SCUBA Diving Barracuda Reef in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Location:
Barracuda Reef, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

Coordinates:
Lat 26°04.990’ N, Long 80°05.720’W

Beneath the warm Gulf‑Stream waters off Fort Lauderdale lies Barracuda Reef, a vibrant and accessible marine world shimmering just a mile south of Port Everglades Inlet. Stretching in a near‑shore band about two miles long, its coral heads rise 10–15 feet above the sandy bottom—creating ledges perfect for sweeping underwater vistas.

Dive depths range from shallow sable at 20 ft (6 m) to deeper ledges at 33 ft (10 m), offering a safe arena for Open Water divers and snorkelers alike. Visibility typically varies from 30 to 40 feet (9–12 m), occasionally dropping to 10–15 feet after storms or algae blooms—and improving most in winter months .
Nearly 30 mooring buoys dot the reef, helping boats avoid contact with the coral while allowing divers easy entry and exit—a feature dating back to the earliest buoys installed in Broward County.

Currents tend to be mild, making this reef ideal for gentle drift dives. For adventurous divers, nighttime dives offer a mesmerizing change as nocturnal creatures emerge under torchlight.

The reef’s name hints at the presence of barracudas—sleek, powerful top predators that glide through schools of grunts and snappers . Under ledges, you’ll find lobsters and crabs sheltering in nooks, while moray eels peer out from coral crevices. Ray species and gentle nurse sharks often pass nearby, and sea turtles occasionally drift through, adding charm to the tableau.

The reef’s structure has rising coral outcrops and sandy channels. It supports a tapestry of brain coral, staghorn reefs, sea fans, and sponges, making every corner an invitation to explore.

Barracuda Reef rests within a broader protected reef system and benefits from marine conservation programs across Broward County. Responsible diving is encouraged—master buoyancy, use reef-safe sunscreen, and leave creatures undisturbed.

Local dive outfits and community groups engage in cleanup, reef monitoring, and diver education to help preserve coral and marine life for future generations.

Barracuda Reef offers a gemstone of subtropical reef diving—rich in color, life, and ease. Whether you’re a first-time diver, a seasoned underwater photographer, or even a snorkeler, this shallow reef off Fort Lauderdale offers unforgettable access to Florida’s underwater wonderland.