Crystal Clear Water at Sand Bar by the Inlet

It was nearly noon by the time we had traveled up to this sand bar by Ponce Inlet, Florida. That lighthouse in the distance is at the Inlet.

Some friends had told my son about this place where the water gets super beautiful when the tide comes in.

It is unusual to find such pretty water in this area of Florida. The many mangroves keep it murky. I could not see to the bottom in the deeper places, like behind the boats in the photo below, but on the sand bar it was very clear.

The water temperature was 85 so we spent a few hours just lounging in the water. The current was pretty strong, pulling inward from the ocean, and floating meant you could quickly drift away.

We took advantage of the current and walked to the far end and floated back.

We did see fish and stingrays in the shallow area because the water was so clear. I am afraid of stingrays and kept my distance to photograph this little group (center of photo).

As the tide kept coming in, the water got more blue. I couldn’t see the bottom in the deep area, but in the shallows, it was very clear. Unfortunately I found no shells here! The current is too strong I suspect.

This is the best part of Florida, IMO. We went on a Thursday so there were few other boats around. Plus, storms had been regularly building each day, but this day they never showed.

Back toward the Inlet is where Disappearing Island is located. We have been there, but not very often. This gorgeous water makes it worth the trip up this way.