Reefs and trails await underwater explorers just beneath the surface of the ocean’s warm, blue waters off the shoreline in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Need an escape from the daily stresses of life? Grab a snorkel and mask, wade into the surf and submerge yourself in a world in which the only traffic you’ll encounter is a vibrant school of fish swimming by, or a graceful sea turtle crossing your path.

Of course, before you dive in, there are several things to figure out: the right location for your skill level, the necessary equipment, access points, cost, safety factors, and parking and other amenities.

We’ve taken all of this into account when compiling our list of must-snorkel spots that are easily accessible right from the beach — no boat required — and are either free or, in some cases, involve only parking or park fees.

SAFETY FIRST

Before anything else, let’s talk safety. Here are some important tips for snorkelers, courtesy of the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation department’s website:

• Know your personal swimming limitations and snorkeling abilities.
• Always snorkel with a buddy so you can share your experiences and have somebody to help if needed.
• Check the ocean conditions, including waves, currents, wind, water visibility and weather.
• Decide on entry and exit points.
• Keep in mind that the best time to snorkel is within two hours before or after high tide.

“If unsure of skills, stay within lifeguarded areas,” Fine said. “Look but don’t touch is the slogan to follow with snorkeling, and keep feet and hands off coral and marine life.”

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

Next, we asked marine biologist and Master Scuba Instructor John Christopher Fine — who calls Boynton Beach home when he’s not traveling around the world exploring shipwrecks and studying ocean pollution — about the equipment first-time snorkelers need before heading out into the water.

He said to start with the basics: a mask, snorkel and pair of fins (or swim shoes). Also, “wear a dive skin or nylon tights and top to protect from sun as well as stings,” he added. “Skins are inexpensive online, last a long time and are far less expensive than coral-killing sunscreens.”

A dive flag and float are required for safety and to comply with Florida law, he said.

“For beginners, I suggest a car inner tube on a yellow (polypropylene) line with a weight at the end, so the line can be dropped and the tube not float away,” he said, adding that a dive flag can be tied to it or secured with a special device.

“A tube is great to rest, holding on to it,” but it should be made of strong materials, not a typical pool float.

PLACES TO SNORKEL

Ready to jump in? We’ve gathered six snorkeling spots where you can meet marine life and experience the serenity of the sea.

And if you want a snorkeling sneak peek beforehand, just search YouTube.com for underwater videos by divers and snorkelers featuring the locations on our list below.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Phil Foster Memorial Park Snorkel Trail 900 E. Blue Heron Blvd., Riviera Beach

HOURS: Sunrise to sunset

PARKING: Free

INFORMATION: discover.pbcgov.org/parks

An underwater paradise awaits snorkelers of all levels on the south side of the Blue Heron Bridge, just beyond a guarded swimming area. Venture out about 200 feet to explore submerged structures and shark sculptures while keeping an eye out for some of the trail’s residents, including squid, octopuses, spotted rays and starfish. Six hundred tons of rock were used to build the artificial reef, made of limestone boulders and prefabricated reef modules that span 2 acres in 6 to 10 feet of water, according to the county. Need to take a break? Cool off in the shade on the beach under the bridge. To the south, you’ll see Peanut Island, another popular snorkeling location accessible by boat or ferry.

Ocean Inlet Park/Lofthus shipwreck6990 N. Ocean Blvd., Boynton Beach

HOURS: Sunrise to sunset

PARKING: Free

INFORMATION: discover.pbcgov.org

Whether you park and walk across Ocean Boulevard or under the road by the jetty, when you see the shoreline rocks along the guarded beach on the south side of the inlet, you’ve found the entry point to another popular snorkeling spot. Suit up with your equipment and wade into the ocean. Sea turtles, nurse sharks, reef fish and corals have all been spotted in the waters. For intermediate to advanced snorkelers who swim beyond the guarded area, be aware of boat traffic.

For those looking for a challenge, the Lofthus shipwreck is 1.1 miles north of the inlet, about 150 yards offshore in about 10 to 18 feet of water, Fine said. Park at Ocean Inlet Park and make the trek along the beach before the high-tide mark. He has seen guitar fish, a nurse shark and spiny lobsters hanging around the wreckage.

“Watch the weather. When the ocean is rough, waves break in shore and the shipwreck remains are not safe to dive,” he said. “Calm ocean and little wind make it a fun place to explore.”

Red Reef Park Snorkel Trail 1400 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton

HOURS: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

PARKING: $35 on weekdays and $50 on weekends/holidays (day pass); $3 per hour at metered lot across State Road A1A

INFORMATION: myboca.us

Twenty artificial reefs just offshore and a jetty that extends from the beach into the water make up the snorkel trail. Walk directly into the ocean from the guarded beach and be on the lookout for sergeant major, parrotfish, bar jack and spottail pinfish. Snorkelers also have reported seeing a small reef shark, eels, lobsters, crabs, stingrays, barracuda and a sea turtle on their adventures.

Fourteen of the reefs were installed in late 2021, which extended the snorkeling trail. They are constructed from native limestone boulders sourced from a quarry near Fort Pierce, according to the city.

“Creating an artificial-reef snorkel trail offers residents and visitors another unparalleled outdoor experience in the city,” said recreation services director Greg Stevens. “This unique attraction not only provides a stunning adventure for snorkelers but also fosters a thriving and sustainable habitat for local marine life.”

It’s the ideal location for children to learn to snorkel and get up close with ocean life as well.

“I was able to view beautiful sea life such as turtles, colorful and bigger fish,” said 12-year-old Boca Raton resident Shea Ferris, who snorkels there. “It’s a safe and peaceful place for them, and I was able to enjoy everything around me.”

BROWARD COUNTY

Shipwreck Snorkel TrailDatura Avenue and El Mar Drive, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

HOURS: Sunrise to sunset

PARKING: Metered parking on side streets or at South Ocean Lot, 4324 State Road A1A

INFORMATION: discoverlbts.com/diving-snorkeling

Just south of Anglin’s Fishing Pier, one of Broward County’s most popular dive and snorkeling areas provides a trail in 10 feet of water and three coral reefs just off the beach.

“Recognized as ‘Florida’s Beach Diving Capital,’ Lauderdale-by-the-Sea’s quaint Florida town is teeming with beautiful marine life in the calm, clear waters less than 100 yards off the white sand beaches, making it one of the best beaches in Florida to go snorkeling or diving with the little ones,” said town spokeswoman Aimee Adler Cooke. “The whole family can enjoy snorkeling, diving, kayaking and paddleboarding right off the beach.”

She said the town is a designated Blue Wave beach, a distinction given by the Clean Beaches Coalition to clean and environmentally responsible beach communities.

The Shipwreck Snorkel Trail, which includes an anchor, five concrete cannons and a ballast pile, was dedicated in 2002 by explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau (Jacques Cousteau’s son), according to the town.

The waters also are home to the SS Copenhagen, a British shipwreck in a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve, that is reachable by boat.

Vista Park Reef2851 N. Atlantic Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

HOURS: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

PARKING: Metered parking lot open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

INFORMATION: parks.fortlauderdale.gov

Just steps from the parking lot at Vista Park, a hidden gem among snorkeling enthusiasts is bustling beneath the blue ocean waters. The reef line starts about 300 feet out from shore and extends past the buoys. The area is the midway point of the reef that runs north and south. More advanced snorkelers can head out to the deeper depths of the reef. What will you see? Hard and soft corals, tropical fish and sea fans. Go early when water clarity is at its best.

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park/Erojacks6503 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood

HOURS: 8 a.m. to sunset

ADMISSION: $6 per vehicle (up to eight people); $4 for a single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle; $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass

INFORMATION: floridastateparks.org/mizell

There are various places to snorkel along the 2.5 miles of beach in the park, but one of the unique areas is the Dania Beach Erojacks, an artificial reef that runs east to west made up of concrete jacks structures. To find it, drive north to parking lot #1, walk across the bridge and to the right, follow the service trail signs in the sand heading south. You will enter the beach area at the spot where the reef is less than 600 feet offshore. The Dania Beach Pier is visible just to the south. Put your dive flag out and look for eels, fish, coral, slipper and spiny lobsters, stingrays, puffer fish and starfish. Keep in mind that the northern end of the state park, including the jetty parking lot, Jetty Pier and beach access, is closed to the public for construction.

The storm is expected to weaken significantly as it continues to curve into cooler waters, in the general direction of Ireland, and dissipate on Wednesday.

As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, Ernesto was located about 420 miles east-northeast of Cape Race, Nova Scotia, moving northeast at 37 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.

Days ago, Ernesto forced residents of Bermuda to stay indoors, and more than 23,000 people lost power, officials said.

According to AccuWeather, it’s uncommon for the eye of a hurricane to make landfall in Bermuda. It noted that since 1850, only 11 of 130 tropical storms that came within 100 miles of Bermuda had made landfall.

Ernesto also previously battered the northeast Caribbean, where it left tens of thousands of people without water in Puerto Rico.

AccuWeather experts expect there will be a brief pause in activity in the Atlantic after Ernesto, but they are forecasting “the tropics to shift into high gear by the end of August.”

Hurricane season, which runs from June 1-Nov. 30, has entered the busiest time of the year from mid-August to October. The next named storm will be Francine.

Though July was quiet, experts at Colorado State said the remainder of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season should be “extremely active,” with the likelihood of 10 more hurricanes.

Colorado State’s department of atmospheric science’s final 2024 hurricane season forecast called for a “well-above-average” August through November, although it reduced its number of named storms from its July forecast, from 25 down to 23. The 1991 to 2020 average is 14.4.

The Colorado State team still expects 12 hurricanes (the 1991-2020 average was 7.2), and is forecasting that six of those will reach major hurricane strength (Category 3, 4 or 5). The 1991-2020 average is 3.2.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration echoed Colorado State’s prediction in its updated 2024 hurricane season forecast, calling for an “extremely active” remainder of the season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

In June, the streaming service announced that the show, which debuted in March, had been renewed for a second season. And it’s certainly good news for fans who are anxious to find out what’s next for their favorite characters such as Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons (Kristen Wiig), Robert Diaz (Ricky Martin) and Norma Dellacorte (Carol Burnett) after the season finale’s Beach Ball cliffhanger.

Then in July, “Palm Royale” was nominated for 11 Emmy Awards, with categories including, most notably, Outstanding Comedy Series, along with Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Wiig) and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Burnett).

What you need to know to watch

If you haven’t checked out the show just yet, there’s plenty of time to binge-watch this summer before the winners are announced during the 76th Emmy Awards airing at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, on ABC.

Fair warning: You may get ideas about living the good life like the ladies of the Palm Royale country club, a mashup of iconic Palm Beach hotels and historic social clubs such as The Breakers, The Colony, The Everglades Club and Bath & Tennis Club. (The series was actually filmed in Los Angeles.)

But let’s face it, climbing the social ladder in Palm Beach can feel out of reach. Most of us don’t have a closet chock-full of straight-off-the runway dresses or Tom Ford tuxedos for gala season, or cars that cost more than the average home to hand off to the valet. We can’t write a six-figure check to the charity of the moment, or afford a membership to any exclusive club.

But we can pretend, right? We’ve got Palm Beach right here, so there are ways to live the “Palm Royale” life for a day.

Luxury lifestyle influencer Kristen Alyce is creator of @ThePalmBeachLife, a social media account and website that develops original content highlighting the town from every fabulous angle. Based on her years of experience attending events and charity galas, networking and exploring all that Palm Beach has to offer, she said it’s possible to fit in by following a few tips.

“Being a newcomer on Palm Beach Island may be difficult at first, as with any new community. However, with its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant social scene, getting into the island’s culture can be a great experience,” she said. “Engaging in local events, joining clubs or organizations, and participating in community activities are great ways to meet people and establish quick relationships.”

She suggests dressing “comfortably yet well put-together, embracing the island’s laid-back atmosphere while exuding refinement and style,” and spending the day driving around, especially down Southeast Ocean Boulevard to see multimillion-dollar homes.

“You can get an even better experience by riding a bicycle around the island if you have the time,” she said. “It’s slower and you can soak in more of the island.”

Mix and mingle the ‘Palm Royale’ way

Here are five spots where anyone can soak up the Palm Beach vibe. (And don’t forget to be on the lookout for celebrities who call the island home or are having a posh getaway.)

Worth Avenue

Internationally known for its upscale shopping and dining options, Worth Avenue is the heart of Palm Beach. It stretches three blocks from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway, with high-end shops from the biggest names in fashion, including Gucci, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Carolina Herrera, Ferragamo, David Yurman, Versace and Tiffany & Co., among others.

Stop into Lilly Pulitzer for the quintessential Palm Beach fashion experience that honors the brand’s beginnings as a juice stand and store on the island in the 1960s. Venture into the vias — the avenue’s signature hidden passageways — to find small shops, cafes and restaurants. 

Join the ranks of the many models who have posed for magazine shoots by taking photos under the Clock Tower at the eastern end of the avenue.

“Walking around solo on Worth Avenue or through the neighborhood always offers something new,” said Palm Beach resident Ashley Lauren Smith, who chronicles her fashion and style adventures on her @PalmBeachFancy Instagram account. (She’s so devoted to the lifestyle, and to the show, that she’s hosting a “Palm Royale” finale watch party from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at Studio 1608, 1608 S. Dixie Highway, in West Palm Beach. More details at eventbrite.com.)

From November through April, book a spot on one of the popular tours of Worth Avenue with Rick Rose, a Palm Beach historian, lecturer and author of “Palm Beach: The Essential Guide to America’s Legendary Resort Town.”

Visit worth-avenue.com.

Mid-Town Municipal Beach

What’s a day in Palm Beach without going to the beach? Where the Clock Tower meets Worth Avenue, you’ll find one of the town’s two municipal beaches. Plant your beach chair for the day, lay out a towel, throw on a big, floppy hat and take a dip in the ocean’s blue waters. It’ll only cost you the price of parking — and lots of sunscreen!

“It’s very special to have a public municipal beach in such a luxurious resort area,” said Camilla Webster, an artist and author who moved to Palm Beach in 2017. “Everyone should experience that. The surf, swim and beach crowd are a wonderful mix.”

Visit townofpalmbeach.com.

Hotels

Whether you stay for the night or just stop by to visit, two historic Palm Beach hotels should be on your must-see list:

• The Breakers Palm Beach, 1 S. County Road: This luxury resort’s motto is “Once you stay, you’ll understand.” Boasting a long history on the island, the hotel has welcomed the rich and famous for more than a century with its world-class service. Its amenities include a variety of top-notch dining (including the famous Sunday Brunch), shopping, spa, fitness, golf and tennis options. The Breakers also is a popular choice for weddings and charity galas. Visit thebreakers.com.
• The Colony Hotel, 155 Hammon Ave.: Venture into the hotel known as the Pink Paradise of Palm Beach, which has had “one foot in the sand and one foot on Worth Avenue” since 1947. In addition to its chic accommodations, The Colony has eateries, cafes and bars situated around its indoor and outdoor spaces. Take in-house exercise classes, make a salon appointment, play a game of tennis, or take a ride in the Beach Buggy around town. “If there’s one place everyone knows to find me, it’s undoubtedly the iconic Colony Hotel,” Smith said. “It is my home away from home. It’s like stepping into a vintage postcard, with its nostalgia and cheeky pink decor. It just speaks to my soul. I feel at ease immediately when I walk in, even if I am having a bad day.” Visit thecolonypalmbeach.com.

Restaurants

All of that shopping and sightseeing can work up an appetite. Hungry (and thirsty) visitors can check out the island’s culinary staples such as Buccan, 350 S. County Road, with its inventive American cuisine, or Café L’Europe, 331 S. County Road, featuring elevated continental dishes.

Webster said she often opts for a romantic Italian dinner for two at Renato’s, 87 Via Mizner, or heads to The Breakers’ Echo, 230A Sunrise Ave., for sushi at the bar on a Friday night.

Alyce also picked a spot at The Breakers.

“If you want to have a glamorous dinner while watching the turquoise waters of the Atlantic, I always choose the Seafood Bar inside The Breakers hotel,” Alyce said. “The bar is an actual fish tank (which also makes it a hot spot for solo cocktails) and the restaurant has amazing food.”

Smith said she likes to grab a pizza from Amici Market, 155 N. County Road, and head to the beach. She often starts her day with breakfast at Green’s Pharmacy Luncheonette, 151 N. County Road. 

“And I love to unwind at Honor Bar (340 Royal Poinciana Way). The dark atmosphere and deep wood tones remind me of home in New York City,” she said. “You can never go wrong there.”

Other landmarks

• Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, 1 Whitehall Way: Considered to be the inventor of modern Florida, Henry Morrison Flagler built his 75-room, 100,000-square-foot Whitehall, a Gilded Age estate on Palm Beach, as a gift for his wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler. The estate was eventually left to Mary Flagler’s niece, who sold it to investors. It was turned into a hotel, but the property was in danger of being razed in 1959, so Henry’s granddaughter, Jean Flagler Matthews, purchased Whitehall and it opened to the public in 1960. Since then, the museum has offered self-guided and docent-led tours, the Railcar 91 Tea Room, exhibitions, music and lecture series, and holiday events. Visit flaglermuseum.us.

• The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, 141 S. County Road: Get an up-close look at the gothic revival style and courtyard of this Episcopal church, where Donald and Melania Trump were married in 2005 and Michael Jordan tied the knot with Yvette Prieto in 2013. Tours are offered and classes are available at the Bethesda Center for Spirituality. Visit bbts.org.

• The Society of the Four Arts, 100 Four Arts Plaza: This nonprofit cultural destination, which was founded in 1936, has a 10-acre campus along the Intracoastal Waterway that includes a performance hall, art gallery, education center for lifelong learning, libraries and sculpture gardens. Visitors and members can enjoy art exhibitions, speakers, concerts, films and educational programs. Visit fourarts.org.