Escambia County Bay Snorkel Reef - Park West — Attraction in Pensacola

The "snorkel reef", as of May 2013, consists of three sets of pylons (telephone poles) sunk into the sand. The water at this spot is a little murky and there are apparently no rocks or anything to attract fish (yet). In my opinion, this spot is Not a good snorkeling spot (at least until the county adds something to attract fish).

That said, this beach here (not the 'reef', and keep in mind this is on the bay side, not the ocean side), is in general, a great place for beginner (especially for kids) snorkeling. While there are few fish, almost no (unbroken) shells, and nothing really to look at but rocks and hermit crabs, the water is very clear, it is shallow for a good while, and there are no waves. The beach itself is also very nice/clean with plenty of parking very close-by. This is also a good spot to put in a kayak.

I reccomend three places in this area for beginner-ish snorkeling, each with a different draw:

1. This location for simple ease of snorkeling. Few fish, lots of hermit crabs, very few shells, clear water, very calm water.

2. Navarre Beach (about a 40 minute drive East from Pensacola). Tons of good (unbroken) shells, few fish, typically choppy (small waves), fairly clear water, occasional jellyfish. Great spot if you want to collect a lot of shells.

3. The Destin Jetties. An hour +/- drive from East of Pensacola. Lots of fish, very few shells, Very clear water, minimal waves. A great spot if you want to snorkel around fish. Also a reall good beach spot for families snorkeling as it is a 'jetty' and protected from currents/waves.

Breakdown: Destin Jetties for very clear water, lots of fish. Navarre Beach for Lots of shells. This spot for hermit crabs and very...

I've been here a few times and snorkeled other areas. The beach has nice white sand filled with broken shells and sharp rocks to cut your feet on. Don't do anything active or you'll cut your feet. The actual reef area isn't too far away from shore. I've never once seen a fish there. You're better off staying closer to shore where the water is clear. The fish will follow your feet around as you stir up the sand. We have seen pipe fish...

The Park West Snorkeling Reef is a good place for children and novice snorkelers. There are lots of places to explore around the shallow waters near the shore.Water conditions are hit and miss, but you will still have fun exploring. I have lots of snorkeling videos and information on many places in this area for great snorkeling, just google "TheToneman Gulf Coast Snorkeling" for links to my YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitter and...