I’m Kayla, and I spent a full morning snorkeling at Siesta Key. I went to the spot locals kept whispering about—Point of Rocks. You know what? It felt a little wild, but in a sweet, small way. Not scary. Just close to nature. Let me explain.
Where I Swam (and How I Got There)
I parked early at Beach Access 12 on Midnight Pass Road. On the way, I powered up with a crab cake benedict at The Broken Egg, and that hearty bite kept me happy until lunch. I got there at 8:15 a.m., and the few spots were almost gone. From there, I walked south along Crescent Beach for about 10 minutes. The limestone ledges came into view—dark, lumpy lines with waves tapping the edges. That’s Point of Rocks. If you’d like an in-depth look at the site before you go, this detailed snorkeling guide lays out everything from fish species to entry tips. For the step-by-step version of the morning, check out my full Point of Rocks recap.
The entry was easy. Soft quartz sand under my toes, then a step or two over rock. I kept my fins in my hand until the water hit my knees. I wore water shoes so I wouldn’t nick my foot on a barnacle. Good call.
My Gear and What Worked
I brought my own mask (Cressi), short fins, and a thin rash guard. I also carried a small inflatable flag float from Scuba Choice. Boats cruise past the rocks now and then, so I liked the extra pop of color. I used reef-safe sunscreen (Stream2Sea) and a dab of baby shampoo on the lens to keep fog away. No leaks. No fog. That felt like a small win.
Water Clarity: Real Talk
The Gulf can be moody. On my first pass, I had about 10–12 feet of clear view. Then a light breeze kicked up, and it dropped to around 6 feet. Still fine. But if the surf picks up, it turns cloudy fast. Morning was best for me—calm, simple, peaceful.
Fish I Actually Saw
- A pair of sheepshead chewing on the rock like tiny buzz saws
- A snook ghosting the edge of the ledge, silver and cool
- Pinfish and sergeant majors flitting in the sunlight
- A puffer the size of my hand, very curious
- Little blennies peeking from holes, like shy neighbors
I also found two sea urchins tucked in a crack and one starfish on sand. A blue crab zipped sideways and made me laugh. No rays that day, and no manatees. But I did spot a dolphin out past the sandbar, with a fin flash like a wink.
The Feel of It
The water was warm, like a bath you don’t want to leave. Palm shade on shore. Kids squealing when a wave rolled in. People asked me, “Anything good out there?” I said yes, and I meant it—not huge reefs, but close-up, honest life. It’s gentle snorkeling. You don’t need a boat. You don’t need to go far. You just float and look.
While floating in nothing more than a swimsuit and a grin, I realized snorkeling is partly about feeling free and confident in your own skin. If that body-positive spark speaks to you, check out this playful French essay on daring self-expression—Je montre mon minou—it offers an entertaining look at how embracing vulnerability can open the door to unexpected joy and self-discovery.
The Good Stuff
- Easy entry from the beach
- Great for first-timers and kids who can swim
- Fish hideouts right by shore
- Sand that stays cool on bare feet
- No long ride or tour schedule
The Not-So-Great
- Parking fills fast; late arrivals circle and sigh
- Sharp rock edges—wear water shoes
- Clarity changes quickly after storms
- On busy weekends, it gets crowded near the rocks
Timing Tips That Helped Me
I went on a calm morning with light wind. I checked the forecast the night before and skipped a choppy day. Slack tide felt steady, but I didn’t fuss over numbers. If the water looks glassy, that’s your sign. If it looks like chocolate milk, save it for another time. Simple rule. For those who want exact seasonal and tidal guidance, this helpful overview of the best times to snorkel Point of Rocks breaks it down month by month.
A Few Small Moments
My hair tie snapped right as I stepped in, so I twisted my hair under my rash guard collar. Not cute, but it worked. A tiny fish kept pecking the print on my fin. It made me grin under my mask, which is a funny thing to do underwater. I also got a mild scrape when I pushed off a ledge too fast. It wasn’t bad, but I dabbed it with clean water and moved on. Lesson learned: slow feet.
Quick Tips, Straight From My Towel
- Get there before 9 a.m. if you want easy parking
- Bring water shoes and short fins
- Pack a small float or flag if you wander
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and reapply on shore
- Keep an eye out for fishing lines near the rocks
- Skip it right after a storm; go when the sea looks calm
Who It’s For
If you want clean, simple fun and fish right by shore—this is your spot. If you want big coral and deep walls, this isn’t that. Think mellow. Think family. Think “let’s look for a crab” and “there goes a snook.” It’s the kind of place where you float, breathe slow, and forget your phone for a while. When friends ask where to crash for a weekend of easy-breezy beach time, I point them toward the Siesta Key Beach Villas.
Would I Go Again?
Yes. I’d go on a calm morning, bring a snack, and claim a shady patch for a long break. I’d rate my day 4.5 out of 5. It’s not the Keys. It’s not flashy. But it is kind, close, and real—fish flicker, rocks glow, and you get to be part of it for a bit. Honestly, that was enough for me. And if I wanted to wake up to that same sugar-white sand, I’d book another relaxed stay at Crystal Sands.
Travelers who like to pair their Gulf-side adventures with a swing over to California’s Pacific coast might also appreciate scoping out local happenings ahead of time—dropping in on classifieds such as Backpage San Juan Capistrano can reveal last-minute room deals, casual meet-ups, and event listings that make planning the next leg of your beach-town itinerary a breeze.