Can you snorkel in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, Fort Lauderdale actually has very good snorkeling. The area features both nearshore and offshore reefs, with easy access from the beach or by boat. Calm waters and vibrant marine life, like tropical fish and coral formations, make it a great choice for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
The Florida Reef Tract
Another reason Fort Lauderdale is such a great place to snorkel is its location along the Florida Reef Tract. The only living barrier reef in the continental U.S. and the third-largest in the world. Stretching nearly 360 miles from the Dry Tortugas to the St. Lucie Inlet, this vibrant reef system is home to over 500 species of fish and marine life.
In Fort Lauderdale, snorkelers can explore parts of the reef just offshore, spotting everything from parrotfish and stingrays to sea turtles and colorful corals. While the reef faces challenges from climate change and pollution, conservation efforts like Florida’s Artificial Reef Program are helping protect and restore these ecosystems. You can explore recent installations using the Artificial Reef Deployment Locator.
Where to snorkel in Fort Lauderdale?
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Snorkeling
Often called the “Beach Diving Capital of Florida,” Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is one of the best places to snorkel in the state, no boat required. Just 100 yards offshore, you’ll find vibrant reefs teeming with marine life like tropical fish, rays, and even sea turtles. The Datura Avenue beach entrance, located at El Mar Drive, is a favorite access point, complete with a tank rack and easy swim to the reef. Just south of Anglin’s Fishing Pier, the water is usually calm and clear in the mornings, offering great visibility.
Don’t miss the Shipwreck Snorkel Trail, an artificial reef designed to mimic a sunken ship, complete with cannons, an anchor, and a ballast pile, perfect for beginner snorkelers. More experienced swimmers can explore the historic SS Copenhagen, a British steamship that wrecked offshore in 1900. Now sitting in about 25 feet of water, it’s Florida’s most visited underwater archaeological preserve and a must-see for adventurous snorkelers.
Dania Beach Erojacks
Just north of the Dania Beach Pier, the Erojacks are a local favorite for shallow-water snorkeling. These large, jack-shaped concrete structures were originally installed to prevent beach erosion but have since become a thriving artificial reef teeming with marine life. Sitting in 14 to 20 feet of water, the jacks start about 100 yards offshore and run east-west, eventually connecting to a shallow natural reef that stretches north and south.
The area is full of life, expect to see everything from tropical fish and lobster to angelfish, parrotfish, and the occasional nurse shark or tarpon. With calm conditions, even beginners can explore the jacks easily, though visibility is best when the water hasn’t been rough for a few days. The reef’s structure offers plenty of crevices and hiding spots, making it a great place to spot marine creatures up close.
Local tip: Bring a small inflatable raft with you when you go out to snorkel. Not only does it help with visibility for safety, but you can use it to rest, put fish if you are spearfishing, and even add a little cooler so you can stay hydrated.
Hollywood Beach’s 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef
The 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project just made a splash in Hollywood Beach. With 50 new reef modules recently installed at four different locations, parts of the reef are now accessible by snorkeling right from the shore.
This is the first time snorkelers can explore the project without a boat. Just bring a mask, fins, dive flag, and floatation device, and you’re good to go. You’ll find artistic sculptures like mermaids and an old-school diver suit that are already drawing in fish and marine life.
Created by the Ocean Rescue Alliance, the reef is part art installation, part marine habitat. Each structure is built to support coral growth using a specialized Coral Lok system, a big win for ocean restoration.
A 24/7 underwater livestream is also in the works, letting you watch marine life at the reef anytime, no snorkel gear required.
Wahoo Bay in Pompano Beach
Wahoo Bay is one of South Florida’s most unique snorkeling spots, blending marine conservation with outdoor adventure. Located in Pompano Beach, this eco-friendly marine park was designed to support biodiversity while offering a safe, shallow-water snorkeling experience for all ages and skill levels. The bay features innovative SEAHIVE™ structures, which are honeycomb-shaped concrete barriers that reduce wave energy and erosion while creating habitat for tropical fish, sponges, and other marine life.
Wahoo Bay isn’t just about fun in the water, it’s also a living classroom. The site includes interactive art, live experiments, and educational displays, plus an online portal where visitors can learn more about ocean health and conservation efforts.
Group Snorkeling
If you’re looking for social, beginner-friendly snorkeling trips in Fort Lauderdale, group tours are a great way to get in the water without the stress of planning it all yourself. One popular option is Sea Experience, a local company offering daily Fort Lauderdale snorkeling tours aboard a glass-bottom boat. Tours run twice a day and are known for friendly guides, easy reef access, and a fun, laid-back vibe.
For something a little different, try a SEABOB reef tour. It’s a guided experience that combines the thrill of a jet ski with the ease of snorkeling and the depth of scuba. You’ll use a handheld sea scooter to glide effortlessly underwater and explore reefs up to 8 feet deep. Wildlife sightings are common, and group sizes are small for a more personal experience.
Prefer to keep it classic? This guided snorkel tour is a great intro option for beginners, with all gear provided and a guide to help you spot marine life along the way.
And if you’re more into community vibes, check out the local Meetup snorkeling group, a great way to find snorkeling buddies and learn from more experienced ocean lovers.
Snorkeler Safety and Reef Protection
Before heading out, it’s essential to keep safety and environmental responsibility top of mind. If you plan to snorkel more than a few yards from shore, especially near spots like the Erojacks or deeper reefs, bring a dive flag. It’s not just a smart idea, it’s the law in Florida. A compact flag with a reel or lanyard (available at local dive shops like Diver’s Direct in Dania Beach) makes it easy to stay visible to passing boats, which may not always be paying close attention.
While you’re out exploring, never anchor on coral reefs or hard bottom areas. This can cause lasting damage to delicate marine ecosystems. Use mooring buoys when available, or anchor in sandy areas if necessary. Be mindful not to touch or disturb marine life, and keep your gear clipped or tucked in to avoid accidental contact with the reef. For extra eco-points, use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid harsh chemicals in your gear and boat maintenance products.
A little awareness goes a long way in keeping both you and the reef safe, so you can keep coming back to enjoy it again and again.
