12 Best Places to Snorkel in the US

Natasha Weiss

07/08/2022

Want to explore the world underwater but not certified for scuba diving? The best places to snorkel in the US also give you a chance to see a whole new world without going as deep. Snorkeling offers you a fun way to take a peek at coral reefs, shipwrecks, marine life, and more while staying close to the surface.

Since the US has over 95,000 miles of coastline to explore plus a bounty of inland underwater gems, this list will help you explore the 12 best snorkeling areas in the US to put on your travel itinerary.

1. Ho’okena Beach Park, Hawaii

2. Molokini Crater, Hawaii

3. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

4. Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin

5. Anacapa Island, California

6. Laguna Madre Estuary, Texas

7. Block Island, Rhode Island

8. Homestead Crater, Utah

9. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi

10. Peanut Island, Florida

11. Acadia National Park, Maine

12. Culebra Island, Puerto Rico

These best places to snorkel in the US give you a wide range of different underwater ecosystems to explore. With some inland and some off the coast, you have a variety of unique snorkeling vacation options to consider when planning your itinerary. If it’s your first time snorkeling, it might be best to pick one of the more well-traveled spots where you can rent the equipment you need. But if you’ve been snorkeling for a while, you can easily tote your snorkeling gear along for your next adventure among the waves.