Snorkeling at Bill Baggs State Rec area in Miami?

[ajcolorado]

We'll be in Miami prior to our cruise in June. Can anyone tell me what the snorkeling is like at Bill Bagg's State Recreation area? What are the current & waves like? My youngest is only 8 and not a terribly strong snorkeler so any advice is recommended.

 

Does anyone know any other good snorkel sights in the Miami area?

 

Thank you.

[michmike]

depending on how much time you have (and it might even be worth going down a day earlier) I'd recommend going to Key Largo and snorkeling the John Pennekamp Reef State Park. We had a GREAT trip in November with the folks at Amy Slate's Amoray Dive Resort. Very patient with newbies. Snorkeled in about 40 feet of water . Saw a 250 # grouper, nurse sharks, barracuda and tons of other fish. Were So glad we did it as weather on our cruise was crummy and snorkel charter we had arranged in Tortola was cancelled and weather also prevented us from getting to Half Moon Cay (holland america private island). Had we not done the couple days early in the keys we would really have missed out.

[Bequia]

Bill Baggs is a beautiful park, Don't worry about waves or currents on the bay side of the park. The water is crystal clear. Ask the rangers about the history of stilt city out in the bay. The park is well-maintained and if you can, checkout the free lighthouse tour at 10am.

 

If your heading to the Keys, John Pennekamp Reef State Park is ok but for the BEST snorkeling head further south to Bahia Honda State Park. Its at the end of the seven mile bridge (which is a must see in itself ). ;) http://www.bahiahondapark.com/

[berniemom]

Hi can u let us know if u should hire or can u just enter from the beach in the areas mentioned above?

Have equipment so we won't need 2 rent if this helps>

Thanx 4 any help.

:D