The boat diving in our area
is world class. However, the reefs are too deep for snorkeling. Fortunately
we have some great beach sites for snorkeling and even limited diving.
|
Palm Beach
Advanced
Snorkeling
+
Advanced
Diving
Dive
Flag
Required |
Phil Foster Park -
I don't think anyone ever said "I'd like to go snorkeling
or diving at Phil Foster Park". But, when the wind is
howling in over the ocean, it's one of the few safe places in South
Florida to finish a certification course or just get wet.
Caution: This site is on the intra-coastal waterway and can only
be safely dove within one hour before or after high tide.
Note: Grim as this all sounds, I once had a chance to spend about
five minutes with a Manatee at this site while certifying a student.
Cool! |
Free
Parking |
Directions: Take I95 to Blue
Heron Blvd. (Exit #55). Go East past US1 to the bridge over the
intra-coastal waterway. Midway across the bridge, turn left into
Phil Foster Park. Park in the South West corner of the park. Enter
the water from the small beach under the bridge and swim West along
the bridge piers. |
|
Boynton Beach
Advanced
Snorkeling
+
Beginner
Diving
Dive
Flag
Required |
Gulf Stream Park -
This life guard protected municipal site features an off-shore
artificial reef dubbed "Barney Rubble Reef". The reef is located
400 feet due East of the beach and consists of small to large size
rocks spread over an area 500 feet long and 40 to 90 feet wide.
As the years go by, this site should become a major marine life
attractor. |
Metered
Parking
25 cents
per
20 minutes |
Directions: Take I95 to Atlantic
Avenue (Exit #42). Go East to A1A. Then go North three miles. Turn
right into the parking area.
Note: The walk from the parking lot goes over a small hill and then
down a flight of steps to the beach. This is a real workout
for divers with tanks. |
|
Delray Beach
Advanced
Snorkeling
+
Beginner
Diving
Dive
Flag
Required |
Delray Wreck -
The S.S. Inchulva sank at this site during a storm in 1903
in 20 feet of water. Little remains of the wreck except for
the boiler and a debris field over 300 feet long. And what remains
is mostly covered with sand. Still the wreckage is a great marine
life attractor and it's not unusual to see large Tarpon at the site.
Since winter storms tend to uncover the wreck, Spring is the best
time to dive this site.
To find the wreck swim approximately 560 feet on a 110 degree heading
off of the North light pole at the boat ramp entrance on A1A.
Caution: Diving is not permitted from the Delray City beach to the
North of the boat ramp. And, the sailboat concession to the South
of the boat ramp doesn't want you getting in the way of their operations.
This means that your rightful entrance and exit at this site is
limited to the area of the boat ramp path to the ocean. |
Metered
Parking
25 cents
per
20 minutes |
Directions: Take I95 to Linton
Blvd. (Exit #41). Go East to A1A. Then go North to Casuarina Road
at the South end of the Delray Public Beach. Park on the East side
of the street or in Anchor Park across the street. |
|
Boca Raton
Beginner
Snorkeling
+
No
Diving |
Red Reef Park -
A great place for snorkelers of all ages. This lifeguard
protected site offers great snorkeling just feet from the beach
in water you can still stand in. Most reef dwellers can be seen
here including menacing looking, but harmless, Barracudas. |
Parking
$10
per
Vehicle |
Directions: Take I95 to
Palmetto Park Road (Exit #38) Go East to A1A. Then go North one
mile to Red Reef Park on the East side of A1A. Enter the park and
follow the signs to the beach. |
|
Pompano Beach
Advanced
Snorkeling
+
Beginner
Diving
Dive
Flag
Required |
S.E. 8th Street -
This is one of the best reef and rubble beach diving sites
on the South East coast of Florida. The primary features are shallow
water (15 feet) and a profusion of marine life that is attracted
to the protection afforded by the rock rubble and patch reef structure.
To find the reef just swim East about 500 feet. You will know you
have gone far enough when the bottom turns from sand to rock rubble.
Swim a little farther and you will get to line of patch reefs in
15 feet that runs parallel to the shore. |
Metered
Parking
25 cents
per
20 minutes |
Directions: Take I95 to Atlantic
Blvd. (Exit #34A). Go East to A1A. Then go South less than a mile
to S.E. 8th Street. Then go East to the end of S.E. 8th Street.
The public beach is dead ahead. Park and enjoy! |
|
Fort
Lauderdale
Advanced
Snorkeling
+
Beginner
Diving
Dive
Flag
Required |
Vista Park -
|
Metered
Parking
25 cents
per
20 minutes |
Directions: Take I95 to Oakland
Park Blvd. (Exit #xx). Go East to A1A (North Ocean Blvd.). Then
go South on A1A to Bridge Side --- |
|
|
Note: Snorkeling and diving equipment is not available
at these beach sites. If you need equipment, you can rent it from
us at affordable prices. For example, snorkelers can rent a mask,
snorkel, and fins set for $15 for 24 hours. Divers can rent a BCD,
regulator, and one tank for $30 for 24 hours.
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