Surrounded by water and enjoying mild temperatures ten months out of twelve, Florida can be a scuba diver’s paradise. You don’t even need to book a charter or save a spot on a dive boat in the Sunshine State; there are plenty of opportunities for walk-in diving. Here is a list of four great shore diving sites on Florida’s Atlantic Coast.
Vero Beach
Located about halfway between Daytona Beach and Ft. Lauderdale lies the small town of Vero Beach, which boasts four artificial reefs for shore diving within a swimmable 200-300 feet of land. Three of these artificial reefs, which were place in 1999, have depths ranging from 66 to 73 feet. The oldest reef, sunk in 1987, is located along the south beach and is only 38 feet deep. Local ocean fauna include turtles, lobsters, rays, manatees, and sharks along with over 200 species of fish. A wide array of corals can be observed as well.
Deerfield Beach
Three lines of reef run parallel to the beach in Deerfield. The first is a very shallow 6 feet about 75 feet offshore, making it an excellent choice for snorkelers as well as for shore diving. Soft corals and sponges are home to puffer fish, tangs, and drum fsh. A second line of reefs is about 50 feet further out but still a shallow 10-12 feet. Swim another 40 feet further and you’ll hit reef number three which has depths of 16 feet. Local wildlife you might see include grunts, yellowtail, and the occasional ray. Deerfield Beach is in northern Broward County.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
The aptly named Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a sleepy seaside town that offers a wealth of shore diving opportunities. Swim about 100 yards out from anywhere in town and you’ll find a reef. Enter the water from Datura street, south of major roadway Commercial Boulevard, and you’ll find yourself in the artificial “Shipwreck Train” (go past the buoys marking the swimming area). A replica of an 1800’s sailing vessel lies on the bottom here, complete with cannons and artifacts. A second reef ledge lies in about 12-15 feet of water and has hard corals that grow to heights of up to four feet tall.
Blue Heron Bridge, Riviera Beach
Blue Heron Bridge, the bridge that takes drivers over Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway from Riviera Beach to Singer Island boasts a favorite and easy shore diving opportunity. Twice daily, during slack tide, divers can enjoy excellent visibility in this shallow water site, viewing sea stars, octopus, sea horses, and a variety of fish in depths ranging from six to sixteen feet. This is also a snorkeler friendly environment with a lot to see within a few feet of shore. The beach is a popular destination for local swimmers as well as a draw for divers from all over. Night diving requires a permit, as the park in which the beach is located closes as dusk so plan ahead to get in at the right time of day.
Images via Thespis377, amanderson2
