St Pete/Clearwater Florida Area Snorkeling

[blackdog1]

Hi...I just posted similar message under snorkeling forum but thought I might get more info here?

Basically, vacationing in North Redington Beach mid April, group of 8 (4 adults and 4 children aged 6 - 9 yoa). Kids just learing to snorkel and have been practicing in our local pool. What recommondations can you make for snorkeling in the area, can it be done from the beach or do you need to do a boat tour...trying to create interest in the kids so they hopefully learn to love it.

Also, any opinions on the Manatee Snorkeling up around Crystal River...what would drive time be from North Redington Beach and is there a better time of day to go?

Thanks!

 

[Torontonian]

I had exactly the same question a few years ago when we were going to a W Caribbean cruise out of Tampa.

I found out the water is NOT clear at Clearwater.

Ok, enough in making fun of the name.

But we found out manatee snorkeling sounded fun at Crystal River. We ended up flying to Tampa 2 days before cruise, and drove to stay at Crystal River one night (at Best Western). The morning manatee snorkeling was fun. I also dove at King's Bay. It was so so, but at least it's diving. In the afternoon we went to Rainbow River to do drift diving/snorkeling. The diving was good, despite being shallow, with very good viz. For beginner snorkelers, it'll be a blast.

Because there is no clear water at Clearwater, there is not much to see while snorkeling from beach/shore. The water doesn't get very deep and it'll take a while to get from the sand beach to some depth for decent diving to see some marine life.