Known as one of the premier destinations on Florida’s Treasure Coast, there are several places to go snorkeling in Stuart along the shore on Hutchinson Island, most notably the Bathtub Reef Beach.
Stuart, a hidden gem nestled along Florida’s Treasure Coast, is enriched with stunning natural beauty, charming downtown, and a vibrant arts scene. Known as the ‘Sailfish Capital of the World’ as one of the prime destinations for fishing enthusiasts , this small town combines the best of old Florida charm with a lively and welcoming atmosphere. It is considered to be one of the best towns to visit in the U.S. and there is no shortage of outdoor activities to take part in.
The city of Stuart extends onto the southern tip of Hutchinson Island which serves as a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River, as well as St. Lucie River to the south. The island covers 23 miles across Florida’s Treasure Coast and is the home to handful number of world-famous beaches, numerous five-star resorts, and several marinas. The beaches in the Stuart area are frequently characterized by limestone formations, which provide a habitat for diverse marine life, making snorkeling in Stuart one of the treasured activities in this alluring town.
Stuart, Florida Snorkeling Profile:
- Water Visibility: Great. Water visibility in south Florida is relatively good thanks to the Gulf Stream which pushes the clean Gulf waters north.
- Current Strength: Below Average but can be fickle. Once again, the area is heavily impacted by the Gulf Stream which reduces the strength of the currents towards the shore.
- Coral Presence: Significant coral reefs right off the shores at Bathtub Reef Beach, the best place to go snorkeling in Stuart.
- Marine Life: Copious amounts of marine life by Treasure Coast, with angelfish, sergeant majors, croakers, tarpons, barracudas, with the bigger species including turtles, nurse sharks, and rays. WARNING: There are bull sharks around and several instances of recent attacks, so be careful and watchful. Sometimes the beach will send out shark warnings telling everyone to get out of the beach due to nearby shark sightings.
- Crowd: Lots of beachgoers but there is plenty of space for everyone.
Getting There:
Closest Airport: Palm Beach International Airport (40 miles, 45 minutes away)
- Serving the Palm Beach County area, Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) offers convenient access to the popular vacation destinations of Palm Beach, Jupiter, and the surrounding region. Situated approximately three miles west of downtown West Palm Beach, PBI serves as a destination for multiple domestic carriers, including JetBlue, Delta, and American. The airport provides connections to major cities in the United States, including New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Boston, as well as international destinations in the Caribbean and Canada.
Closest Major Metro: Port St. Lucie
- Port St. Lucie, the largest city in Florida’s Treasure Coast, is one of the fastest growing cities in Florida known for its beautiful beaches, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing community. Its combination of warm weather, affordable living, and a wide range of amenities makes it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors alike, and it provides endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment whether it’s relaxing in the sun, swimming, fishing, or engaging in water sports.
Best Transportation Method to Destination: Fly into Palm Beach International Airport – Rent a car
Introduction
Situated along the St. Lucie River and close to the Atlantic Ocean, Stuart is renowned for its pristine waterways, making it a haven for boating, fishing, and water sports enthusiasts. The city is blessed with an abundance of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. Stuart’s historic downtown, home to art galleries, boutique shops, and more, exudes a nostalgic ambiance with its tree-lined streets, brick sidewalks, and historic buildings.
Stuart has earned its reputation as the “Sailfish Capital of the World” due to the abundance of sailfish that populate its waters. The city is ideally located at the convergence of the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon, which create an estuary system that serve as a home to a diverse range of fish. The city also hosts the Stuart Sailfish Regatta, an exhilarating powerboat race, which draws massive crowds each year and further crystallizes its reputation as a fishing haven.
Where to Go Snorkeling in Stuart
There are several places to enjoy fabulous snorkeling in Stuart, mostly down along South Hutchinson Island, but Bathtub Reef Beach stands out. The most remarkable aspects of Bathtub Reef Beach is its unique geological formation, which has created a shallow, natural reef just offshore. The reef acts as a protective barrier, creating a calm and inviting lagoon-like area that is perfect for snorkeling. While the conditions of the coral reefs have deteriorated due to hurricane and human causes, Bathtub Reef is still the best place to go snorkeling in Stuart.
Bathtub Reef Beach
Bathtub Reef Beach is located at the entrance of an gated community known as Sailfish Point, which is at the end of MacArthur Blvd so it’s essentially at the southern tip of Hutchinson Island. The beach is popular so the parking lot can get busy, but there should be sufficient space especially if you’re in early. Go down to the beach and it will be immediately apparent where the nickname comes from. The coral reefs are just offshore and run parallel to the shoreline, acting as a barrier to the waves and creating a calm area of shallowwater.
Bathtub Reef Beach works best for novice snorkelers due to the shallow depths and calm conditions, which makes it an ideal place for beginners to gain confidence and witness the wonders of the ocean. The absence of strong currents and waves ensures a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience for the whole family. More experienced snorkelers can feel free to venture farther out to explore the outer edges of the reef, where larger fish and marine species make their home.
What sets Bathtub Reef Beach apart is its incredible biodiversity and vibrant marine life. Snorkelers will be greeted by an underwater world teeming with colorful fish, including angelfish, sergeant majors, tangs, croakers, tarpons, as well as graceful sea turtles, barracudas, nurse sharks, and rays. The vibrant coral structures create a visually stunning backdrop, while the diverse marine life provides a thrilling and immersive encounter with nature. But once again, be cautious while going snorkeling in Bathtub Reef Beach due to the prevalence of the bigger bull sharks, which have caused several attacks in the past.
Final Word:
As the home to the beautiful Hutchinson Island, there are several beaches to enjoy awesome snorkeling in Stuart. The pristine beaches are only minutes away from the high-end luxury resorts within the town, and the costal waters are teeming with a wide variety of marine creatures. Snorkeling in Stuart will provide a similar experience to Fort Pierce in the north, and is one of the best in Florida’s Treasure Coast. With its stunning scenery, diverse marine life, and additional recreational activities to boot, Stuart is an ideal destination for travelers of all ages and snorkelers of all experience levels.
Snorkeling in Stuart, Florida Rating: 4/5 Snorkels – Snorkeling in Bathtubs Rock!
