Diving and Snorkeling

One of the more popular sports for Floridians is underwater diving. Local waterways have many beautiful reefs and colorful marine life. Snorkeling and scuba diving bring out many visitors and residents to the beaches, rivers and offshore spots to "Enjoy Our Good Nature" underwater.

Explore the underwater world of Poseidon just off the shores of Martin County and discover natural wonders living just beneath the surface. Divers are attracted to three artificial reefs as well as the natural reefs along the coast. In an effort to boost marine life in the area and provide offshore breakwaters to fight erosion along local beaches, the artificial reefs were developed as the brainchildren of 13 local “Re-tire-eefs.” Organized more than 16 years ago and first built from old tires, the reefs are from three to eight miles offshore. As the years went by, other objects were added to the reefs, including bathtubs, toilets, a cement mixer and refrigerators. In 1988, the Reef Advisory Committee sunk the U.S.S. Rankin, a 459-foot attack cargo ship commissioned in 1945.

Beaches Offering Snorkeling
and/or Diving

BeachSnorkeling = S | Diving = D
Stuart BeachS
Jensen Beach Sea TurtleS
Hobe Sound BeachS
Bathtub Reef ParkS,D
Bob Graham BeachS
Alex's AccessS
House of RefugeS,D
Chastain Beach AccessS,D
St. Lucie Inlet State parkS,D
Hobe Sound Wildlife RefugeS
Blowing Rocks PreserveS,D
The reefs are located approximately three to eight miles offshore. Area oceanographers have photographed thriving marine life amid marine life amid the decks of the Rankin and other junk collections. The State of Florida, Department of Natural Resources, authorizes all the artificial reefs. Diving for lobsters is a tastefully rewarding pastime for residents and visitors alike. There is a two-day lobster season for sport divers in July, prior to the regular season. Limits are 6 lobsters / crawfish per day per diver. The regular season is August 1 – March 31. Limits are 6 per person or 24 per boat, whichever is greater. Crawfish can be taken by hand only. The Florida Marine Patrol regulates the local waters and underwater for violations. Local dive shops have “tips” on the best spots and rules and regulations for safe diving. Visit one of the local dive shops to find equipment, sign up for lessons and acquire anything else you might need for your undersea adventure.