Erojacks - Dr. Von D. Mizell–Eula Johnson State Park - Dania Beach
Details
The Erojacks are large concrete structures shaped like giant children’s jacks, roughly 4–5 feet tall. They were installed decades ago as an erosion-control experiment, but they’ve since become an established artificial reef.
They’re located just north of Dania Beach Pier, off the beach associated with Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park.
The interesting part is that there aren’t just a few jacks—there are hundreds of them arranged in a long east-west structure. The line extends roughly 1,500 feet offshore, eventually connecting with the natural reef system. For more experienced snorkelers we will follow the natural reef until at least the pier.
The concrete has become covered with:
- Hard and soft corals
- Sponges
- Algae and bryozoans
- Sea fans
- Small reef fish
- Grunts and porkfish
- Angelfish and parrotfish
- Puffers
- Lobsters
- Eels
- Stingrays
- Occasionally nurse sharks, turtles and larger fish
CAUTION: Do not swim around the pier. You and your buddies MUST use a dive flag when snorkeling at this location. If you do not have one you must buddy up with someone that does.
Snorkeling Details: We'll meet at *** PARKING LOT # 1 *** and head to beach at 9:00 AM or at beach 600 ft south of beach access
Please carpool if possible as parking has been limited on Sunday mornings.
A go/no go will be posted and emailed out by 8:10 am based on weather and the visibility report.
Where to Meet: *** PARKING LOT #1 *** or at beach 600 ft south of beach access
Directions: *** Parking Lot 1 *** at Dr. Von D. Mizell–Eula Johnson State Park
From I-95
- Take I-95 to Sheridan Street — Exit 21.
- Head east on Sheridan St.
- Continue to A1A / North Ocean Drive.
- Turn left (north) onto A1A.
- Continue about 1.5 miles to the park entrance at 6503 N. Ocean Dr.
- Enter the park and follow the road to the first parking lot on right - parking lot 1.
Things to Wear/Bring: Bathing suit, snorkeling gear (mask/snorkel/fins), mask defog, sunscreen, snacks, drinks, (no Styrofoam or glass containers allowed), waterproof camera, water, towel, a change of clothes.
No/Go Decision: We'll make the no/go decision around 8:10 am based on the reef/radar conditions. Please be sure to check the meetup site before leaving as the notification emails are often delayed. If you need to reach me, text or call Chad - 561-351-4102.
**Note: After 8:50 am the day of the event, I will not have my phone with me.
And Finally: By attending this event you accept that snorkeling can be a dangerous sport. If you bring guests to participate in the event, you take full responsibility for your guest(s) and their actions. You are fully aware of all risks associated with participating, including traveling to and from the event. You are solely responsible for your own safety, actions and equipment.
You agree that water conditions and weather are always changing. You agree that you're participating at your own free will. By attending this event you have read and agreed to every statement above.