Shore Diving at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Known as the shore diving capital of the USA, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea treats divers to some of the best underwater scenery in South Florida.

Shore Diving Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach Site:

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Shore Dive Overview

Step off the beach and into the realm of another dimension…or at least that’s what it feels like when you’re entering the waters of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

Just a short swim away (approximately 400 feet), scuba divers, snorkelers, and freedivers can find one of the most luscious and thriving reefs in all of South Florida. You’ll be amazed at how alive and how vibrant the reef here actually is!

The reef itself sits in about 12 – 15 feet of water, sometimes descending to 17 feet maximum. Additionally, a snorkel trail featuring cannons, ballast stones, and an anchor from an old shipwreck make this the best snorkeling spot for nonscuba divers in South Florida!

Getting to the Reef

The best sections of the reef are south of the pier and Commercial Boulevard. If you park anywhere along El Mar Drive and launch at any of the beach access points, swimming directly east from shore will put you right over top of the reef in no time. Just be mindful of the fishing pier – you must be at least 300 feet away at all times.

Additionally, once parked, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is quite possibly the most easily accessed shore dive in the Fort Lauderdale area. After wading into the South Florida waters, you’ll find the reef just a mere 400 feet from the shore – just past the swim buoys.

SAFETY NOTE: you MUST bring a dive flag with you at this location. Here a few we recommend:

Navigating Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Dive Site

The reef runs parallel to the beach on a north-to-south axis. Divers usually start their exploration on one end of the reef (either north or south) and work their way towards the other as they zigzag across the reef east to west (seaward, shoreward).

If you head too far east (seaward), you’ll find yourself in nothing but sand for a long while until you hit the second reef line. It’s worth seeing but it’s much deeper and takes about 30 minutes to swim out there. We recommend staying in the shallow area.

The best part about doing a beach dive is you don’t necessarily need to end your dive at your starting point. Honestly, follow whatever fancies your eyes and just swim back to shore, drop your gear, and pick everything up with your car when all said and done!

Dive Planning in Fort Lauderdale

Reef Smart Guides makes a handy guidebook for all the diving spots in Fort Lauderdale and beyond. You can find useful maps, directions, and GPS coordinates. We highly recommend purchasing if you’re planning to do any extended diving trips in Broward County.

READ MORE: 10 Must-See Dive Sites in Fort Lauderdale

What Dive Shops are near Lauderdale-by-the-Sea?

For any last-minute gear purchases, or to rent tanks, head to one of the dive shops below:

• Gold Coast Scuba
• Deep Blue Divers

Both are well within walking distance from the beach (not if you’re carrying tanks, though). Just be sure to let them know we sent you!

Photos and Media of the Shore Dive at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea: