Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Virginia Beach, United States
1. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Explore marine life through exhibits, touch tanks, and aquariums. Enjoy the Underwater Garden for a unique snorkeling experience.
- Interactive Exhibits: Learn about marine habitats through interactive displays.
- Underwater Garden: A chance to snorkel amidst tropical fish and coral.
- Animal Encounters: Meet various marine animals during daily shows and feedings.
2. First Landing State Park
Scuba dive in calm waters at the historic First Landing State Park. Discover shipwrecks and see a variety of marine life.
- Historic Shipwrecks: Explore sunken ships from the colonial era.
- Calm Waters: Ideal for both beginners and advanced divers.
- Marine Life Diversity: Encounter a wide range of sea creatures such as crabs, fish, and possibly dolphins.
3. Wreck of the USS Worcester
Dive to explore the remains of the USS Worcester, a Civil War-era ironclad shipwreck.
- Historical Significance: A chance to experience a piece of American maritime history.
- Advanced Diving Conditions: Ideal for experienced divers due to the depth and currents around the wreck.
- Marine Life Sightings: Encounter a variety of sea creatures, including octopuses and sea turtles.
4. Fishing Bay, Chic's Beach
Snorkel in shallow waters at Fishing Bay to observe diverse marine life and explore shipwrecks.
- Shallow Waters: Perfect for beginners, snorkelers of all skill levels are welcome.
- Marine Life Abundance: Discover a rich array of sea creatures such as starfish, crabs, and various fish species.
- Shipwrecks: Explore multiple shipwrecks that provide habitat for marine life.
5. Cape Henry Dive Site
Dive around the remains of a World War II tanker off Cape Henry's coast.
- Historical Artifacts: Explore remnants from the Second World War.
- Advanced Diving Conditions: Ideal for experienced divers due to depth and currents.
- Marine Life Sightings: Encounter a variety of sea creatures, including rays, sharks, and large fish.
6. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Snorkel in the Back Bay to observe birds, turtles, and other wildlife from a unique perspective.
- Wildlife Viewing: Observe various species of birds and marine life.
- Shallow Waters: Perfect for beginners, with gentle currents and clear waters.
- Eco-Friendly Environment: Explore an undisturbed natural habitat while respecting the environment.
7. Rudee Inlet
Snorkel in Rudee Inlet to observe a variety of fish and marine life in a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
- Fish Species Diversity: Encounter various species of fish, including drum, flounder, and triggerfish.
- Boat Traffic: Keep an eye out for boats and other watercraft in the area.
- Shore Diving: Easy access to the water for snorkelers of all skill levels.
8. False Cape State Park
Snorkel in shallow waters along False Cape Beach to observe marine life and shipwrecks.
- Shallow Waters: Ideal for beginners, with gentle currents and clear waters.
- Marine Life Abundance: Discover a rich array of sea creatures such as starfish, crabs, and various fish species.
- Shipwrecks: Explore multiple shipwrecks that provide habitat for marine life.
9. Cape Henry Lighthouse
Dive around the Cape Henry Lighthouse to observe a variety of marine life and explore shipwrecks.
- Historical Significance: A chance to experience a piece of American maritime history.
- Advanced Diving Conditions: Ideal for experienced divers due to depth and currents.
- Marine Life Sightings: Encounter a variety of sea creatures, including rays, sharks, and large fish.
10. Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Snorkel along Virginia Beach's oceanfront to observe marine life in the shallow waters.
- Shore Diving: Easy access to the water for snorkelers of all skill levels.
- Marine Life Abundance: Discover a rich array of sea creatures such as starfish, crabs, and various fish species.
- Popular Area: Enjoy the lively atmosphere along Virginia Beach's famous oceanfront.
11. Rudee Reef
Snorkel or scuba dive at Rudee Reef to observe a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
- Fish Species Diversity: Encounter various species of fish, including drum, flounder, and triggerfish.
- Boat Traffic: Keep an eye out for boats and other watercraft in the area.
- Shore Diving: Easy access to the water for snorkelers of all skill levels.
12. Sandbridge Beach
Snorkel in the clear waters off Sandbridge Beach to observe marine life and shipwrecks.
- Shallow Waters: Ideal for beginners, with gentle currents and clear waters.
- Marine Life Abundance: Discover a rich array of sea creatures such as starfish, crabs, and various fish species.
- Shipwrecks: Explore multiple shipwrecks that provide habitat for marine life.
13. Lynnhaven Inlet
Snorkel in Lynnhaven Inlet to observe a variety of fish and marine life in a unique underwater ecosystem.
- Fish Species Diversity: Encounter various species of fish, including drum, flounder, and triggerfish.
- Boat Traffic: Keep an eye out for boats and other watercraft in the area.
- Shore Diving: Easy access to the water for snorkelers of all skill levels.
14. Croatan Beach
Snorkel in the clear waters off Croatan Beach to observe marine life and shipwrecks.
- Shallow Waters: Ideal for beginners, with gentle currents and clear waters.
- Marine Life Abundance: Discover a rich array of sea creatures such as starfish, crabs, and various fish species.
- Shipwrecks: Explore multiple shipwrecks that provide habitat for marine life.
15. Little Island Park
Snorkel in the calm waters around Little Island Park to observe marine life and shipwrecks.
- Shallow Waters: Ideal for beginners, with gentle currents and clear waters.
- Marine Life Abundance: Discover a rich array of sea creatures such as starfish, crabs, and various fish species.
- Shipwrecks: Explore multiple shipwrecks that provide habitat for marine life.