AM Snorkel Reefs at Lauderdale by the Sea

## Details

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.

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

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 and or quarters to pay for metered parking. There may still be a flat fee lot close to the restaurants.
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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 BLANKET.

Parking spaces are on Datura from the beach to the other side of A1A by the 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.

Here is a link to a public parking map for Lauderdale by the Sea:
[Parking services | Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL (lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov)](https://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/172/Parking-Services)

Please do not feel left out if you get there and we already swimming. We plan to enter the water by 10:30am. 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