Shore diving in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida offers an incredible opportunity to explore vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes without the need for a boat. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s essential to follow some dos and don’ts. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your shore diving adventures in this beautiful region.
Dos and Don’ts of Shore Diving in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida
- Do Plan Your Dive: Before heading out, research the dive site, check weather conditions, and plan your dive route. Read our Dive Reports and take advantage of being an Out Scuba member.
- Do Use a Dive Flag: Always use a diver down flag to signal your presence to boaters. This is not only a safety measure but also a legal requirement in Florida.
- Do Dive with a Buddy: Shore diving can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to dive with a buddy. Having a partner ensures that you have someone to assist you in case of an emergency.
- Do Check Tides and Currents: Be aware of the tides and currents at your dive site. Diving during slack tide (the period between high and low tide) is often the safest and most enjoyable time.
- Do Maintain your Buoyancy: Even in sandy areas the bottom is alive with critters like jawfish, pike blennies, flounder and sting rays. Keep your fins (and everything else!) off the bottom at all times.
- Do Carry a Cutting Tool: A dive knife or other cutting tool is useful for cutting through entanglements, such as fishing lines or seaweed. Ensure it’s securely attached to your gear and easily accessible.
- Don’t Overexert Yourself: Shore diving often involves walking with heavy gear and navigating through surf. (We’re looking at you Erojacks!) Take your time, rest when needed, and avoid overexertion to prevent accidents.
- Don’t Leave Trash Behind: Always practice “leave no trace” principles. Dispose of any trash properly and pick up any litter you find to help keep the dive site clean.
- Don’t Dive Alone: Solo diving is risky, especially in shore diving where conditions can change rapidly. Always have a buddy with you.
- Don’t Dive in Poor Visibility: If visibility is low, postpone your dive. Poor visibility can increase the risk of getting lost or separated from your buddy.
- Don’t Dive in Rough Surf: Even simple little waves rolling onshore can become hazardous when you’re carrying a lot of gear. Use your buddy to maintain balance going into and out of the water.
- Don’t Ignore Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local diving regulations and adhere to them. This includes using a dive flag, respecting protected areas, and following all state and federal marine laws.
- Don’t Touch or Take Marine Life: Avoid touching, collecting, or taking any marine life or artifacts. This helps protect the underwater environment and ensures its beauty for future divers.
Some of our Favorite Shore Dive Sites
Fort Lauderdale and South Florida boast numerous shore diving sites that cater to divers of all skill levels. Some popular sites include:
- Blue Heron Bridge: Located in Phil Foster Park in Palm Beach county, this site is renowned for its diverse marine life, including seahorses, octopuses, and various fish species. It’s perfect for a relaxed, shallow dive with excellent photo opportunities. Parking is always an issue and you have to time your dive with the tide to get the best visibility. Use the idiveflorida Blue Heron Bridge Tide Table for planning and make sure you are parked at least 2 hours prior to high tide.
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea: Known for its easy beach access and vibrant reefs, this site is ideal for beginners and experienced divers alike. Locals call the site Anglin’s Pier or Commercial Street Pier based on the derelict fishing pier that gives such good cover for all kinds of fish life.
- Vista Park Reef: Just off Fort Lauderdale Beach, this site offers spectacular coral reefs and abundant marine life. It’s a great spot for both snorkeling and scuba diving. Lots of turtles and other sea life in this area, including the occasional nurse shark.
- Perry Street Rocks: Perry Street runs straight into the beach off A1A in Hollywood. After walking onto the beach, you’ll see a lifeguard stand right in front of Perry Street. Swim straight out for about 600 feet (a few minutes of swimming), and you’re there! The reef itself is 12-20 feet deep and the water you swim over to get to it is around 15 feet deep.