Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Jacksonville, United States
1. The Barge
A popular dive site featuring a sunken barge teeming with marine life.
- Diverse Marine Life: Offers an array of fish, turtles, and rays.
- Beginner-Friendly: Ideal for novice divers due to its shallow depth.
- Accessibility: Easy boat access from Jacksonville Beach.
2. Neptune Beach Reef
A natural reef system with coral formations and various fish species.
- Natural Coral Formations: Provides a unique underwater landscape.
- Marine Biodiversity: Home to various marine species such as grouper, snapper, and barracuda.
- Snorkeling Opportunities: Offers excellent snorkeling opportunities for all levels.
3. Ponce de Leon Inlet State Park
A historic park offering superb scuba diving with a variety of marine life.
- Historical Site: Features the remnants of a sunken shipwreck.
- Marine Diversity: Boasts a rich array of marine life including sea turtles and manatees.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot birds, dolphins, and other wildlife.
4. Jacksonville Naval Air Station (JNAS)
Former military base turned dive site, featuring multiple wrecks and underwater structures.
- Military History: Offers a unique dive experience with sunken military equipment.
- Advanced Diving Conditions: Suitable for experienced divers due to depth and current conditions.
- Wreck Dives: Provides multiple wreck dives, including the USS Aegean.
5. Big Talbot Island State Park
Offers a variety of dive sites with clear waters and abundant marine life.
- Clear Waters: Features crystal-clear waters for optimal visibility.
- Variety of Dive Sites: Offers several dive sites catering to various skill levels.
- Coastal Wildlife: Provides opportunities to spot coastal wildlife, such as dolphins and sea turtles.
6. Little Talbot Island State Park
Known for its pristine beaches and diverse marine life, offering excellent snorkeling opportunities.
- Pristine Beaches: Features beautiful, unspoiled beaches ideal for snorkeling.
- Marine Biodiversity: Home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and rays.
- Snorkeling Opportunities: Offers excellent snorkeling opportunities for all levels.
7. Amelia Island State Park
Boasts a variety of dive sites with clear waters and abundant marine life.
- Clear Waters: Features crystal-clear waters for optimal visibility.
- Marine Diversity: Home to a rich array of marine life, including sea turtles and sharks.
- Coastal Wildlife: Provides opportunities to spot coastal wildlife, such as dolphins and birds.
8. Jupiter Island Beach
A secluded beach offering excellent snorkeling with a variety of marine life.
- Seclusion: Offers a secluded, less crowded experience.
- Marine Biodiversity: Home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and rays.
- Snorkeling Opportunities: Offers excellent snorkeling opportunities for all levels.
9. Sebastian Inlet State Park
A popular dive site offering a variety of marine life and underwater structures.
- Marine Diversity: Boasts a rich array of marine life, including sea turtles and sharks.
- Underwater Structures: Features various underwater structures for exploration.
- Beginner-Friendly: Ideal for novice divers due to its shallow depth.
10. Peckich Creek Preserve
A hidden gem offering a variety of dive sites with clear waters and marine life.
- Hidden Gem: Less crowded and off the beaten path.
- Clear Waters: Features crystal-clear waters for optimal visibility.
- Marine Biodiversity: Home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and rays.
11. Grant Seafood Restaurant Dive Site
A unique dive site featuring a sunken boat and abundant marine life.
- Sunken Boat: Offers a fascinating underwater exploration.
- Marine Diversity: Boasts a rich array of marine life, including fish and rays.
- Night Diving: Provides opportunities for exciting night dives.
12. Jacksonville Underwater Park
An artificial reef offering a diverse marine life and underwater structures.
- Artificial Reef: Offers a unique underwater landscape.
- Marine Diversity: Boasts a rich array of marine life, including fish and sea turtles.
- Advanced Diving Conditions: Suitable for experienced divers due to depth and current conditions.
13. St. Augustine Beach
A popular beach offering excellent snorkeling with a variety of marine life.
- Popular Beach: Offers a lively atmosphere and amenities.
- Marine Biodiversity: Home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and rays.
- Snorkeling Opportunities: Offers excellent snorkeling opportunities for all levels.
14. Canaveral National Seashore
A national park offering a variety of dive sites with clear waters and marine life.
- National Park: Offers a unique, protected diving experience.
- Clear Waters: Features crystal-clear waters for optimal visibility.
- Marine Biodiversity: Home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and sharks.
15. Fort Matanzas National Monument
A historic fort turned dive site offering a variety of marine life.
- Historical Site: Offers a unique dive experience with a historic fort.
- Marine Diversity: Boasts a rich array of marine life, including fish and rays.
- Night Diving: Provides opportunities for exciting night dives.