Please help: new snorkelers

[alcina]

I have some friends who are not water babies heading to Treasure Island/Tampa in December and they want to try snorkeling. Kids 9 & 15 and adults. None have ever done it.

Any suggestions on
- dive shops to rent msf from? They will need help!
- where to go?
- operators near there that might offer a nice tour?

Really appreciate it!

Kristin

 

[diversteve]

If they're willing to take a short drive, Siesta Key is about an hour? from there. Crescent Beach is a known snorkel spot - we did there summers as kids. There's some rocks off the south end that are easy to get to and there's actual coral reef out there. You can also snorkel off other beaches nearby but I don't recall it being as good. Nice beach also, flat white sand. http://www.bestbeaches.org/best-beaches/siesta-key-beaches/crescent-beach/

Closer to Tampa, all the snorkel boats go to Egmont Key. Can't help with any operators.