Which side of Florida is better for swimming?

The waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the East Coast of Florida are, in general, known to have more wave action than the Gulf Coast. It means more opportunities for surfing (Kelly Slater grew up surfing this coast) and general water play for those looking for a vacation that includes a more active beach experience.



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The Atlantic coast has plenty to offer in the way of water sports. They get the better waves and, thus, some greater action. Florida's Gulf Coast, however, is responsible for those visions of smooth, sandy beaches and crystal, clear water.

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It all comes down to preference. No, really. While the Gulf tends to have more lush sands, richer areas for beachcombing and clearer waters, the Atlantic has tons of activity, with hard-packed sands built for jogging and active waves for surfers.

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During the cooler months, the farther south you go, the warmer it will be. Fort Lauderdale, Miami, the Keys, Marco Island and Naples will have the warmest water during the winter. During the summer months, the Gulf of Mexico will be five or more degrees warmer than the Atlantic Ocean.

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The waves that come from the Atlantic Ocean are significantly higher, so if you're looking to go surfing – the East coast is better, he explained. The wind on the East coast drives the waves, Dr. Beach said, leading to better surf and a cool breeze, too.

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Clearest Water in Florida
  • The Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are the ultimate Florida boating destination for gin-clear water. ...
  • Jupiter. Jupiter is another one of Florida's amazing boating destinations with gin-clear water. ...
  • Destin. ...
  • Panama City Beach. ...
  • Freshwater Springs. ...
  • Miami. ...
  • Palm Beach. ...
  • Tampa.


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Swimming at beaches in Florida is possible year round. Summer temperatures reach into the 30°C range and trips to the beach become a necessity. Florida borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Beaches in and near the Gulf of Mexico usually have white sand and calm waves.

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By January, water temps even as far south on the Gulf as Naples/Marco Island are mid-to-high 60s. On the Atlantic side, the Gulf Stream comes close to shore between Miami and Palm Beach, so water temps should be low 70s. Anywhere in that stretch is warmest (Palm Beach, Boynton, Delray, Boca, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami.

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While no portion of Florida's extensive coastline is immune from hurricanes, some areas are far more hurricane-prone. Overall, the Gulf Coast has a higher incidence, due to its greater expanse from the western tip of the panhandle all the way east, then south to the Everglades.

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While the Gulf tends to have more lush sands, richer areas for beachcombing and clearer waters, the Atlantic has tons of activity, with hard-packed sands built for jogging and active waves for surfers.

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Be Aware of Rip Currents. Rip Currents are very common on the East Coast of Central Florida. Those that are unaware of the rip current environment can get into trouble quickly, and often without warning. Waves and currents can knock you off your feet even in knee-deep water.

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Miami is known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather, making it a popular destination for swimming. Here are some of the best places to swim in Miami: South Beach - This is one of the most famous beaches in Miami, with its wide stretch of white sand and turquoise waters.

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What is the safest beach to swim in Florida?
  • 1 Marco Island Beaches. Photo by Cy Sirok on Unsplash.
  • 2 Cocoa Beach. Photo by Florian Schneider on Unsplash. ...
  • 3 Clearwater Beach. Shutterstock. ...
  • 4 St. ...
  • 5 Siesta Key Beach. ...
  • 6 Fort De Soto State Park. ...
  • 7 Key Biscayne. ...
  • 8 Sanibel Island Beaches. ...


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The 20 best clear-water beaches in Florida are:
  • St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach.
  • Bean Point Beach, Anna Maria Island.
  • Inlet Beach, South Walton.
  • Clearwater Beach, Clearwater.
  • Destin Beach, Emerald Coast.
  • Smathers Beach, Key West.
  • Navarre Beach, Florida Gulf Coast.
  • Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa Beach.


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