Snorkeling in Fort Lauderdale: Reef within minutes of shore

The reef is a short swim from the beach, not a boat ride away.

Guided snorkeling on a coral reef in Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida, where you swim out from the beach in shallow water to see hard and soft corals, colorful sponges and tropical fish with a certified Divemaster. Mike has run over 800 trips on this same reef since 2014 and can identify the species you encounter. Groups stay small, usually 4–6 people with a maximum of 8. Children are welcome from age 8.

The Experience

You arrive at the beach in Lauderdale by the Sea with snorkel gear already waiting. After a briefing and beginner instruction, you walk into shallow water for practice before swimming out to the reef — a short distance that keeps the whole experience inside two hours. No boat, no long commute, no wasted time getting to the site.

Once on the reef, you're swimming through hard and soft corals, past colorful sponges and schools of angelfish, parrotfish, blue-headed wrasse and sergeant majors that show up on most days. Rays, sea turtles, eels and nurse sharks (harmless) appear often enough that Mike knows where to look. He points out what you're seeing and stays close enough to answer questions underwater. From the water you can see Anglin's Pier and the town behind it — Mike will position you for photos with that backdrop if you want them.

You need to be a comfortable swimmer and willing to put your face in the water, but you don't need diving certification or experience. The shallow entry and Mike's instruction mean beginners do fine here. All equipment is provided, and the whole outing — gear, guide, instruction, the reef itself — fits into an afternoon without eating your whole day.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear and all equipment.
• beginner instruction and practice in shallow water.
• two-hour guided snorkel on the reef with a PADI-certified Divemaster.
• identification of marine life and fish species.
• optional photographs above and below water.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Snorkel with Mike

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon and want to see a real coral reef without spending half the day on a boat — the short swim from shore and small group size mean you're in the water and back to your hotel inside two hours. It's also the right fit if you're a first-time snorkeler or uncomfortable with deep water, since the reef stays shallow and Mike's instruction gets you ready in the shallows before you head out.

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Top questions

What kind of fish and marine life will I actually see on this reef?

Angelfish, parrotfish, blue-headed wrasse and sergeant majors show up on most days; rays, sea turtles, eels and nurse sharks appear regularly as well. Mike identifies the species as you swim and knows the spots where they tend to gather on this particular section of reef.

How far is the swim from the beach to the reef?

The reef is only a few minutes' swim from shore in shallow water, so you're not traveling far or spending time in transit. The whole experience, including instruction and practice in shallow water first, fits inside two hours.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer or have snorkeling certification?

You don't need certification, but you do need to be comfortable swimming and willing to put your face in the water. Mike gives beginner instruction and you practice in shallow water before heading to the reef, so first-timers do fine here.

What's included in the price, and do I need to bring my own gear?

Snorkeling equipment is provided; you don't need to bring anything. The guide, instruction and access to the reef are all part of the experience.

How many people will be in my group?

Groups are small, usually 4–6 people, with a maximum of 8. That keeps the experience personal and gives Mike room to work with everyone individually.

Can children come on this snorkel?

Children are welcome from age 8 and up, provided they're comfortable in the water and can swim.