Florida has almost 700 miles of beautiful beaches and, although all are great, these are the best ones for crystal clear water.

Crystal clear water of southwest Florida

Beautiful crystal clear water on the gulf coast of Florida

FIRST, WHY SO CLEAR?

There are scientific reasons why some water is clearer than others.  For instance, sediments, upwelling and wave action all have an affect on water clarity however, in my experience, once you’re in an area in Florida that is capable of crystal clear water, it’s the wind, wave and rain run-off that affects water clarity the most.

WIND, WAVES AND RAIN

Successive days of light winds and smooth sea conditions tend to clarify the water. These conditions allow the sediment in the water to settle and eventually, dissipate, resulting in crystal-clear water.   Rain can be a factor because many bays and rivers empty out the inlets and passes near our beaches.  Rain runoff can darken the bay water and that water can affect the beaches during outgoing tides.

THE 5 MOST TROPICAL FLORIDA BEACHES

SPRING AND FALL

Another observation of mine that seems to hold true is that the water is most clear during the spring and fall.  I’m not sure exactly why this happens but my theory is that when the water is cooler it has less nutrients or bacteria in it resulting in better clarity.  I would say this is more pertinent to the water on the gulf coast vs. the east coast.

 

Crystal clear water of Florida's Emerald Coast

The Destin area has some of the clearest water in Florida. Photo courtesy of @hey30a

 

THE BEACHES

THE EMERALD COAST

The area that stretches from Panama City Beach to Navarre Beach is an amazing stretch of shoreline with arguably, the beaches with the clearest water in Florida.  Here you’ll find amazing locations like

  • Panama City Beach
  • Rosemary Beach
  • Seaside
  • Topsail
  • Miramar
  • Destin
  • Santa Rosa
  • Navarre Beach

 

Crystal clear water of Siesta Key

Siesta Key is definitely one of the best beaches in Florida for crystal clear water.

GULF COAST

The best place for crystal clear water on the Gulf Coast of Florida is from Tampa Bay to Captiva and includes the following beaches:

 

THE BEST DRIFTWOOD BEACHES IN FLORIDA

 

Crystal clear water of Jupiter and the Palm Beach area of Florida

Jupiter is one of the best beaches in Florida for crystal clear water.

EAST COAST

The water on the East Coast of Florida gets nicer as you travel south.  In my experience, the area from Stuart to Delray Beach is the best for crystal clear water. My theory on what makes these waters so special is the area’s proximity to the Gulf Stream ocean current.  The Gulf Stream passes the closest to the coast in this area of Florida.  The beaches include:

  • Jupiter Island
  • Jupiter
  • Juno Beach
  • Singer Island
  • Palm Beach
  • Delray Beach

THESE WATER FLOATS ARE IDEAL FOR CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER

Bahia Honda State Park Beach Crystal Clear Water

Bahia Honda State Park beach is one of the best beaches in Florida for crystal clear water

Photo Courtesy of escapetomarathon on Instagram.

THE FLORIDA KEYS?

The Florida Keys have the clearest water in all of Florida, however, they don’t have many beaches.  The best ones are Sombrero Beach, Bahia Honda and Smathers Beach. However, only Bahia Honda seems to hold crystal-clear water.

 

I utilize the service and benefits of Boat U.S.  They are a great organization that every boater should consider. You should too.  Click HERE to learn more. 

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