Southern Broward County Reefs

The reef system along Southern Broward County represents one of Southeast Florida's most productive and varied diving destinations — a series of natural and artificial reef structures running roughly parallel to the coastline between Hollywood and Deerfield Beach that attract intermediate divers seeking the full diversity of South Florida reef diving within an accessible offshore run. The Florida Reef Tract continues through this section of the coastline at depths ranging from the shallows to approximately 18 meters (60 feet), with the artificial reef component of the Southern Broward reef system adding considerable habitat complexity to the natural limestone ledge structure characteristic of this region. The natural reef here consists of low-relief ledges and undercuts — a Southeast Florida reef type quite different from the towering coral structures of the Keys, but no less productive — where the horizontal ledge faces shelter large aggregations of snapper, grunt, and grouper. Yellowtail snapper, the signature species of South Florida ledge diving, hover in dense schools just off the reef edge with their characteristic yellow tails vibrating in the slight current. Mutton snapper, larger and more deliberate, cruise the ledge perimeter. Black grouper and red grouper occupy prime ledge territories with the territorial confidence of long-established residents. The sand beside the ledges yields its own surprises: southern stingrays partially buried in the sediment, southern flounder lying in perfect camouflage, and the occasional nurse shark resting in the shade of a ledge overhang. Artificial reef structures in this zone include several deliberately sunk vessels and reef balls that have accumulated years of coral and sponge growth, providing habitat variety and concentrating fish in predictable locations. Goliath grouper are regularly encountered at the larger artificial structures. Loggerhead sea turtles pass through the area seasonally. Visibility typically ranges from 20 to 40 feet, with the clearest water occurring in winter months when north winds keep the Gulf Stream pressed close to shore.