Friday, May 9, 2014

Escape The Crowds And Opt For Snorkeling In Clearwater FL

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.

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.

Many people agree that the beaches of Clearwater are among the most spectacular in the USA. They are wide with sand that is almost a sugary white. The city's main beach is probably the biggest attraction but another popular beach is the one at Sand Key.

Join a cruise or to charter a boat and go fishing or sailing in the Gulf. If speed is your thing, you'll enjoy jet-skiing or speedboat rides. Parasailing is a good option too and if you prefer something calmer, try kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding.

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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