Scuba Diving The Caves in Fort Lauderdale
With permanent mooring buoys and close proximity to Port Everglades, the Caves is one of the most frequently dived shallow coral reef sites in Fort Lauderdale.
Diving The Caves
The Caves
Coral Reef; Mooring Site; Boat Dive
24 – 30 feet
Open Water
26° 07.75′ N
80° 05.46′ W
The Caves Overview
With its close proximity to Port Everglades Inlet and convenient mooring buoys, The Caves are one of the most frequently visited shallow coral reef sites in Fort Lauderdale. Divers, fishermen, snorkelers, and sun-seekers are often tied up enjoying an ocean breeze during any given weekend.
And believe it or not, The Caves is not the site of actual caves. We’re not entirely sure why and how it got its name. But nonetheless, the site is still an awesome place to check out if you’re visiting Fort Lauderdale.
Most dive operators will treat The Caves as a drift dive sending you along with the natural ocean current – this could be either north or south. It changes from day to day and sometimes, hour to hour.
NOTE: although highly trafficked, the Caves are still one of the best dive sites in the area to hunt for lobster. However, better sites exist slightly north with less traffic and more sea life.
Navigating The Caves Dive Site
Like most other coral reef sites in Fort Lauderdale, The Caves sit on a north to south axis. However, the site features high relief finger ledges weaving in and out, extending east and west.
In other words, you may find yourself heading straight west along a ledge and moments later have it turn back east. Confusing for some. But fear not, hang along the ledge and you’ll be guaranteed to see all sorts of marine life inhabiting the area.
Dive Shops that Visit The Caves
Two dive charters in Fort Lauderdale make frequent trips to this dive site:
- American Dream Dive Charters: aboard their 46′ Newton Dive Boat, the American Dream operates a pristine operation suitable for divers of all levels. Their crew is professional, knowledgable, and accommodating for any passenger that climbs aboard!
- Sea Experience: this full service dive shop is tucked away in the Bahia Mar Marina on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Their twin engine catamaran provides a smooth ride to and from all the best dive sites in the Fort Lauderdale area!
What You May See Diving in Fort Lauderdale
Marine life at the Caves is hit or miss. Sometimes you’ll see some incredible things, like a Caribbean Reef Shark or the Manta Ray I’ve seen nearby. Other times, it won’t be much other than reef fish, lobster, sea cucumber, and starfish – which are still cool in their own right.
At night, however, The Caves comes to life. If you get the chance to do a night dive here, do it! We’ve spotted rare sights like octopus and guitarfish. Super cool!
Dive Planning in Fort Lauderdale
Reef Smart Guides makes the best book for diving throughout Broward County. If you plan to do any reasonable amount of diving in the area, I recommend you purchase it!
Reef Smart Guides – Fort Lauderdale
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Read More About Scuba Diving in Fort Lauderdale
We hope you enjoyed our post on diving The Caves. Hopefully, you’ll find it useful on your next adventure! Here are a few more dive sites we think you might enjoy:
Have you ever been diving at The Caves before? Have any questions about the dive? Let us know in a comment below!
