Reef Overview

The South East Florida Reef Tract extends from Miami northward to Palm Beach. Greater Ft. Lauderdale accounts for 23 miles in the middle of the tract and the largest number of dive sites, with over 100 reef and wreck sites.

The Gulf Stream current often flows close to the shoreline bathing the coral reefs in clear, warm water. Hundreds of species of fish flourish along the coast.

The reef tracts are very close to shore, no long boat rides here. You can even swim to some reefs from the beach. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Greater Ft. Lauderdale will surprise you!

Drift Diving

Most all our reefs and the prevailing currents run parallel to the shoreline. This combination creates a great opportunity to explore more reef area by drift diving. We start you out at one end of the reef and you lazily drift with the current to the other end where we pick you up.

                                           The GeoHistory of SE Florida´s Reef Tract

The current SE Florida reef tract sits on top of ancient beach ridge complexes. As sea level began to rise after the last glacial period, lithified sand dunes became submerged and coral growth initiated. These linear reefs run parallel to the shoreline from Miami-Dade to Palm Beach County, forming one of the longest continuous reef structures in the Western Atlantic.

The gaps in the reefs were created by ancient rivers and inlets cutting through the beach ridges at different periods. Over time as sea level continued to rise each of the reefs (inner, middle and outer) met its demise for varying unknown reasons. The last reef to stop upward growth was the middle reef which ceased upward growth around 3,700 years ago. Since then, corals have reformed on top of the old structures, creating the current reef communities we see today.

Not all areas along the greater reef tract have all three formations present. Some areas may only have a middle and outer reef while others may have all examples represented. many divers confuse the nearshore ridge complex with the inner reef. For example, the Pompano Drop Off is actually part of a ridge complex composed of coquina and Touchdown Reef is on the inner reef which is built by fossil corals.

UNDERWATER EXPLORER


The Underwater Explorer is a 34 foot Crusader that's rigged for comfort. It features an easy to board custom dive ladder, complimentary snacks and drinks, a partially shaded deck, head, heated shower and best of all plenty of room!

Kevin and Flo are the usual faces you will see on the boat during your adventure. Need a buddy or maybe you just want to dive with someone who knows where the good stuff is? We have personnel available for in-water guiding for a modest fee. We want you to have a fun, leisurely and safe scuba experience.

THE STARFISH ENTERPRISE



The Starfish Enterprise is a Coast Guard certified 34 foot Crusader equipped to comfortably accommodate 14 divers. With a wide bean, large dive platform and a center rail to stabilize all of your movements. The Starfish is your perfect transportation to the best diving SITES in South Florida. Captains Adam Birdwell and Maggie Walen and their crew members are experienced divers and are trained in CPR/First Aid and Oxygen Administration. They are experienced in finding the best places to see our beautiful reefs and fish life.

LOGGERHEAD DIVE CHARTER



Loggerhead Dive Charter is located in the Two Georges Marina, which is just minutes from the Palm Beach International Airport, the Florida Turnpike or Interstate 95. Loggerhead is a 38 foot scuba diving boat that holds a maximum of 20 divers. For larger groups Loggerhead Dive Charter can book additional boats. Loggerhead Dive Charters has over 30 years of experience in showing divers the best of South Florida and the Palm Beaches reef lines.

We offer: U.S.C.G. certified vessel (38´ Loggerhead), U.S.C.G. certified captains, Snacks & Refreshments on every trip, Personalized attention 3 to go policy, warm Fresh water showers, State-of-the-art dive ladders for boarding easily with extra-large dive platforms, Dive Masters available.

Little Cayman Reef Resort
Concierge Diving
(https://www.littlecayman.com/)  
November 14-21, 2020
$1999 plus airfare (TBA)
PACKAGE INCLUDES:                 
 7-nights accommodations,3 meals a day, 17 day dives, land transfers, and resort taxes.     .  


San Salvador Island Riding Rock Resort:
(http://www.ridingrock.com/)
October 24-31, 2020
$1699 plus airfare (TBA)
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
7 night accommodations, 3 meals daily, 16 dives, land transfers, and resort taxes.