Staghorn Coral in Fort Lauderdale
Despite all the odds, staghorn coral in Fort Lauderdale is making a comeback. In fact, Fort Lauderdale is home to entire fields of it! The best part? It’s right off the beach!
Diving the Staghorn Fields Shore Dive in Fort Lauderdale
Staghorn Fields Shore Dive
Shore Dive; Coral Reef
15 – 20 feet with a drop off to 30 feet
Open Water
Park along the A1A right in front of 16th Street near Hugh Taylor Birch.
Staghorn Fields Overview
Staghorn coral is a critically endangered species federally protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the United States. Out of all the types of coral, it may be the most important as it forms the basis for all other coral growth.
Decades ago, most of the coral reefs in the Caribbean and surrounding area consisted of staghorn coral. An abundance of life building up other forms a life. Unfortunately, in the 1980s, nearly 97% of the staghorn coral in the Western Atlantic and Caribbean were wiped out from white band disease. To add insult to injury, ocean conditions make staghorn reproduction extremely difficult today, if not impossible.
All of which make the discovery of fields of staghorn coral off of Fort Lauderdale Beach evermore astounding. Although, we’re not entirely sure if it occurred naturally or through efforts from the nearby college, Nova Southeastern University. Either are entirely possible.
To learn more on staghorn coral, head to NOAA‘s information page!
Getting to the Staghorn Fields
The staghorn fields in Fort Lauderdale can be found approximately 500 – 600 feet from the shore at these coordinates.
Shore Dive Safety
While shore diving in Fort Lauderdale, dive safety is of utmost importance. You must use a dive flag and dive with a buddy! Many wahoos are driving boats in South Florida and most of them shouldn’t be. Stay safe!
Dive Flag and Reel
Navigating the Staghorn Fields
After your surface swim, you’ll be treated to staghorn coral, both dead and alive, in what appears to be the size of multiple football fields. In the midst of the staghorn fields, you’ll discover large coral heads with brain coral and star coral coating the outside. Be sure to peek underneath, many lobster and grouper like to hideaway from the light of day.
If you swim further east, approximately another 300 feet, you’ll eventually hit a drop off with a jetted ledge. Depending on the current, you can travel either north or south along the wall. Some places are more high relief than others with a consistent depth of nearly 30 feet.
Although the staghorn coral will dissipate along the ledge, you’ll still discover lots of marine life. In fact, we sighted a sleepy green sea turtle and a lionfish ripe for spearing.
After cruising the ledge for a time, head back towards the west (shoreward). You’ll pass back over the staghorn fields before returning near the beach you started at.
What You May See Shore Diving in Fort Lauderdale
You’re obviously going to see lots of staghorn coral – both dead and alive. The coral heads scattered about are worthy of looking under too. We found a nice-sized grouper and a few hogfish, just to name a few.
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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We hope you enjoyed our post on diving the Staghorn coral in Fort Lauderdale. Hopefully, you’ll find it useful on your next adventure! Here are a few more dive sites we think you might enjoy:
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