Florida’s underwater parks preserve exceptional bodies of water, from shipwrecks to spring-fed caves. They are among the most unusual parks in the US.

Lionfish are gobbling up native species on Florida Keys reefs. Now you can gobble them up instead.

Rainbow Springs and the Rainbow River are among Florida’s top tubing and kayaking spots. People love this waterway because of the pure, clear water and spectacular natural setting. In winter, it’s a peaceful place to kayak and perhaps see otters. In summer, it’s full of tubes floating through a cool paradise.

The snorkeling trail at the park on the Blue Heron Bridge in Palm Beach County offers a volume and variety of sea life rarely seen close to shore.

Both beaches are on Florida’s Gulf Coast and are perennial favorites of “Dr. Beach,” whose annual Best Beaches in America list is highly regarded.

Snorkeling in Florida doesn’t require a boat. Here are some great places where you can snorkel and see fish and other sea creatures right from the beach.

Peanut Island, reached only by boat in Riviera Beach, has clear turquoise water full of visible sea life. It’s great for a picnic at the beach — even camping. It’s an exceptional county park.

It takes some chilly water to cool you off during a Florida summer day, but these spring-fed Florida rivers have that and more. These seven springs and rivers are among the most beautiful spots in Florida and are ideal locations for tubing. They’re so popular, however, you need to do your homework before going.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park has superb white sand, clear water and is ranked #8 in the US. The infrastructure is still being rebuilt after a 2022 hurricane, but that didn’t stop it from earning high rankings from Dr. Beach.

Like a lot of visitors, for years I had overlooked Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park on my visits to Key West because it is tucked away out of sight. But the historic fort and great beach are worth discovering.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park has almost two miles of beach, lined with sand dunes covered with native vegetation. A summer treat: There can be good snorkeling from the beach.