The Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving in Fort Lauderdale

Although Fort Lauderdale is quite famous for its wild beach parties during spring break and vibrant nightlife, you’d be amazed at what you might find below the surface.

• Three Tiers of Coral Reef. The Florida Reef Tract splays into three parallel lines along the shores of Fort Lauderdale.
• Shipwreck Diving Capital, USA. Broward County’s Artificial Reef program has sunk 76 shipwrecks and counting.

• World-class Beach Diving. Walk off the beach and swim over a stunning coral reef in minutes.
• Big City Convenience. Underwater life mimics distant islands right within a large urban area.

Between the many shipwrecks peppered throughout the depths of Broward County, the miles of barrier reef running parallel to shore, and the novelty of shallow coral reefs near shore, you’ll never run out of dive sites to explore in Fort Lauderdale.

🚢 Best Shipwrecks in Fort Lauderdale

• Tenneco Towers. A sunken oil rig resembling an underwater skyscraper descending to 130′.
• Fort Lauderdale Wreck Trek. Three shipwrecks in one epic drift dive.
• Mercedes. 196-foot German freighter nestled in a deep coral reef.
• Hog Heaven. 200-foot barge flipped upside down with many other artificial reefs scattered around.

🚢 Full Article: 7 Best Shipwrecks in Fort Lauderdale

🐠 Best Coral Reef Dives in Fort Lauderdale

• Hammerhead Reef. Deep coral reef with a massive ledge and spur & groove formations.
• Twin Ledges. Shallow reef suitable for snorkeling and spearfishing.
• Oakland Ridges. 30′ coral reef with canyons and ledges. Ideal drift diving spot.
• Barracuda Reef. A shallow coral reef that’s ideal for a drift dive with an immense amount of lobster and reef fish.

👀 Full Article: 10 Must-see Dive Sites in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is the epicenter of scuba diving in South Florida (outside of the Florida Keys) and as such, you have plenty of options when it comes to dive charters and dive shops.

Focusing on retail, yacht outfitting, spearfishing, and boat charters, here are a few of our favorites:

• Sea Experience. I worked here for two years and loved every minute of it. Captains and crew will take great care of you on your two-tank dive.
• Gold Coast Scuba. Specialists in beach diving in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

• American Dream Dive Charters. Professional operation focusing on safety above all else.
• Divers Direct. Scuba diving mega retail store in nearby Dania Beach.

Bucketlist Dives in Fort Lauderdale

• Lionfish Hunting. Third Reef is ripe hunting grounds for invasive species.
• Tenneco Towers. The aforementioned oil rig is truly an awe-inspiring dive.
• Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. America’s top shore diving destination is worth the time and effort.

🤿 Full Article: 5 Bucket List Dives in Fort Lauderdale

Marine Life in Fort Lauderdale

• Guitarfish. I saw this rare species surprisingly often enough to give it a shoutout here.
• Goliath Grouper. The behemoth of a fish is found roaming the shipwrecks of Fort Lauderdale daily.
• Loggerhead Sea Turtle. the most common marine reptile spotted in South Florida.

🐠 Full Article: 7 Ocean Animals Spotted in Fort Lauderdale

Dive Conditions

• Average Water Temperature. August average of 86.4°F and January average of 71.4°F
• Ocean Conditions. Flat during summer months. Dive conditions are doable up to 6 feet of swell.
• Visibility. Oftentimes 70’+ due to blue water from nearby Gulf Stream
• When to Avoid. Sustained east/southeast winds of 15+ knots. Usually indicates at least 5 to 6-foot swells.

Weather in Fort Lauderdale

• Average Air Temperature. Summer average of 82.4°F and winter average of 70°F.
• Climate. Subtropical. Hot and humid summers. Moderate temperatures during winter months.
• Best Time of Year. Although hot, the sea conditions are most conducive in the summer months with flat calm seas in the mornings.

Outdoor Activities / Things to Do

• Bonnet House. Former home to two artists is nestled in a tropical oasis.
• Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Fort Lauderdale’s Central Park along Ocean Drive.
• Kayaking and Paddling. The Venice of America has 300+ navigable waterways.
• Snorkeling. If you’re fixing to get back into the water, check out some of the shallow snorkel reefs.

Restaurants and Bars

• Elbo Room. Ultimate beach dive bar along the beachfront promenade.
• Louie Bossi’s. Quality Italian food for an affordable price – excellent Sunday brunch atmosphere.
• Invasive Species Brewery. Best brewery in town in the heart of Flagler Village
• Quarterdeck. Nice seafood joint for a great price with multiple locations.

Fort Lauderdale Facts & Info

• The Venice of America. City’s nickname for its 360+ navigable miles of waterways.
• All Aboard!. Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is the 3rd busiest cruise port in the world.
• Sea Turtle Nesting. Loggerheads, Greens, and Leatherbacks all nest along the shore of Fort Lauderdale.
• The Everglades. At one point, Fort Lauderdale was a part of the Everglades. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the city began development.

Where to Stay

• The Westin. One of the most popular resorts in Fort Lauderdale Beach. Wake up to an ocean view before heading out for a day of diving.
• Mariott Harbor Beach. Centrally located, yet tucked away. This quaint resort is luxurious, relaxing, and beautiful. Enjoy your dive vacation in style.
• B Ocean Resort. Two local dive operators are just up the street and one of the most epic beach dives in Fort Lauderdale, Yankee Clipper Reef, is a short swim from your room.