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Try Snorkeling In Clearwater FL As An Alternative To The Keys

By Tracie Knight


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.

The city of Clearwater falls within Pinellas County in the Tampa Bay Area. It lies on Florida's west coast, a little over twenty miles west of Tampa. It is bordered by water on two sides: Tampa Bay to its east and the Gulf of Mexico to its west.

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.

Some of the many activities to take part in when you visit are golf, tennis and ice skating. Movie lovers shouldn't miss the Capitol Theatre, one of the oldest to still operate in Florida. There are plenty of parks and for drinks at sunset, head to Pier 60. Visit the city's aquarium to get acquainted with the local marine life. The Church of Scientology also has its headquarters here.

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.

When you need to cool off, the water also offers a range of things to do. Join a cruise or charter your own yacht. Go for a ride in a speedboat or on a jet-ski or try your hand at parasailing. Go paddling in a glass-bottomed kayak or learn how to do stand-up paddle-boarding on the calm waters.

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.

Clearwater is one of the sunniest cities in the USA and can be visited at any time of year. The low season is during the summer months, when humidity levels can be uncomfortable and the heat will drive you to the water. Cooler and more comfortable weather arrives in fall and the winter months but even then water temperatures are quite high so you can enjoy the best snorkeling.




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