If you’re searching for snorkeling tours near Annapolis, Maryland, you might find the options quite limited due to the region’s geographic and environmental characteristics. Annapolis sits on the Chesapeake Bay, which is a sprawling estuary rather than a classic snorkeling destination known for clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. The bay’s waters are often murky, with visibility reduced by sediment and variable currents, limiting underwater exploration.

While Annapolis offers outstanding sailing, kayaking, and boating adventures that engage directly with the water, snorkeling tours specifically marketed in this area are rare to nonexistent. Instead, enthusiasts seeking snorkeling trips often look to coastal destinations with clearer ocean waters and more diverse marine ecosystems.

For adventure seekers in Annapolis, Maryland, the best water-based activities focus on boating, fishing charters, and scenic cruises that allow for immersive experiences on the Chesapeake Bay. These activities put you in touch with local wildlife, from osprey soaring overhead to blue crabs skittering in shallow waters.

If snorkeling is a priority, you might consider traveling farther to locations where water clarity and conditions improve, such as parts of the Atlantic coast or designated underwater parks with established snorkeling trails.

For more on the adventures you can experience around Annapolis, Maryland, our web page below features the best tours and outdoor activities in the area — from historic walking tours through the city to paddleboarding along scenic creeks. Discover how to make the most of Annapolis' natural and cultural landscape.

Explore our selection of the best adventures in and around Annapolis, Maryland, and plan a trip that suits both your adventurous spirit and practicality.