Cannon Beach Snorkel Trail

Cannon Beach Snorkel Trail offers a uniquely accessible underwater experience within swimming distance of shore at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The primary attraction is a pair of 17th century Spanish cannons resting on the sandy bottom in shallow water, remnants of the galleon trade route that once ran through the Florida Straits connecting Spain with its New World colonies. The cannons are encrusted with coral growth and surrounded by a thriving reef community that has developed around the artificial substrate over centuries.

Snorkelers following buoy markers from shore encounter an increasing diversity of coral, sponge, and fish life as they approach the cannon site. Brain corals, sea fans, and finger corals provide structure for French grunts, bluehead wrasses, and stoplight parrotfish that school in brilliant colors just below the surface. Green sea turtles are occasional visitors to the site, grazing on seagrass in the surrounding sandy patches. The water depth at the cannons is typically six to eight feet, making the site ideal for novice snorkelers and strong swimmers of all experience levels. Equipment rental is available at the park marina, and the marked snorkel trail requires no boat transportation, distinguishing this experience from most Keys reef access points.