South Florida’s snorkeling scene shines brightest in Miami’s warm waters. The essential spots include Raccoon Island, where a 3-hour tour brings you face-to-face with tropical fish in crystal-clear shallows – perfect for beginners. For a special treat, book a 6-hour private sailing excursion; you’ll spot dolphins and access secluded reefs away from the crowds. The Key West day trip stands out as our favorite, combining quality snorkel time with an open bar and free time to explore. We especially love the morning tours, when visibility is best and marine life is most active. Let’s explore Miami’s top-rated snorkel tours.
Key Points
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Raccoon Island Tour offers a beginner-friendly 3-hour snorkeling excursion with kayaking and marine life exploration, with mixed reviews on communication.
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Private group adventures provide a luxurious 6-hour sailing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling experience on a 40-foot Beneteau vessel, with opportunities to spot dolphins.
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Full-day Key West excursions include 3 hours of independent exploration, an open bar during snorkeling, and mixed feedback on visibility and jellyfish encounters.
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Unique Miami experiences offer 2.5-hour SUP or kayak tours with marine life discovery, including corals, fish, rays, manatees, and dolphins, suitable for all skill levels.
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Key West day trips provide a 15-hour excursion with a 2-hour snorkeling trip, diverse marine life, and round-trip transportation, but are not suitable for pregnant women or non-swimmers.
Beginner Friendly Island Snorkeling
One of the most beginner-friendly snorkeling experiences in Miami is the Beginner Friendly Island Snorkeling tour. This 3-hour excursion takes you to Raccoon Island, where you’ll have the chance to kayak, snorkel, and explore the local marine life.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, snacks, and refreshments, including alcoholic beverages. With 113 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this outing is popular among travelers.
However, some have reported issues with misleading descriptions and poor communication, so it’s worth considering the mixed feedback. Overall, if you’re a beginner looking to dip your toes into snorkeling in Miami, this tour could be a good option.
Read our full review: Beginner Friendly Island Snorkeling Review
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Private Group 6 Hour Sailing + Paddleboarding + Snorkeling
For those seeking a more immersive and adventurous snorkeling experience in Miami, the Private Group 6 Hour Sailing + Paddleboarding + Snorkeling tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s coastal waters.
Priced at $700 per person, this private group excursion includes sailing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling around key sites like Stiltsville and the Biscayne Channel.
Sail aboard stylish 40-foot Beneteau vessels, snorkel the underwater world, and paddleboard with the chance to spot wildlife.
Onboard, you’ll find amenities like a cooler, water, towels, and safety gear.
While the captain’s fee and gratuities are extra, the tour provides a full day of water-based activities with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Private Group 6 Hour Sailing + Paddleboarding + Snorkeling Review
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Full-Day Key West Tour and Coral Reef Snorkeling With Open Bar
Seeking a full-day adventure exploring Key West and snorkeling the coral reef? This tour from Miami offers just that.
You’ll enjoy a 12-hour excursion, including 3 hours to explore Key West independently. The snorkeling experience at the coral reef comes with an open bar, providing beer, sodas, and water.
While the snorkeling feedback is mixed, with some guests reporting visibility issues and jellyfish, the crew is known for providing support.
The tour also includes hotel pickup options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. With a maximum of 55 travelers, this comprehensive outing could be a great way to experience the Florida Keys and marine life.
Read our full review: Full-Day Key West Tour and Coral Reef Snorkeling With Open Bar Review
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Miami: Beginner-Friendly Island Snorkeling by SUP or Kayak
Snorkeling around Miami’s islands offers a beginner-friendly way to explore the area’s vibrant marine life.
For $99 per person, you can enjoy a 2.5-hour adventure that includes a lesson on stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, followed by a paddle through mangrove jungles to a snorkeling spot.
Discover corals, fish, rays, manatees, and dolphins as you relax on a tropical island with unlimited drinks and fresh fruit.
Safety gear is provided, and the activity is suitable for all skill levels.
With a 4.6/5 rating from 36 reviews, this excursion promises an engaging and family-friendly experience, though visibility may be affected by weather conditions during certain months.
Read our full review: Miami: Beginner-Friendly Island Snorkeling by SUP or Kayak Review
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Key West From Miami With Snorkeling, Drinks and Hard Rock Cafe Meal
On your trip from Miami to Key West, you can embark on a thrilling excursion that combines snorkeling, drinks, and a mouthwatering meal at the iconic Hard Rock Cafe.
This 7-reviewed tour, rated 3.5/5, offers round-trip transportation from Bayside Market Place and a maximum group size of 75 travelers. For $49.99 per person, you’ll enjoy snorkeling, the Conch Train, and a Hard Rock Cafe meal with two soft drinks and a shared key lime pie dessert.
While the bus could use some updates, the tour guide is informative, and the snorkeling and food receive positive feedback.
Just note that the activity isn’t recommended for those with certain health conditions or mobility limitations.
Read our full review: Key West From Miami With Snorkeling, Drinks and Hard Rock Cafe Meal Review
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Miami: Key West Snorkeling Day Trip With Open Bar
Looking to explore the vibrant waters of the Florida Keys from Miami? Consider this 15-hour excursion to Key West, featuring a 2-hour snorkeling trip in clear blue waters.
You’ll marvel at the coral reefs and diverse marine life, including the possibility of spotting dolphins. With round-trip transportation and 3 hours of leisure time in Key West, this day trip offers an exciting mix of adventure and sightseeing.
Though the reviews note some room for improvement in organization and service, the highly-rated guides and transportation make this an enticing option. Just be aware it’s not suitable for pregnant women or non-swimmers.
Read our full review: Miami: Key West Snorkeling Day Trip With Open Bar Review
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Miami to Key West Shuttle: Dolphin, Snorkeling & More
This day trip from Miami to Key West offers an exciting opportunity to explore the vibrant waters of the Florida Keys.
For $79 per person, you’ll enjoy a 14-hour roundtrip shuttle service with a live tour guide. The itinerary includes 6 hours of free time in Key West, along with optional activities like snorkeling, dolphin watching, and a glass-bottom boat ride.
The shuttle is wheelchair-accessible, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Be sure to bring your swimsuit, towel, and camera to capture the stunning marine life and coastal scenery.
Read our full review: Miami to Key West Shuttle: Dolphin, Snorkeling & More Review
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West Palm Beach: Beginner Snorkeling Adventure With Videos
Explore the vibrant underwater world of West Palm Beach with a beginner snorkeling adventure that offers the chance to encounter turtles, rays, and a variety of captivating marine life.
This 1.5-hour tour is perfect for first-time snorkelers, with no prior experience required. Enjoy free video recordings of your aquatic encounters, and explore the diverse ecosystem with expert guides.
Suitable for children 8 and up, the tour starts in waist-deep water, ensuring a comfortable experience. Priced at Kč 1,121 per person, this beginner-friendly snorkeling excursion is an excellent way to discover the wonders of the Florida coastline.
Read our full review: West Palm Beach: Beginner Snorkeling Adventure With Videos Review
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Private Group 8 Hour Sailing + Paddleboarding + Snorkeling
Depart from the picturesque Biscayne Bay for an 8-hour private group experience that seamlessly blends sailing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling along South Florida’s stunning coastline.
Sail aboard a stylish 40-foot Beneteau vessel, accommodating up to 6 passengers and 2 crew. Explore the underwater world while snorkeling and paddle in pristine waters, spotting dolphins, rays, turtles, and various fish species.
Enjoy a scenic backdrop of the Miami skyline and Key Biscayne. This all-inclusive tour provides onboard amenities, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards.
Led by a live tour guide in multiple languages, it’s an adventure not to be missed.
Read our full review: Private Group 8 Hour Sailing + Paddleboarding + Snorkeling Review
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The Sum Up
Miami offers a variety of snorkeling experiences to suit different skill levels and interests. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a relaxed island adventure or an experienced snorkeler seeking a full-day trip to Key West, you’ll find plenty of options to explore the vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters. From private group sails to beginner-friendly paddleboarding excursions, there’s something for all to enjoy the best of Miami’s snorkeling scene.