The top spots for snorkeling in Jupiter, Florida, include beautiful beaches, lagoons, and rivers rich with diverse marine life. Jupiter’s clear, warm water makes it ideal for diving and snorkeling. Jupiter also has an impressive reef system, which is essential for snorkeling. The town’s reefs attract an incredible variety of sea creatures that make for fantastic ocean photography. There are many fun places to snorkel on the Treasure Coast, and below are the best places for snorkeling around Jupiter, Florida.
DuBois Park
DuBois Park is a unique place to swim and enjoy snorkeling. The park includes a spacious beach and a guarded hundred-foot swimming lagoon. The beautiful reefs around the beach make finding a fantastic variety of sea life easy.
The coral reef is located south of the guarded swimming area and is a good spot to see colorful schools of fish and unique sea creatures. Snorkelers have also spotted manatees near or under the docks. The park is great for all ages and is one of the top spots for snorkeling in Jupiter, Florida. DuBois Park is at 19075 DuBois Rd, Jupiter, Florida.
Carlin Park
Carlin Park is another great place for snorkeling in Jupiter. Less than a hundred feet off the shore are bright, colorful schools of fish and other sea creatures like sting rays and butterfly fish. Carlin Park’s reef system is full of underwater rocks and is home to interesting aquatic life.
People all over Florida drive to Carlin Park to explore the underwater wreckage about 100 yards offshore. Many interesting aquatic life lives in the wreckage. The park is at 400 A1A Jimmy Buffett Hwy, Jupiter, Florida.
Cato’s Bridge
Cato’s Bridge is an exciting spot to see abundant fish and capture beautiful ocean photography. The sandy white shoreline and crystal clear water attract swimmers and snorkelers from around the region. The clarity of the water can make a huge difference in a snorkeling experience. Clear waters make it easier to spot unique fish, beautiful rocks, and coral.
The area has a ton of fish, and the water is usually very clear, making it easier to identify the variety of unique species in the water. Snorkelers will have fun spotting schools of fish, barracuda, eels, and other species. Cato’s Beach Bridge is on S. Beach Road, Tequesta, Florida, just across the Loxahatchee River from Jupiter.
Blowing Rocks Beach
Blowing Rocks Beach is a unique beach just north of Jupiter that is filled with craggy limestone rocks. The limestone looks like it belongs in Hawaii but is a part of the Treasure Coast’s natural beauty. Many unique sea creatures use the rocks for their homes and hiding spots. The beach is also protected, so an abundance of aquatic life flourishes in the area.
The beach’s beautiful rocks make it an amazing place to snorkel. However, snorkeling at Blowing Rocks should only occur when the sea is calm and peaceful. Snorkeling and swimming at another beach are safer if the tide is high or waves are present. The Blowing Rocks Preserve and Beach is at 574 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, Florida.
Coral Cove
Coral Cove is a wonderful park with 600 feet of intercoastal waterway frontage. The beach is a snorkelers’ paradise. The reef area is large and located very close to the shore, making it easy for snorkelers to explore underwater. The guarded beach also has outdoor showers and other amenities for swimmers and snorkelers.
Coral Cove is also technically in Tequesta, but it’s worth the short drive for a fantastic snorkeling experience. Snorkelers have spotted loggerhead turtles, nurse sharks, and purple eels underwater at Coral Cove. Coral Cove is at 19450 County Hwy 707, Tequesta, Florida.
US-1 Bridge
Another great snorkeling spot in Jupiter is at the US-1 Bridge near the Jupiter Lighthouse and Museum. The spot is a hidden gem in the Loxahatchee River, away from crowded beaches. It’s a private place where locals can get away from the crowds and snorkel peacefully. When new parking lots were opened in Cato’s Bridge, the crowds got larger, and many locals retreated to the US-1 Bridge for more privacy.
There’s a large variety of angel fish and snook near the US-1 Bridge, which is beautiful to watch. However, local officials started a US-1 Bridge Replacement Project, constructing a new bridge designed to be safer for pedestrians and boaters. The $122 million project is still in progress. The new bridge is expected to open in Spring 2025.
Snorkeling & Diving Companies in Jupiter, Florida
People searching for the top spots for snorkeling in Jupiter should also consider using a tour company to enhance their experience. Several notable companies in Jupiter specialize in helping snorkelers and divers enjoy the water. Below are a few scuba and snorkeling tour companies that provide opportunities to free dive, tank dive, and snorkel in Jupiter.
Shark Addicts
Shark Addicts is a wildlife dive charter that offers tours for divers and snorkelers. Customers can free dive or snorkel alongside several shark species, including tigers, sandbars, hammerheads, and great whites. The tour company is professional and knowledgeable and ensures a fun experience for people who want a memorable time snorkeling. The company offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see sharks up close in a safe environment, surrounded by experts who are passionate about sharks.
Emerald Charters
Emerald Charters is a boat tour and water sports company in Jupiter, Florida. The charter offers family-friendly, free diving and snorkeling and has been a part of the Jupiter community for over 25 years. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about marine life. The charter offers a fantastic experience and is an excellent way for people to explore the water. The charter provides a safe way to explore the ocean.
Scuba Works
Scuba Works is another excellent alternative for people who want a unique underwater experience. The company’s crew is professional and patient and offers an enjoyable experience for visitors. Scuba Works offers snorkel gear for sale or rent. It’s an excellent option for snorkeling and admiring the reefs and colorful fish living off Jupiter, Florida’s coast.
Staying Safe While Snorkeling in Jupiter
Snorkeling is a fun, budget-friendly activity that allows people to explore the underwater world on the Treasure Coast. However, the sport must be done safely. Snorkelers can take a few safety precautions to ensure they have a safe time in the water. Below are a few ways to stay safe while snorkeling in Jupiter, Florida.
First, snorkel with a friend. Snorkeling is a buddy activity and shouldn’t be done alone. When snorkeling, go with a friend or family member and stay close to each other in case you need help.
Next, use the proper equipment. Ensure that the snorkeling mask fits the face properly and covers the nose. To choose the best mask, consider your face shape and dimensions. A life jacket is also a good idea for snorkelers who are not strong swimmers. A life jacket is essential for exploring reefs that are more than 100 yards offshore.
Third, check the water’s condition before entering. Not all snorkeling spots in Jupiter have a lifeguard present. Observing for high surf, tide, large waves, or strong wind is vital. The wrong conditions can make snorkeling dangerous. It’s also best to avoid snorkeling at dawn or dusk due to the lack of light.
Stay close to the shore. Strong swimmers should also stay as close to the shore as possible for safety reasons. Drifting too far into the ocean can cause unnecessary exhaustion. If you get tired in the water, floating can help maintain energy levels.
Finally, avoid touching reefs and animals. It can be tempting to pet a shark or touch a beautiful piece of coral, but it’s safer for the aquatic life. It’s also wise to keep some distance from sea animals that could bite. Snorkeling is an incredible way to see the ocean up close, but bringing a camera to capture those special moments underwater is safer.