Snorkeling the Inlet Reefs
Off the guarded beach, more than a dozen rock reefs sit about 100 yards from shore. On a calm, clear day snorkelers find tropical fish, stingrays and sometimes sea turtles, but timing and the inlet's currents matter more here than almost anywhere.
What's here
- Rock reef piles about 100 yards off the swim beach.
- Tropical reef fish, southern stingrays and occasional sea turtles.
- Lifeguards who can point out the reefs.
Good to know
Florida law requires a dive flag when you snorkel in open water, and the inlet boat traffic makes it essential here. Go at slack high tide on a calm morning, and avoid the outgoing tide, which can pull swimmers toward the inlet.
The reefs
The reefs are piles of rock placed off the swim beach, about 100 yards out. Visitor guides count more than a dozen. On a good day you can see a range of tropical fish around the rocks, southern stingrays on the sand and the occasional sea turtle. If it's your first time, ask the lifeguards to point out where the reefs are.
Timing is everything
The inlet moves a lot of water. The best snorkeling is at slack high tide on a calm morning with light wind, when clear ocean water floods in, visibility jumps and the current eases. Avoid the peak of the outgoing tide, when water rushes seaward and can pull snorkelers toward the inlet throat. Tide tables for the Boynton Inlet are easy to find online.
Safety
Tow a dive flag on a float: it's required by Florida law in open water and keeps boats away. Snorkel with a buddy, stay well south of the inlet mouth, and turn back early if you feel the current building. Fins are a must here. Don't touch or stand on the rocks or marine life.
Tips
Use reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard, and bring a mesh bag for your gear.
See the rest of the park
Snorkeling is one of 6 featured areas at Ocean Inlet Park.