Anchored by the shipwreck S.S. Breconshire right off the shore, there is great snorkeling in Vero Beach all along its beautiful, uninterrupted coastline.
Vero Beach, located on the northern end of Florida’s Treasure coast, is one of Florida’s finest destinations renowned for its unique blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and thrilling aquatic adventures. This exquisite coastal town boasts pristine beaches, lush landscapes, charming neighborhoods, and a plethora of activities for all types of travelers. Once the spring training home to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Vero Beach has been on the radar for many vacationers and snowbirds for its beauty, wide array of activities, and overall relaxed nature.
Vero Beach city limits extend onto North Hutchinson Island, which is where the city’s stunning beaches are located. These beaches which stretch for miles along the Atlantic Ocean are filled with soft sand that hug the sparkling, blue waters, with gentle breezes putting the final touches on this idyllic setting. It is a very population destination for aquatic activities, and you may notice quite a crowd right off the shore. With pristine reefs to diverse marine life around, as well as S.S. Breconshire, a sunken ship off the coast which serves as artificial reefs, snorkeling in Vero Beach is one of the best in Treasure Coast and is an ideal destination for underwater enthusiasts.
Vero Beach 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. Not a surfing spot at all.
- Coral Presence: There are some vibrant coral reefs and the SS Breconshire acts as artificial reefs, but may be a bit lighter up here than its southern neighbors such as Stuart or Jupiter.
- Marine Life: The diversity of marine life makes snorkeling in Vero Beach fantastic, with angelfish, sergeant majors, snooks, groupers, tarpons, barracudas, with the bigger species including turtles, nurse sharks, and rays.
- Crowd: Lots of beachgoers, and there is usually a crowd by SS Breconshire, but shouldn’t be too difficult to find your own space.
Getting There:
Closest Airport: Vero Beach Regional Airport (15 miles, 25 minutes away) or Palm Beach International Airport (70 miles, 75 minutes away)
- There are two airports within an hour or so distance, but which airport you use would largely depend on the origination point. Vero Beach only has two flights, from Hartford, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, while Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) provides connections to major cities in the United States with multiple domestic carriers, including JetBlue, Delta, and American.
Closest Major Metro: Port St. Lucie
- Port St. Lucie, the largest city in Florida’s Treasure Coast, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing community. As one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida, the city’s appealing combination of warm weather, affordable living, and a wide range of amenities makes it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors alike. Whether it’s relaxing in the sun, swimming, fishing, or engaging in water sports, Port St. Lucie’s beaches provide endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment.
Best Transportation Method to Destination: Fly into Palm Beach International Airport – Rent a car
Introduction
Blessed with miles of uninterrupted coastline and countless days of sunshine each year, Vero Beach is a slice of paradise on Florida’s Treasure Coast. It is located approximately hundred-fifty miles north of Miami and hundred miles southeast of Orlando, in a sweet spot between South Florida and Central Florida. Whether you prefer lounging under the sun, taking in some historical and cultural significance, going birdwatching in Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, or hitting some balls at the reputable Indian River Club, Vero Beach offers it all.
Vero Beach boasts a rich cultural scene, with the Vero Beach Museum of Art showcasing a vast collection of art from both local and international artists. Explore the galleries, attend art workshops, or enjoy a performance at the museum’s intimate theater. For history buffs, the McLarty Treasure Museum offers a fascinating insight into Florida’s maritime past, with exhibits that highlight the stories of Spanish shipwrecks and treasure hunting. The Riverside Theatre is another must-visit venue, hosting a wide range of Broadway-style productions, concerts, and comedy shows.
Where to Go Snorkeling in Vero Beach
There are numerous spots to go snorkeling in Vero Beach, but where to start is important otherwise you won’t get the best experience. The ideal starting point of the snorkeling journey is S. S. Breconshire, which is about 100 yards out to coast from Humiston Beach Park, and then work our way up north to get the full view of the gorgeous coral reefs up the Florida Atlantic Coast.
S.S. Breconshire
The wreck of this English steamer which sank off the coast of Vero Beach in 1894 during its voyage up to New York is one of the city’s most iconic spots. Using Humiston Beach Park as the reference point, swim or kayak out to the ocean where you will find an American flag that signals its location. The wreck has become an artificial reef covered with plants that attracts diverse and interesting marine life, including various tropical fish, including tangs, snooks, snappers, crabs, lobsters, shells, and rays. There will usually be a crowd here, both above and under water, so always be aware of your surroundings.
Vero Beach Reef
Coral reefs run parallel to the coastline through much of the Treasure Coast and as such, this system provides wonderful opportunities for snorkeling in Vero Beach. These reefs run mostly through the Vero Beach coastline, from Riomar Reefs in the south all the way to Sebastian Inlet in the north, about fifteen miles north. As one of the most beautiful and unique underwater habitats in the country, the diversity of marine life here is fantastic. The reefs extend much further away from the coast but don’t explore too far if you are not a strong swimmer.
Final Word:
Vero Beach, with its picturesque beaches, thriving cultural scene, outdoor adventures, and luxurious offerings, is an inviting destination that promises an unforgettable experience. In addition, miles of coral reefs and abundance of marine life await those who seek to go snorkeling in Vero Beach. Be sure to spend some time in the sun and enjoy the various activities available here, but don’t forget to go underwater and explore the natural beauty of Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Snorkeling in Vero Beach Rating: 4/5 Snorkels
