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- Florida is one the most popular destinations in the U.S., especially during summer. Home to many beaches with crystal-clear waters, Florida is the perfect destination for relaxing days and water sports. This list was expanded to include other beaches in Florida with clear waters.
For people who like swimming, diving, snorkeling, and other water-related activities, clear waters are what they look for! Coming across beaches with very clear waters is their ultimate happiness. This is for a good reason: they provide the best opportunity for various water-related activities and no one wants anything less. For tourists visiting Florida, that should also be the case. Sunshine State is a large region and any visitor would like to know about the best beaches with very clear waters to swim in and do other activities. Here is a list of the best beaches to visit in Florida with the clearest waters.
UPDATE: 2023/07/13 20:56 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA
Florida is one the most popular destinations in the U.S., especially during summer. Home to many beaches with crystal-clear waters, Florida is the perfect destination for relaxing days and water sports. This list was expanded to include other beaches in Florida with clear waters.
17 Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore is a breathtaking coastal destination renowned for its natural beauty. This protected area encompasses a series of pristine barrier islands, showcasing pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Some areas request an entrance fee.
Visitors can explore the unspoiled shoreline, engage in water sports like swimming and kayaking, or simply relax on the tranquil beaches. The seashore also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and hiking along scenic nature trails. Gulf Islands National Seashore is a true gem, providing a serene and picturesque escape where visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.
- Entrance fee: $15–$25
16 Navarre Beach
Travelers looking for a secluded beach in Florida should check Navarre Beach, nestled along the emerald shores of the Florida Panhandle. This hidden gem is perfect to escape the crowds, encounter wildlife or stroll at the pier, also known for being a popular spot for fishing.
Nature lovers will appreciate the unspoiled beauty of the nearby Gulf Islands National Seashore. Navarre Beach also boasts recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The serene ambiance and natural splendor makes Navarre Beach a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful beach getaway.
- Fees: $1 for walking on the pier
15 Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is a paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. Known for its pristine sandy beaches, Sanibel offers a tranquil escape with its breathtaking natural beauty. The island's unique shell-strewn coastline attracts collectors from around the world.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, or explore the extensive network of nature trails that wind through mangrove forests and wildlife preserves. On top of that, Sanibel Island is a haven for birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking.
- Sanibel Causeway: $6.00 for automobiles and motorcycles
14 Emerald Coast
Florida is well-known for its immaculate white sand beaches and the rippling ocean currents along the Emerald Coast. There are some great, family-friendly beaches nearby, and people can even go fishing if they’d like. One of the world's clearest beaches can be found on Emerald Coast. So, if vacationers are looking for a picnic area or a playground, the sugar-white, pristine beaches of the Emerald Coast have both and more.
- Things to do: Henderson Beach State Park, Destin Harbor Boardwalk, Air Force Armament Museum
13 Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach is an excellent spot if tourists want beautiful waters and some family-friendly areas. It also has a little opulent aesthetic, which is a crucial distinction to make whether they are searching for something a little opulent or attempting to stay within budget. This Florida beach town was not previously particularly well known, but it is now swiftly gaining popularity because of its fine-grained beaches. Tourists will have plenty of privacy because it isn't one of the busiest tourist destinations yet, but won't be absolutely alone. It strikes the ideal balance. Moreover, there are some porches where they can relax with their family and plan a pleasant picnic.
- Things to do: Renting a bike, Farmers Market, Campbell Lake
12 Santa Rosa
For people wishing to appreciate white sand or searching for a place to practice mild surfing, Santa Rosa is a fantastic destination. There, they will learn how to utilize a bike or a paddleboard in a variety of ways if they bring them along. They might also arrange a picnic or just relax by sitting down on the shore of one of the best clear-water beaches in Florida. If people want to see some wildlife and biodiversity, they could go to Eden Gardens State Park.
- Entrance fee: $4 per adult and teenager; and $2 per child
11 Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida. The beach is so great for its clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and boat rides to take the views. The beach is also popular for its shell island. What this means is that it has an uninhabited barrier island that is full of clean waters and untouched marine life making it a perfect destination.
- Things to do: Pier Park, Shipwreck Island Waterpark, Gulf World Marine Park
10 Miami Beach
Miami Beach is popular for a good reason. Miami also has beautiful and clear waters for tourists to enjoy hence the reason it receives a high number of visitors. In addition, the region has some of the best restaurants and bars making it very attractive for people who like a fun life. Miami is also clean yet exciting making it ideal for visitors. For visitors, there are many services for hiring a boat, learning snorkeling, and other water-related activities that make the whole experience epic.
- Things to do: South Pointe Park Pier, The Bass, Miami Beach Botanical Garden
9 Palm Beach
Palm Beach, Florida is a beach that stretches on the east coastline and offers the clearest waters. It is considered a paradise for boats since it is good for recreational boating, diving, and fishing. One popular location is Peanut Island which is within Palm Beach. This area is worth visiting for people interested in boating activities as it is the best location in the whole of Florida.
- Hotels: The Breakers Palm Beach, The Colony Hotel, Hilton West Palm Beach, etc.
8 Destin Beach
Destin Beach is found in the Florida Panhandle region, and it has a great tropical feel in it. It has pure white sand, and the water is very clear. Maybe the clearest water in Florida. A person standing on the edge of the beach can see so much of what is happening in the water. It is also a very clean beach with a low population making it perfect for couples or families and people interested in various water activities there.
- Resorts: Pelican Beach Resort, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach - Destin Hotel, etc.
7 Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key is a beach in Florida that provides a very relaxing and simple experience. The waters here are crystal blue and the breeze is very soft. With the waters being clear, even the views alone will make a person relax and calm down. It is a beach perfect for every morning yoga sessions which actually are free. Water sports are in plenty and good since the water is clear. One can also take part in night events such as swimming, and chilling in bars listening to music on this beach.
- Things to do: Siesta Beach Drum Circle, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown, Crescent Beach
6 Anna Maria Island
Photo by Valeriia Neganova on Unsplash
Here is yet another unique and interesting beach to visit in Florida. Anna Maria Island beach is characterized by clear waters and emerald green hues. This is what makes the beach so interesting. Although the beach does not have many hotels, bars, and restaurants, it is very private and that gives it a very unique way of life. Anna Maria Island has white sand and a clean environment.
- Things to do: Historical Society Museum, Holmes Beach, Three Island Monkeys
5 Florida Keys
The Florida Keys is a popular destination for tourists and for a good reason. What makes this place so attractive is its clear waters. The region has ultra-clear waters that make water activities easy and great to experience. Many boats visit the location as it also offers a good environment for diving spots and snorkeling. The Florida Keys is also very much close to other attractive spots such as Islamorada Sandbar making it ideal for people who want to have more than a water fan.
- Things to do: Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Cruise, Key West Shipwreck, The Hemingway Home and Museum
4 Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is a sandy beach with very clear water. What makes it even more interesting is its sheer size. It is one of the largest in the region and that enables it to host a variety of activities. Smathers Beach is also quite clean and laid back providing a good environment for visitors and other people looking for a relaxed beach to relax and have fun. Although it does not have major hotels and huge entertainment areas as compared to some beaches, it offers a good environment and sporting activities.
- Things to do: Water activities, Renting a bike
3 Jupiter
Jupiter is well known for its great water sports. The main reason for the beach getting so many water sports is due to the clear and calm waters. People enjoy engaging in snorkeling, surfing, and paddleboarding. It is also a beach that offers a charming experience due to its nature and how clean it is. It is divided into several sections and has blue waters.
Things to do: DuBois Park, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, Carlin Park
2 Biscayne Beach
Biscayne National Park is a great place to spend a sunny day in Florida, especially for those who know about its stunning clear-water beach. The majority of the park is made up of ocean water which means there are plenty of places for visitors to enjoy its dreamy shores. Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular activities here, but many people also visit for the scenery, alone.
- Things to do: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Cape Florida Lighthouse, Cape Florida
1 Dry Tortugas
A little over an hour from Key West is Dry Tortugas National Park, which can only be reached by plane or boat. However, the effort it takes to get there is well worth it - this beach not only features crystal-clear water, but plenty of history to explore, as well. If its scenery alone doesn't captivate the hearts of its visitors, then its pristine beaches surely will.
- Things to do: Dry Tortugas National Park, Fort Jefferson