare occasions, whale sharks. For more experienced snorkelers, the outer reef offers jaw-dropping drop-offs and pelagic sightings.
1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Florida
As the first underwater park in the United States, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo set the bar—and still tops the list. Covering 70 square miles, it’s home to one of the most diverse coral reef systems in the Western Hemisphere.
The park’s underwater centerpiece is the iconic “Christ of the Deep” statue, surrounded by coral and teeming with fish. Shallow snorkeling sites like Cannon Beach offer historic shipwrecks in just a few feet of water, perfect for kids and first-timers. With patch reefs, glass-bottom boat tours, and marine life galore, this park proves that America’s snorkeling scene is truly world-class.