In South Florida, there is no shortage of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed year round. But from a native’s perspective, nothing beats spending a day on the Atlantic Ocean.
Although there are countless amounts of ocean-related activities to partake in, Scuba diving is by far my most passionate and enjoyable ocean activity. Nothing beats being able to interact with gorgeous marine life including turtles, snapper, eels, blow-fish, rays, sharks and barracuda, all while taking in the beauty of the coral reef itself.
Having been born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, beach dives off the city’s shore are my most preferred method of diving. Along with not needing to clean or gas up a boat, you can accomplish a beach dive in the morning and still have the rest of the afternoon for other activities or use the time to unwind with a beer or two after the dive.
In addition to beach diving in Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea also features a coral reef about 100 yards off its shore, which is easily accessible for snorkelers and divers. The town has made an effort to promote its shore diving, which features a snorkeling trail with cannons as well as a bio-rock and coral reef growing project just off its shore.
One of the main benefits to Scuba diving in South Florida is the abundance of Florida lobster. Lobsters like to use the coral reef as habitat and getting a few each dive is doable as long as you have the required fishing license and know-how of catching the tasty underwater cockroaches.
An added benefit to beach diving in South Florida is the ability to use various forms of transportation to reach the coral reef. With the first reef line about 100 yards offshore, you can simply paddle kayaks out to the reef and the craft provides the user with options to fish, swim or just leisurely paddle around the reef and enjoy the view.
Although I’ve been Scuba diving for nearly 20 years, the only skill someone needs to reach the reef line is to be a capable swimmer with the proper equipment. Even novice swimmers can check out the reefs if they bring a flotation device and are accompanied by a strong swimmer. As long as the seas are clam, there is no need to worry about currents, but always look at the marine forecast for potential rip currents and jellyfish. A dive flag is also required to reach the reef and the pier helps protect swimmers from boaters.
If you have a genuine interest in the ocean and have never been able to see a coral reef, checking out the marine life off Fort Lauderdale and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is well worth the effort. While it is common local knowledge that the reefs offer an array of activities to enjoy the day, newcomers or visitors to the area will be best served to skip the typical golf outing and enjoy the benefits of interacting with marine life in their natural habitat.
-Sean d'Oliveria, Local Lobster Hunter