In the middle of this endless, powdery beach heaven on western Florida coastline, there are options for good snorkeling in Siesta Key.
The blue, warm waters from the Gulf meets the pristine, white sandy beaches in western Florida. It is as close to relaxation heaven as one can get. Right in the middle of this coastline is Siesta Key, a barrier island separating Roberts Bay from the Gulf. One of the premier beach destinations in the country, Siesta Key Beach continues to be ranked as one of the best beaches in the world per TripAdvisor. In addition to the beaches, there are plenty of golf courses and other activities for all to enjoy. That includes underwater activities, and there are good spots for snorkeling in Siesta Key if you know.
Siesta Key Snorkeling Profile
Closest Airport: Sarasota – Brandenton International Airport – 10 miles away, 20 minute drive
- A small airport north of downtown Sarasota, the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is the closest airport to Siesta Key. Despite its size, the airport is served by major airlines and has direct flights to major cities on the east coast. Tampa International Airport and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport are also within the vicinity but the drive will take more than an hour from either airport.
Closest Major City: Sarasota, FL and Bradenton, FL
- Sarasota and Bradenton both are equally similar in terms of size and population. But of course, more people know Sarasota given its status as a resort city. The metropolitan area has close to a million people and is a significant population center. Sarasota is right in between Tampa and Fort Myers, about an hour away from north and south, respectively.
Preferred Method of Transportation to Destination: Flight into Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and drive to Siesta Key
- Unless you are planning to visit Tampa area as well, best to fly into SBA and take the short drive to Siesta Key. There are plenty of direct flights into the airport and the drive from Tampa may make you crazy.
Introduction
The island known today as Siesta Key was always seen as an extension of the nearby city of Sarasota. The original nicknames were “Sarasota Key” or “Little Sarasota Key”. A local development firm called Siesta Land Company built docks and ports on the island as the first attempts to colonize the key in 1907. Bridges were built soon thereafter and the island grew to become the resort destination it is now. The city remains very small to this day but visitors can pack the island to its capacity.
There are three main beaches on Siesta Key: Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach. Siesta Beach is the primary beach and is right by the city center on Beach Road. Crescent Beach is south of Siesta Beach and named after its crescent-shaped coastline. Turtle Beach is much further south down on Midnight Pass Road and is the most relaxing option of the three.
Areas for Snorkeling in Siesta Key
While it may be one of the best beaches in the world, snorkeling in Siesta Key is not recommended. The beach is blanketed by powdery sands and is too pristine for a marine life ecosystem. So let’s head down farther south to look for a better spot.
The key is round at the top and narrows as it goes south, just where Crescent Beach begins. This round-shaped beach is as good as Siesta Beach. At the very end of Crescent Beach is known as Point of Rocks. This is the best spot to go snorkeling in Siesta Key. While there aren’t any corals in the area, there are limestone rock formations by the beach here which provide protection for fish to thrive. Visibility can come and go depending on the wave strength, which can irritate the sandy bottoms and make the waters murky. Shells will be significantly present but there are also crabs, snooks, and snappers that may be cruising by.
Turtle Beach is approximately 3 miles south of Crescent Beach, so it will be somewhat of a drive. But it is the most isolated beach within Siesta Key. Snorkeling here won’t be much better than any typical beach you would go, but there are lots of shells in the bottom of the sea. Fish will be very, very rare to see here. For folks that want a more private experience, Turtle Beach may work.
Final Word:
There is a clear winner when it comes to snorkeling in Siesta Key – Point of Rocks. Given the proximity to the city center and the island’s hotel zone, it is very accessible and worth the time to go and enjoy. Turtle Beach is a decent alternative but does not offer much in terms of marine life observation. While some days may offer very poor visibility, try to go in the early morning before the winds come by later in the day.
Snorkeling in Siesta Key Rating: 2/5 Snorkels – Possibilities!
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