Escape The Crowds And Opt For Snorkeling In Clearwater FL

By Tracie Knight


The Florida Keys are one of the most popular destinations in the US if you enjoy snorkeling. Unfortunately their popularity also means that they can be packed with people, especially during high season. If you'd rather snorkel in peace, a great alternative is to try snorkeling in Clearwater FL.

Clearwater is located in the Tampa Bay Area on the west coast of Florida. It lies in Pinellas County, with the Gulf of Mexico to one side and Tampa Bay to the other. The city of Tampa is located about 22 miles to the east and Tampa International Airport is close by.

The city may be the smallest of the three major cities in the Tampa Bay Area but it is no backwater. It hosts large festivals and events throughout the year and also has all the amenities a visitor might want. There are restaurants for every taste and seafood, especially the grouper sandwich, is a specialty. Moreover, there is a wide range of accommodation, no matter what your budget.

The Church of Scientology has its headquarters in the city and several celebrities own properties here. If you're looking for a bit of Hollywood in a different way, the old-style movie theater known as the Capitol is the place to go. During the day, enjoy sports such as tennis or golf or visit an ice-skating rink. In the late afternoon, watch the sunset from Pier 60.

No visit would be complete without hitting the beach. In fact, the beaches here are consistently named as among America's best. They're wide stretches of fine white sand where you can soak up the sun, build sandcastles or simply watch the palm trees sway in the breeze.

With the beach comes a variety of activities, of which many are water based. Charter a boat and go sailing or fishing in the waters of the Gulf. Alternatively, go on a cruise, even a pirate-themed one. For an adrenalin rush, try jet-skiing, speedboat rides or parasailing. While this is not the best destination for surfers, stand-up paddle-boarding is a great alternative or you may want to rent a kayak with a glass bottom.

As its name implies, Clearwater's waters have excellent visibility, making this a wonderful place to go diving and snorkeling. The shallow waters just off the beach are where you'll spot stingrays. There's great snorkeling to be had at Shell Key, which is accessible by ferry, and at Sand Key too. You may even spot dolphins or manatees. For something different, check out the ruins of Fort Dade. Parts of these ruins have fallen into the water and are now home to an abundant variety of marine life.

Clearwater is one of the sunniest cities in the USA and can be visited at any time of year. The low season is during the summer months, when humidity levels can be uncomfortable and the heat will drive you to the water. Cooler and more comfortable weather arrives in fall and the winter months but even then water temperatures are quite high so you can enjoy the best snorkeling.




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