The Florida Keys are one of the most popular destinations in the US if you enjoy snorkeling. Unfortunately their popularity also means that they can be packed with people, especially during high season. If you'd rather snorkel in peace, a great alternative is to try snorkeling in Clearwater FL.
There are three major cities in the Tampa Bay Area and Clearwater is the smallest of these. Tampa itself lies some twenty miles to the east and Saint Petersburg is close by too. Clearwater is bounded by water both to the west and the east, being the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay respectively.
The city may be the smallest of the three major cities in the Tampa Bay Area but it is no backwater. It hosts large festivals and events throughout the year and also has all the amenities a visitor might want. There are restaurants for every taste and seafood, especially the grouper sandwich, is a specialty. Moreover, there is a wide range of accommodation, no matter what your budget.
The Church of Scientology has its headquarters in the city and several celebrities own properties here. If you're looking for a bit of Hollywood in a different way, the old-style movie theater known as the Capitol is the place to go. During the day, enjoy sports such as tennis or golf or visit an ice-skating rink. In the late afternoon, watch the sunset from Pier 60.
No visit would be complete without hitting the beach. In fact, the beaches here are consistently named as among America's best. They're wide stretches of fine white sand where you can soak up the sun, build sandcastles or simply watch the palm trees sway in the breeze.
With the beach comes a variety of activities, of which many are water based. Charter a boat and go sailing or fishing in the waters of the Gulf. Alternatively, go on a cruise, even a pirate-themed one. For an adrenalin rush, try jet-skiing, speedboat rides or parasailing. While this is not the best destination for surfers, stand-up paddle-boarding is a great alternative or you may want to rent a kayak with a glass bottom.
Visibility is excellent in the waters around the city and an abundance of marine life makes snorkeling here a joy. At Sand Key and the more remote Shell Key, you may even be lucky enough to see a manatee or some dolphins. A short ferry ride can also take you to Fort Dade. This old fort is in ruins and parts of it have fallen into the water, creating an unusual habitat for colorful fish and starfish, among others. If you'd rather not venture out too far, even the shallow waters just off the main city beach are good for snorkel action, with the possibility of spotting stingrays.
The sun shines in Clearwater almost every day. From fall throughout winter the weather is perfect, with lots of sunshine but lower levels of humidity. However, since this is high season, prices tend to be higher too. If you need to budget, you may prefer visiting during summer low season. Even though the heat can become very uncomfortable because of the high humidity, you can make the most of it by heading into the water where you won't feel it once you discover the wonderful world that lies beneath the surface.
There are three major cities in the Tampa Bay Area and Clearwater is the smallest of these. Tampa itself lies some twenty miles to the east and Saint Petersburg is close by too. Clearwater is bounded by water both to the west and the east, being the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay respectively.
The city may be the smallest of the three major cities in the Tampa Bay Area but it is no backwater. It hosts large festivals and events throughout the year and also has all the amenities a visitor might want. There are restaurants for every taste and seafood, especially the grouper sandwich, is a specialty. Moreover, there is a wide range of accommodation, no matter what your budget.
The Church of Scientology has its headquarters in the city and several celebrities own properties here. If you're looking for a bit of Hollywood in a different way, the old-style movie theater known as the Capitol is the place to go. During the day, enjoy sports such as tennis or golf or visit an ice-skating rink. In the late afternoon, watch the sunset from Pier 60.
No visit would be complete without hitting the beach. In fact, the beaches here are consistently named as among America's best. They're wide stretches of fine white sand where you can soak up the sun, build sandcastles or simply watch the palm trees sway in the breeze.
With the beach comes a variety of activities, of which many are water based. Charter a boat and go sailing or fishing in the waters of the Gulf. Alternatively, go on a cruise, even a pirate-themed one. For an adrenalin rush, try jet-skiing, speedboat rides or parasailing. While this is not the best destination for surfers, stand-up paddle-boarding is a great alternative or you may want to rent a kayak with a glass bottom.
Visibility is excellent in the waters around the city and an abundance of marine life makes snorkeling here a joy. At Sand Key and the more remote Shell Key, you may even be lucky enough to see a manatee or some dolphins. A short ferry ride can also take you to Fort Dade. This old fort is in ruins and parts of it have fallen into the water, creating an unusual habitat for colorful fish and starfish, among others. If you'd rather not venture out too far, even the shallow waters just off the main city beach are good for snorkel action, with the possibility of spotting stingrays.
The sun shines in Clearwater almost every day. From fall throughout winter the weather is perfect, with lots of sunshine but lower levels of humidity. However, since this is high season, prices tend to be higher too. If you need to budget, you may prefer visiting during summer low season. Even though the heat can become very uncomfortable because of the high humidity, you can make the most of it by heading into the water where you won't feel it once you discover the wonderful world that lies beneath the surface.
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