Florida Outdoors: Snorkel, Bike, Kayak & More...

Lauderdale By the Sea has done a lot to improve its snorkel and shore diving sites. There are replicas of cannons and an anchor from a Spanish Galleon. There is usually an abundance of fish. French Angels appear to be wearing makeup on their face, looking like mimes for a mermaid’s pleasure. We may see schools of small fish swimming back and forth as if performing ballet. Other common fish are Blue Angels and lots of varieties of Parrotfish swimming among the grazing schools of Doctorfish. Blue Headed Wrasse set up shop on the reef, this small tropical eats parasites off the fierce looking Barracuda.

During the summer months, we often see turtles feeding on the reef. If you are lucky enough to see a turtle, remain calm and quiet, it may approach you. Never touch, chase hold on to, or harass a turtle. You could cause it to drown, they need to take a new breath of air more frequently than you might think. There are Big Fish too!!! Schools of Snook are often seen here, an occasional Nurse Shark, and really, big Tarpon come cruising through from their prehistoric past.
Go often enough and maybe you will swim with a six-foot Manta Ray, the harmless relative of the shark that only eats plankton. Spotted Eagle Ray seemingly fly across the reef. Stingrays often lay partially covered in the sand, even this docile creature can be deadly (Steve Irwin)….a lesson to observe and not touch. See a pile of crushed up shells. It is likely there is a small octopus in its den nearby.

Let's give this a short on Sat, since Fri did not work.
Update will be posted by 7:30 am Sat.

All of this and more is a short swim from the beach on the south side of the pier. The reef is in 8 to 15 feet of water and can be accessed by snorkel.

We will meet at 9:30 am on the beach at Datura. Plan to be in the water by 10:00 - 10:15 to begin our adventure swimming out too the first reef and drift up or down, depending on the current.

Parking was $4 per hour plus tax using the app. It might be best to park in the bank lot or the pier lot or the Truist Bank lot which is a flat $10 cash

********YOU WILL NEED******:
a) Snorkel gear—snorkel, mask, and fins

b) Noodle or inflatable swim vest, if you think you will get tired. (I will bring 2 extra noodles)

c) Dive Flag. I will bring a flag, but we will need more. 4 People per Flag and we must stay within 50 ft of a flag.

d) Sunscreen, water, and snacks if you so choose for after the swim

e) Credit card to pay for metered parking.

f) Bank lot on Commercial is a flat $15 all day
******************************************

DIRECTIONS: Commercial Blvd. East to A1A turn right and go 1 block to Datura Ave. Turn left to beach parking spaces. This is where the shower area is. Walk to the beach and look for my ORANGE/BLUE/WHITE BLANKET.

Parking spaces are on Datura from the beach to the other side of A1A by the old 7-11 or one block north in and around the pier area at Commercial Blvd.

One block south of Datura also provides additional parking spaces. You may be able to park at Aruba’s or at the pier for a flat fee too. Be careful at the meters. DO NOT PARK AT A 2-HOUR meter as you will not have time to swim before it expires. Park for at least 3 hours. Carpooling is always best if you are bringing your friends.

Please do not feel left out if you get there and we already swimming. We plan to enter the water by 10:00am. If you come out looking for us, you should have a buddy and a dive flag.

If there is any chance of weather cancellation, an update will be posted by 7:30 am.

Hope to see you there!

Karen

Join us for a Happy Hour Meet & Greet at El Camino in Boca Raton, home of the $3 taco and $6 margharita.

We like the outdoor bar area near the wall separating the seating where the fireplace is.

Hope to see you there!

Karen

Let's Snorkel Blue Heron Bridge at Phil Foster Park. The 800-foot-long artificial reef, a snorkeling trail is made of concrete module, boulders and rocks. We should see some cowfish, pipefish, rays, and possible sea horses in the shallow waters.

This snorkel is very close to shore, but the current can be strong, so please bring your fins and a floatation device if needed.

What to bring:
• dive flag (I will bring mine. We need 1 per 4 people)
• snorkel and fins
• floatation device—inflatable vest or noodle if you like (I will bring a few noodles for floating)
• sunscreen
• water and snacks if you want to sit on the beach and relax afterwards
• change of clothes if you are going to lunch (there are outdoor showers for rinsing off and a restroom for changing)

High tide is about 10:30 am, so we will be in the water around 10am.

The parking lot is small, so you may want to get there earlier for a walk or to sit on the beach. Additional parking is on the island—a lot and a garage for a small fee should you not want to keep circling for a parking spot.

If we decide to go for a lunch there are a number of options on the island with the 1st 2 hours or parking free.

And note the snapshot of the map above is upside down and is opposite of the google map below. Beach is on the south side of the little island.

Hope you can join us!

Karen