Florida is home to the only barrier reef along the continental United States and Fort Lauderdale is one of the premier spots where snorkelers can appreciate it. At the northern end of the 350-mile multi-tiered natural reef, the warm waters support vibrant marine life. Eighty shipwrecks create mature artificial reefs, supplemented by 75 more artificial reefs positioned over the past 20 years to foster new growth. In places, the reefs are as close as 75 yards from shore and shallow enough to be seen from the surface.
Snorkeling Off the Beach
- At John U. Lloyd State Park in Dania Beach, an offshore reef teeming with tropical fish and sport fish, Florida lobster and lots of coral formations are about 100 yards out. At Vista Park Reef in Fort Lauderdale, a short swim takes snorkelers to a reef where coral formations as high as 3 feet are seen in depths of 10 to 20 feet. Nearby, just east of the Sheraton in Fort Lauderdale, swim about 75 yards from the public beach to a fairly shallow site. Half a mile south from the Pompano Pier, the snorkeling site is more of a stretch; experienced swimmers will be rewarded with wonders about 350 yards from the shore where the coral reef depth is less than 20 feet.
Wreck of the SS Copenhagen
- One of Florida's best known shipwrecks, SS Copenhagen, lies in the waters just three-quarters of a mile from Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Here, the steamship schooner carrying coal crashed into a reef and sunk in 1900. The historic site is both scuba- and snorkel-friendly, accessed by many local excursion boat operators. Even closer to shore, a new artificial snorkel trail has been created, considered one of Florida's best shore dives. Dedicated by underwater explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau in 2002, an authentic 1930s anchor is supplemented by recreations of 16th century cannons and a ballast pile using molds based on historic models. Sunk in less than 15 feet of water just 200 feet off the beach south of Anglin's Pier, the site is marked with a white swim buoy. This recreated wreck project of the Marine Archaeological Council is already home to stingrays, spiny lobster, nurse sharks, conger eel and colorful reef fish of many varieties.
Fort Lauderdale Twin Ledges
- Some snorkelers enter the water right off the quieter north end of Fort Lauderdale Beach. A bit farther out, with more dense marine life activity, Fort Lauderdale Twin Ledges is a natural coral reef only half a mile offshore from Las Olas Boulevard and Sunrise Boulevard. With a depth of only 7 to 20 feet, it's an ideal spot for snorkelers to view lace, sponge and brain coral formations and abundant fish. A Sea Experience vessel, with two 3-foot by 9-foot glass windows, visits the reef twice daily.
Snorkeling Vessel Excursions
- Snorkel off of a dive boat to get farther out in the warm turquoise waters. Charters by Sea Experience, South Florida Diving Headquarters and Dixie Divers are three of the many operators with years of experience who know where the best wrecks for snorkeling are located. As a convenience, equipment is included and children under age 10 are typically free of charge. Bring a swimsuit, towel and a camera. If friends or family members don't want to jump in, they'll get a great view through the glass-windowed boats. Avoid going after a storm when choppy or murky water reduces underwater visibility.
