Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Orlando, Florida, United States
1. Blue Spring State Park
A popular freshwater spring with clear waters for snorkeling, home to manatees during winter.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunity to observe and interact with endangered West Indian Manatees
- Freshwater Snorkeling: Uncommon freshwater snorkeling experience in a spring environment
- Seasonal Attraction: Mostly visited during winter for manatee sightings
2. Discovery Cove
An all-inclusive day resort where you can snorkel with thousands of tropical fish and rays.
- All-Inclusive Experience: Includes food, drinks, and equipment for a hassle-free experience
- Swim with Rays: A unique opportunity to swim closely with stingrays in a safe environment
- Limited Capacity: Reservation-only and limited capacity ensures a more private experience
3. Ginnie Springs
A spring-fed river system offering superb scuba diving and snorkeling amidst limestone formations.
- Underwater Caves: Opportunity to explore underwater cave systems filled with stalactites
- Night Diving: Offers night diving opportunities for unique bioluminescence experiences
- Crystal Clear Waters: Famous for its incredibly clear and cool spring-fed waters
4. Wekiwa Springs State Park
A park with calm water perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving, home to various fish species.
- Tranquil Environment: Ideal location for beginners and those seeking a relaxed experience
- Snorkeling Trail: Features a snorkel trail with underwater markers to explore the area
- Rental Services: Offers equipment rentals for your convenience
5. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
A scenic drive through a restored wildlife habitat offering opportunities to spot various aquatic life.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to observe birds, alligators, and turtles in their natural habitat
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours for a more informative experience
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Home to over 360 bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching
6. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
A large aquarium in Orlando featuring various exhibits, including a shark lagoon and touch tanks.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits for an engaging experience
- Touch Tanks: Allows visitors to touch various aquatic creatures safely
- Shark Lagoon: Features a large shark lagoon with viewing tunnels for close encounters
7. Orlando Watersports Complex
A watersports complex offering wakeboarding, water-skiing, and scuba diving lessons.
- Learn to Dive: Offers scuba diving classes for beginners
- Watersports Activities: Provides a wide range of watersports activities, not just diving
- Professional Coaching: Experienced instructors provide coaching for better results
8. The Florida Aquarium
An aquarium in Tampa showcasing various marine life exhibits and interactive experiences.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on experiences such as stingray feeding
- Conservation Efforts: Involved in various conservation projects to protect marine life
- Journey to Madagascar: Features a unique exhibit showcasing animals native to Madagascar
9. Key Largo Dry Rocks
An underwater preserve in the Florida Keys, featuring coral reefs and various marine life.
- Underwater Preserve: A protected area with abundant marine life
- Wall Diving: Offers wall diving opportunities for more experienced divers
- Snorkeling Opportunities: Also suitable for snorkelers with clear waters and shallow areas
10. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
The first undersea park in the U.S., featuring a living coral reef and various marine life.
- Living Coral Reef: Offers opportunities to explore a vibrant coral reef
- Snorkeling Trail: Features a self-guided snorkel trail with underwater markers
- Boat Tours: Offers boat tours for those who prefer not to dive or snorkel
11. Biscayne National Park
A national park offering opportunities for diving and snorkeling amidst coral reefs.
- Coral Reef Protection: Protects various marine habitats, including coral reefs
- Marine Wildlife Encounters: Opportunity to encounter sea turtles, dolphins, and various fish species
- Backcountry Camping: Allows for backcountry camping experiences on remote islands
12. Miami Seaquarium
A marine mammal park and oceanarium in Miami offering various shows and exhibits.
- Dolphin Encounters: Offers opportunities to interact with dolphins
- Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center: Features a sea turtle rehabilitation center for injured or ill turtles
- Shark Encounter: Offers a unique shark encounter experience with various species
13. Jules' Undersea Lodge
An underwater hotel in Key Largo where guests can scuba dive to sleep.
- Underwater Accommodation: The only underwater hotel in the U.S.
- Scuba Dive to Sleep: Guests dive down to sleep, returning to the surface for meals
- Unique Experience: Offers an incredibly unique and unforgettable experience
14. Silver Springs State Park
A park featuring crystal-clear spring-fed waters perfect for snorkeling or diving.
- Crystal Clear Waters: Famous for its incredibly clear and cool spring-fed waters
- Glass-bottom Boat Tours: Offers glass-bottom boat tours for surface viewing
- Historic Attraction: Features a historic site showcasing the area's history
15. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
A dock with sponge diving demonstrations and shops selling sea sponges.
- Sponge Diving Demonstrations: Demonstrates the traditional Greek method of sponge diving
- Sea Sponges Shopping: Allows shopping for various types and sizes of sea sponges
- Greek Heritage Attraction: Celebrates the area's Greek heritage, particularly in sponge diving