DIVER DOWN

5 GREAT AMERICAN SNORKELING SPOTS

- ERIN MASERCOLA

If you're looking for an underwater adventure that doesn't require the training scuba diving does, consider snorkeling. All you need for warmer waters is a mask, a snorkel, and some fins. Sure, you can snorkel without the fins, but you'll tire less easily if you have fins. You can purchase new equipment for about $50-$75 dollars or simply rent it for the day if you're wary of commitment. If you're snorkeling in cooler waters, you'll want a wet suit. Most of our picks are in warm waters so that you won't need to bother.

The hardest thing about snorkeling is learning how to clear the snorkel after you've taken a dive to look around. Old school snorkels are a bit more difficult to clear. Once back on the surface, you place your tongue against the opening and breathe out in a short, hard burst. (It's like a hybrid between an exhale and a spit.) Newer style dry or semi-dry snorkels are much easier to clear.

WHAT LIES BENEATH

You don't have to journey to exotic ports of call to find amazing snorkeling spots. We've rounded up some good spots in the good ol' USA.

1 BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK, FLORIDA

You can see the Miami skyline from the northern parts of this national park, 95 percent of which is under water.

Biscayne's clear waters resemble Caribbean waters farther south, and are teeming with fish. You can find a long, long list of all the species there if you visit Biscayne's NPS page on the Internet.

You can even snorkel a shipwreck here. Most shipwrecks on the park's Maritime Heritage Trail are accessible only to divers, but Mandalay is in 12-foot waters and therefore viewable with just a snorkel.

2 CRYSTAL RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, FLORIDA