samedi 3 mai 2014

Discover The Joys Of Snorkeling In Clearwater FL

By Tracie Knight


Lovers of water-based activities often opt for Florida as a vacation destination. This is after all the Sunshine State and some of the activities on offer are fishing, sailing and diving. The Florida Keys are a prime diving destination and has plenty of great sites for snorkelers too. The problem is that, especially in high season, the Keys are overrun with visitors. If you'd rather escape the crowds, you may want to opt for snorkeling in Clearwater FL instead.

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.

While Clearwater is not quite as big as neighboring Tampa and Saint Petersburg, it has plenty to offer the visitor. You'll find accommodation options for every kind of budget, with everything from typical Florida motels to luxury high-rises at the beachfront. The city is home to major annual events ranging from film to jazz festivals and if you love fresh seafood, this is the place to be. A popular local specialty is the grouper sandwich.

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.

The main reason to visit is the fantastic beaches. They're rated among the best in the USA and are characterized by powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. The most popular are the main city beach and the beach in Sand Key Park.

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.

Clearwater is within easy reach of excellent snorkeling sites and you don't even have to venture away from the city. Right there at the main beach you can see stingrays, for instance. Sand Key, another popular beach here, is a good spot too and it's not impossible that you'll see a manatee or a dolphin during your swim. A short ferry ride away is Shell Key, where the lack of amenities also means a lack of crowds. Another ferry can take you to Fort Dade, an old fort that is now partly submerged and home to starfish, fish and other marine life.

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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