Given the strong currents and lack of coral reefs in the area, snorkeling in Cocoa Beach is lacking and travelers are better off pursuing other activities or heading south to Sebastian or Vero Beach.
Cocoa Beach, located just south of Cape Canaveral on Florida’s Space Coast, is a marvel that beckons with its pristine sandy shores, turquoise waters, and an abundance of recreational opportunities. Built heavily on dredged mud and sand from the Banana River, the city is best known for Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surf shop and a haven for surfers and beach enthusiasts. This idyllic beach town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a rich history, and multitude of ways to immerse yourself in its unique charm.
Cocoa Beach is one of Florida’s biggest surfing spots made famous by professional surfing contests during the 1960s and surfing has become part of town’s essence. The town is also a stone’s throw away from Port Canaveral, one of the biggest cruise ship ports in the country. With the lack of corals, as well as strong currents, in the area, snorkeling in Cocoa Beach is not the most ideal conditions. For those seeking an underwater excursion, the best options are much more south in Sebastian or Vero Beach.
Cocoa Beach Snorkeling Profile:
- Water Visibility: Okay. Water visibility is decent but lots of traffic from boats and cruise ships can make it murky.
- Current Strength: Above Average. One of Florida’s prime surfing spots, with windsurfers and paragliders here and there, so waters may be a bit rough for going underwater.
- Coral Presence: None. Corals in South Florida end up around Sebastian so you need to go south to see the marine invertebraes.
- Marine Life: The marine life is diverse up and down Florida’s Atlantic Coast, which is no different here, but the other conditions make snorkeling in Cocoa Beach an unworthy endeavor.
- Crowd: Lots of beachgoers and folks enjoying various aquatic activities by the shore, so always be aware of your surroundings.
Getting There:
Closest Airport: Melbourne Orlando International Airport (20 miles, 25 minutes away), Orlando International Airport (50 miles, 60 minutes away)
- The nearest airport from Cocoa Beach is Melbourne Orlando International Airport, but it only serves from select cities on the east coast and seasonal routes from England. For most, flying into Orlando International Airport, which is about an hour west, would be the most efficient option. As the main airport for Disney World, it doesn’t need much of an introduction and has direct flights from pretty much everywhere in the country and the Western Hemisphere.
Closest Major Metro: Palm Bay
- Palm Bay is the largest city in Florida’s Space Coast, a dynamic city known for its beautiful beaches and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. As the principal city of Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville metropolitan area, its weather, affordable living, and a wide range of amenities have made it one of the top destinations for snowbirds and visitors. Palm Bay provides endless opportunities for enjoyment and fun, both outdoors and indoors.
Best Transportation Method to Destination: Fly into Orlando International Airport – Rent a car
Introduction
Known as the “East Coast Surfing Capital”, Cocoa Beach stands out for its miles of soft, sandy beaches provide the perfect backdrop for sunbathing, picnicking, or leisurely strolls along the shore. With its endless sunshine, warm ocean waters, and diverse attractions, Cocoa Beach has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. The Atlantic Ocean’s inviting turquoise waters beckon visitors to take a dip, catch a wave, or try their hand at various water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, or kayaking.
Nature enthusiasts can explore the pristine ecosystems of the nearby Thousand Islands Conservation Area or take a kayak tour through the picturesque Indian River Lagoon, where they can spot dolphins, manatees, and an array of bird species. Cocoa Beach is also famous for its ties to space exploration, as it’s just a short drive away is the iconic Kennedy Space Center, where visitors can embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the history of space exploration.
Where to Go Snorkeling in Cocoa Beach
While folks can feel free to go snorkeling in Cocoa Beach anywhere along its six miles of coastline, it won’t be the best use of time. The coral reefs which extend up and down South Florida just off the shore end around Sebastian Inlet, so the bottoms up here are sandy. With a lacking marine ecosystem, in addition to strong currents and murky waters from the cruise ships, make for an inferior underwater experience overall.
Sebastian Inlet, about an hour south of Cocoa Beach, would be the closest option for snorkeling. Despite its reputation for snorkeling, Sebastian Inlet has some strong currents so it is highly recommended to head a bit further down south to Vero Beach. Anchored by the shipwreck S. S. Breconshire, Vero Beach provides a fantastic environment filled with diverse marine life, coral reefs, and rock coves which should tickle any snorkeler’s fancy.
Final Word:
Cocoa Beach embodies the essence of a quintessential beach town, seamlessly blending natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a rich historical legacy. From its stunning beaches and world-class surfing to its thriving cultural scene and outdoor adventures, Cocoa Beach offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Unfortunately, the lack of coral reef system, strong currents, and heavy run-offs from cruise ships make snorkeling in Cocoa Beach a below par experience. Enjoy it for what it is, a surfing hotspot with countless days of sunshine and amazing, sandy beaches.
Snorkeling in Cocoa Beach Rating: 1/5 Snorkels – Go South!
