Fort Lauderdale is famous for its clear waters, coral reefs and an impressive variety of tropical fish, making it the ideal spot for joining one of the many snorkeling tours. If you're looking for a fun and exciting way to explore Fort Lauderdale's marine life, a snorkeling tour is a great way to do so.

During your tour, you'll have the chance to get up close and personal with over 500 aquatic species, including sea turtles, manatees and butterfly fish.

Snorkeling tours in Fort Lauderdale are suitable for both beginners and experienced snorkelers, meaning anyone can enjoy the beauty of the city’s underwater world.

What are the best snorkeling tours in Fort Lauderdale?

Snorkeling is a popular activity in Fort Lauderdale, and so there are a variety of tours available. Unlike other places, snorkeling tours in Fort Lauderdale usually do not involve a boat ride because the reefs are so close to the shore.

Private guided Fort Lauderdale snorkel tour

On a private snorkel tour in Fort Lauderdale, you'll have your own guide who will take you to the best spots. If necessary, your guide will show you how to snorkel before you head out to the reef, which is just 400 feet from the shore.

There, you'll encounter a variety of tropical fish and underwater plants, as you enjoy an hour of underwater exploration.

Public guided snorkeling tour in Fort Lauderdale

A public tour is a more affordable way to explore the waters of Fort Lauderdale. You will have access to a tour guide and all necessary snorkel equipment. You will spend an hour exploring the reef and learning about local marine life.

Reef snorkel and paddleboard adventure

This tour combines snorkeling with paddleboarding for those who want to explore both the reef and the open water.

You will start by traveling out to the coral reef on a paddleboard before donning your snorkeling gear and exploring beneath the surface.

Your guide will take photos for you as you paddle and snorkel, so you can remember your experience forever. Waterproof phone cases and dry bags are also available for separate rental.

8-hour snorkeling private charter

If you want more control over your snorkeling adventure, then a private charter is the way to go. This tour gives you the chance to customize your itinerary so visitors are able to focus on specific activities.

In addition to exploring the waters of Fort Lauderdale, you'll also be able to glimpse the city's best sights without having to deal with crowds. You may even spot some dolphins playing in the water as you sail past.

Chartered boats include a refrigerator for your own food and drink, a Bluetooth speaker and snorkeling equipment so that you're ready to explore the seas. The capacity for this charter is up to six passengers.

Florida Keys full day kayak and snorkeling adventure tour

You'll explore the mangrove-lined waterways of the Florida Keys on this kayak and snorkeling adventure tour.

You'll start your day with a boat trip to the reef, where you'll snorkel alongside a marine biologist who will teach you about the reef's ecosystem. They will point out species of interest and help you to get the most out of your snorkeling experience.

After snorkeling, you'll hop in a kayak and paddle through the mangrove-lined waters of the Florida Keys. You'll have the chance to see a variety of birds, fish and other wildlife as you paddle.

This tour is great for anyone who wants to explore the Florida Keys in-depth and spot as many species of wildlife as possible.

How much do snorkeling tours in Fort Lauderdale cost?

Snorkeling tours in Fort Lauderdale vary in price according to the type of tour, the duration and the number of people.

Public guided snorkel tours start from US$45, while private tours range from US$75 to US$150, depending on duration, group size and the number of snorkel spots visited. Tours that include extra activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking or a sea bob ride fall between US$150 and US$329.

Meanwhile, a full day charter sailing boat snorkel tour starts at US$400.

What is included in a snorkeling tour in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale snorkeling excursions include all necessary equipment, such as snorkel masks, flippers and life jackets.

If you book a private charter, the boat is usually equipped with a refrigerator, Bluetooth speaker and snorkeling gear. Some tours also include photos or videos of your experience, so you can remember your time in the water.

Full day tours often include drinks, snacks and lunch. Gratuities for your tour guide are not usually included, but they are greatly appreciated.

Where do snorkeling tours in Fort Lauderdale start?

If you are embarking on a full-day snorkeling and kayaking tour, your tour will include hotel pickup. Similarly, most charter companies offering private boat tours will pick you up from your hotel or any other specified location.

Standalone snorkeling tours usually meet at a location close to the Lauderdale-by-the-sea beach.

How long do snorkeling tours in Fort Lauderdale last?

Snorkeling tours in Fort Lauderdale usually last for 90 minutes. Full day tours that combine snorkeling with other activities, such as sailing or kayaking, last for eight to nine hours. Jet ski and snorkel tours last between three and four hours, depending on your stamina and preferences.

When is the best time for a snorkeling tour in Fort Lauderdale?

Snorkeling in Fort Lauderdale is a year-round activity, but it's generally more enjoyable during the summer months due to warmer waters. From the beginning of June until the end of September, snorkelers enjoy water temperatures of 29 degrees Celsius.

When the water temperature drops below 25 degrees Celsius, a wetsuit is recommended. This usually happens between the months of December and April.

The optimal time to embark on a snorkeling tour in Fort Lauderdale is early morning when the water is calmest. This also gives you the chance to see more marine life, as they are most active during the cooler hours of the day.

Are there any combo tours available with snorkeling tours in Fort Lauderdale?

It's possible to combine a kayak and snorkeling tour in Fort Lauderdale with other activities.

Sea bob and snorkel tour

A sea bob is an underwater scooter that propels you through the water. Therefore, a snorkeling and sea bob tour is great for anyone who wants to cover a lot of ground and see as much as possible.

You will receive a short training session on the sea bob, so that you can feel comfortable using it before exploring the reef. Then, you will explore three of Fort Lauderdale's best reefs, covering a total distance of two miles underwater.

Snorkel and Jet ski tour

You can also combine your Fort Lauderdale snorkeling tour with a jet ski adventure to explore the shipwreck of the SS Copenhagen. During this tour, you will also see Lighthouse Point and some of the city's best beaches.

On top of this, you'll have plenty of chances to snorkel and discover Fort Lauderdale's vibrant marine life.

Travel tips

Wear a reef-friendly sunscreen on your snorkeling tour in Fort Lauderdale. The Floridian sun can be strong, but you also want to protect the marine life you'll be swimming with.
Don't forget to pack a towel and some snacks. Swimming and being in the sun all day will make you hungry.
It's a good idea to wear a surf-style rash guard or a swim shirt on your tour. This will protect you from the sun and from any potential scrapes or stings.
Book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if you're visiting during peak season.
If you own a GoPro or underwater camera, be sure to bring it with you. Some tour companies will have them for rent as well.
It's a good idea to pack a dry bag or waterproof case for your phone, wallet and any other valuables.

Is it safe to take a snorkeling tour in Fort Lauderdale?

Snorkeling in Fort Lauderdale is safe as long as you’re a confident swimmer. Your guide will give you a safety briefing before you enter the water and answer any questions you might have. Life vests are, of course, available for those not feeling confident in the water.

Are children allowed on a snorkeling tour in Fort Lauderdale?

Children aged five and up are welcome on most Fort Lauderdale snorkeling tours. However, some tours are not recommended for children under 13, but this is at the parent's discretion.

Certain activities included in snorkeling tours have age limits. Paddle boarding and sea bob rides are only for children who are ten or older, and they must have parental consent. Seabobs are also not recommended for pregnant women.

What happens in case of bad weather?

For safety reasons, all snorkeling tours in Fort Lauderdale are weather-dependent. In the case of bad weather, the tour operator will issue a refund. You may also have the option to reschedule your activity for another day, depending on availability.