Newb snorkeling spots in Fort Lauderdale

[fastmxer9]

been lurking here for the past 3 years and here goes my first post...

I'm going to be in the fort lauderdale area this week and wanted to take some friends out snorkeling. Heard a lot about lauderdale by the seas and planned to go there. the owner of my lds told me that its a rather good swim from the shore to get to the good stuff and may not be a good spot for bringing newbs. all of us are between 20 & 40 so no kids. 3 of the others are college swimmers so no real worries for them and the other 2 or 3 don't really have any formal water skills but physically are in beyond good enough shape to handle the swim it's just as you all know the water can make any situation more complicated.

so you think lauderdale by the seas would be a safe bet, any other suggestions?

 

[Divergirl4U]

Datura Ave one block south of Commercial Blvd is a great place to take snorkelers provided the water is clear. I would bring a dive flag with you if you plan on going outside of the swim buoys so the boats can see you and have fun exploring. You will find plenty to look at starting about ½ ways out of the piers length and all the way past the end of the pier. The bottom will be 10 to 20 feet away so this is why you will need good vis. When I take my 12 yo son out I will tie a beach float to my dive flag so he has a place to rest if he get tired. Be sure to wear sunblock as time tends to slip away as you become enchanted with our shallow reef.

 

[fastmxer9]

so hows the vis looking out there now?

 

[Divergirl4U]

Not so good it has been very windy.

Monday
East winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 5 to 7 feet. Intracoastal waters choppy in exposed areas. Slight chance of showers.
Monday Night
East winds 15 to 20 knots. Near shore...seas 5 to 7 feet subsiding to 2 to 4 feet. In the Gulf Stream...seas 5 to 7 feet. Intracoastal waters choppy in exposed areas. Slight chance of showers.
Tuesday
East winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet. Intracoastal waters choppy in exposed areas. Slight chance of showers through the day.
Tuesday Night
East winds 15 to 20 knots. Near shore...seas 4 to 6 feet subsiding to 2 to 4 feet. In the Gulf Stream...seas 4 to 6 feet. Intracoastal waters choppy in exposed areas. Slight chance of showers.
Wednesday
East winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet subsiding to 2 to 4 feet. Intracoastal waters choppy in exposed areas. Slight chance of showers.

 

[Divergirl4U]

You want 2 feet or less for a couple of days before you get good vis. Then it is like swimming in drinking water it gets so clear

 

[AceszHigh]

Not so good it has been very windy.

Monday
East winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 5 to 7 feet. Intracoastal waters choppy in exposed areas. Slight chance of showers.
Monday Night
East winds 15 to 20 knots. Near shore...seas 5 to 7 feet subsiding to 2 to 4 feet. In the Gulf Stream...seas 5 to 7 feet. Intracoastal waters choppy in exposed areas. Slight chance of showers.
Tuesday
East winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet. Intracoastal waters choppy in exposed areas. Slight chance of showers through the day.
Tuesday Night
East winds 15 to 20 knots. Near shore...seas 4 to 6 feet subsiding to 2 to 4 feet. In the Gulf Stream...seas 4 to 6 feet. Intracoastal waters choppy in exposed areas. Slight chance of showers.
Wednesday
East winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet subsiding to 2 to 4 feet. Intracoastal waters choppy in exposed areas. Slight chance of showers.

Where do you get these weather reports?

 

[Orlando Eric]

You want 2 feet or less for a couple of days before you get good vis. Then it is like swimming in drinking water it gets so clear

**YUCK** WHO drinks water!?! Fish freak in it ya know! --- THe only Water I drink is from the Highlands then only after it has been properly treated for drinking

 

[fisheyeview]

**YUCK** WHO drinks water!?! Fish freak in it ya know! --- THe only Water I drink is from the Highlands then only after it has been properly treated for drinking

I couldn't agree with you more. The Gaelic word for scotch is usquebaugh which translates into water of life.

 

[Sandbar]

Wind should subside by Saturday as high pressure dissipates. LBTS is a nice site, although it's a little on the deep side for snorkeling. There is a mock shipwreck setup for snorkelers (see link).

Fill Express -- The Best Shore Dive in Florida

Red Reef Park in Boca Raton has excellent snorkeling. Very close to shore and shallow water.

Red Reef Park: SouthFlorida.com

 

[Divergirl4U]

I like Weather Underground here is a link:

Deerfield Beach, Florida (33441) Conditions & Forecast : Weather Underground

just click on marine forecast for wave heights and water temp