Inshore reefs run along the beach from Redington Shores north to Clearwater Pass. There are natural ledges running north to south offshore that range in height from 1 to 12 feet in 36 to 60 feet of waters, offering anglers and divers a great alternative to the sometimes crowded reefs and shipwrecks.
Are there reefs in Clearwater Florida?
And for more adventurous travelers, Clearwater offers opportunities for a host of watersports, including snorkeling. A trio of state parks welcome visitors to snorkel over the coral reefs and seagrass beds that lie just offshore.
Is Clearwater good for snorkeling?
The shallow waters of Clearwater, Florida, make the area a family-oriented snorkeling destination. The beaches are along the Gulf of Mexico, less than a 30-minute drive west of Tampa. Besides the city beaches, several state parks make fun spots for snorkeling.
Are there coral reefs in Tampa?
Within a year, the reef begins to support coral growth. There are 42 reef sites along the gulf coast of Pinellas County from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete Beach, located from 200 yards to 38 miles offshore, and one in Tampa Bay, located north of the St. Petersburg Municipal Pier.
How far offshore is the Clearwater reef?
100 miles
Offshore Spots
The Middle Grounds are 100 miles off the coast of Clearwater but the long haul is worth it with productive fishing that’s second to none. The best species to catch here include various snapper and grouper species along with amberjack, mahi mahi, wahoo, and tuna.
Are there alligators in Clearwater FL?
Homeowners in Clearwater woke up to a massive alligator in their kitchen last night.
Where are coral reefs found in Florida?
Roughly two-thirds of Florida’s Coral Reef lies within Biscayne National Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a marine protected area that surrounds the Florida Keys island chain.
Does Clearwater Beach have dolphins?
1. Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour. Get out on the water in search of bottlenose dolphins on this cruise from Clearwater.
Is Tampa good for snorkeling?
Along the west coast of Florida, Tampa and Sarasota (about 60 miles apart) offer some great snorkeling spots with sea creatures and sunken ruins.
Can you snorkel at Sand Key park?
Clearwater and Sand Key
Decent snorkeling opportunities also occur next to Clearwater Beach at Sand Key Beach; the jetty area abounds with schooling minnows, subtropic tang fish and soft coral; in addition, manatee occasionally wander into the area.
Where is the best snorkeling in Florida?
10 Great Florida Locations for Snorkeling
- Devil’s Den, Williston. As unique as it is breathtaking, Devil’s Den in Williston is unlike anywhere else in Florida.
- Destin. The Emerald Coast is known for its dazzling emerald waters and white-sand beaches, and Destin is no exception.
- Dry Tortugas.
Are there coral reefs on the west coast of Florida?
The Florida Middle Grounds Reef is located off the central west coast of Florida and is home to many stony coral species that can survive in relatively cold water.
Where is St. Pete Beach reef?
St. Pete Beach Reef is a salt water dive site, located at N 27 40.720 W 082 51.820, Tampa / St. Petersburg, FL.
Where are the reefs in Tampa Bay?
| No. Reef Name | Description | Latitude Longitude |
|---|---|---|
| 17. Southeast Tampa | Concrete reefballs | 27° 32.9′ N 82° 40.3′ W |
| 18. Manatee River – Emerson Point | Concrete reefballs | 27° 31.8′ N 82° 38.8′ W |
| 19. Meisner Barge | 100′ barge | 27° 32.7′ N 82° 50.7′ W |
| 20. 7-mile Reef North | Tires and concrete reefballs | 27° 26.7′ N 82° 49.2′ W |
What is the best month to fish in Florida?
The best time to fish in the state of Florida in saltwater is normally April through September whereas the best times to fish freshwater are spring through November. Each species of Florida gamefish will have its peak high seasons.
Can you fish from the beach in Clearwater?
You can fish on Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach 7 days a week, from 6 AM to 10 PM. Simply walk down the pier to get to the Pier 60 Bait House and the Pier 60 Fishing Pier area. You can bring your own rod, or rent one directly from the Pier 60 Bait House for $8.00.
Are there sharks on Clearwater Beach?
There are sharks, but it is not something to worry about. While problems CAN happen, the odds are just so teeeeeeeeeeeny that it is not something to worry about. MUCH greater chance of getting in a car wreck, getting hit by lightning, etc. Though many people will do the “Stingray Shuffle” when walking in the water.
Does Clearwater have crocodiles?
No, not in this part of FL. Alligators are freshwater creatures. So they are in Clearwater, but not in saltwater. And crocodile are only found in south FL.
Are there snakes in Clearwater Florida?
There are many species of snakes in Clearwater, but few are venomous.
Can you see coral reefs in Florida?
Some of the most spectacular colonies are found from Singer Island north to Cocoa Beach. The best reefs for snorkeling in Florida include Ocean Reef Park on Singer Island, Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island, and the aforementioned Bathtub Reef on South Hutchinson Island in Stuart.
Can I take coral home from Florida?
In Florida and Hawaii, for example, it is prohibited to take coral from the beach. Some places around the world allow coral collecting, but it doesn’t mean that you should take a few creatures back home – corals are an important part of the beach ecosystem.