Given the strong currents and lack of coral reefs in the area, snorkeling in Daytona Beach is not recommended and unless you plan to head far south to Vero Beach, Stuart, or Fort Pierce, just stick around and enjoy the beach.
World’s Most Famous Beach. Daytona Beach has earned that nickname, with over twenty miles of uninterrupted, white sandy beaches accompanied by ten waterfront parks hugging the coastline. Its beaches are well known for the hard-packed sand, with several stretches of the coastline permitting automobiles. These conditions led to the rise of motorsports racing in the area during the early 20th century, and the city continues to serve as one of the meccas of the sport with the Daytona International Speedway around the corner.
Daytona Beach receives over five million visitors a year, a testimony to the beauty of its beaches and the wealth of attractions and activities nearby. Surfing, boogie boarding, and swimming are popular aquatic activities here, and true to its name, there is always a crowd on the beach and in the water. But there is a noticeable lack of corals in the area, and with strong currents, snorkeling in Daytona Beach is not recommended. For those seeking an underwater excursion, the best options are much more south in Sebastian or Vero Beach.
Daytona Beach Snorkeling Profile:
- Water Visibility: Okay to Below Average. Water gets murkier as you head north up the Florida Atlantic Coast as its not the Caribbean waters coming up via the Gulf Stream but rather the blackwater streams from the north flowing down.
- Current Strength: Above Average. This is one of prime surfing spots in Florida and the currents can be strong at times.
- Coral Presence: None. Corals in Florida do not come up this far, so you need to go south to see these marine invertebraes.
- Marine Life: The marine life is diverse up and down Florida’s Atlantic Coast, but snorkeling in Daytona Beach should be off your list due to poor underwater conditions.
- Crowd: It can get incredibly busy all over Daytona Beach especially during the busy season, which is in the spring. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Getting There:
Closest Airport: Daytona Beach International Airport (5 miles, 15 minutes away)
- Daytona Beach International Airport, which is right next to the Speedway, is only a short drive away from the beach. But there are limited flights out of this airport: Charlotte via American, Atlanta via Delta, and couple flights by low-cost carrier Avelo. If you are a resident of those cities, or don’t mind a quick layover, that is your best option to fly into the Daytona Beach area.
Closest Major Metro: Daytona Beach
- Daytona Beach is the largest city in the Daytona Beach-Deltona-Ormond Beach metropolitan area, or Florida’s Fun Coast, and located about an hour and half south of Jacksonville. Home to NASCAR, the city is one of the most popular resort destinations in Florida and best known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant festivals such as Daytona 500 and Halifax Art Festival, and its burgeoning arts district.
Best Transportation Method to Destination: Fly into Daytona Beach International Airport – Rent a car
Introduction
Daytona Beach, one of the main cities of Florida’s Fun Coast, does not disappoint to live up to its nickname as the World’s Most Famous Beach. Boasting over 23 miles of pristine white sands, it is an idyllic playground for beach lovers, sunseekers, and drivers, the latter which is a true embodiment of the city’s distinctive character. The iconic Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier provides an immersive location allowing visitors to enjoy themselves in the beauty of the ocean, collecting seashells and taking in the invigorating sea breeze.
Daytona Beach is synonymous with speed and adrenaline, owing to its illustrious history as the home of the Daytona International Speedway. Motorsports enthusiasts can embark on guided tours of the speedway, explore the Motorsports Hall of Fame, and even experience the thrill of high-speed laps on the famous track. The Daytona 500, known as the “Great American Race,” draws racing fans from around the world to witness NASCAR’s premier event.
Where to Go Snorkeling in Daytona Beach
With over 20+ miles of shoreline, there are plenty of spots to go snorkeling in Daytona Beach. However, poor underlying conditions, which includes below average water clarity, no coral reefs, and strong currents, means it won’t be the best use of time. The corals which extend up and down South Florida just off the shore end around Sebastian Inlet, so the bottoms up here are sandy. Without a sufficient marine ecosystem, it makes for an inferior underwater experience overall.
Sebastian Inlet, about an hour and forty-five south of Daytona 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:
Daytona Beach stands as a multifaceted paradise that transcends the confines of a traditional beach destination. From its stunning coastline and artistic expressions to its motorsports legacy and exhilarating adventures, the city presents a kaleidoscope of experiences that cater to a wide range of interests. However, the conditions to go snorkeling in Daytona Beach are not ideal, so it is best to efficiently use your time by enjoying the beaches, the races, and more.
Snorkeling in Daytona Beach Rating: 1/5 Snorkels – Go South!
