Shore Diving in Miami Beach?

[weezer66]

Hello Mike,

I was intrigued by your knowledge of Miami shore diving. I heard that there shallow reefs at 5th and Ocean and First and Ocean where there's a sea wall. Is this true? My wife and I are going to visit Miami in February and try our hands at Shore diving. Any suggestions and recommendations?
Will these areas be good for some night diving also?

Thanks

If shore conditions are good, you might as well take advantage and save some money. Yes, the deeper reefs are nice and wrecks are cool the fist couple times you're on them, but for the money our shore diving is very good, and some might even argue better.

FYI, the drill is to park (by 9AM or so is a good time), gear up, walk out, kick to the first bouys, drop down, and move slowly to the western edge - there is a lot of life in the rubble if you take the time to look, particularly brown eels, octopus, etc.. Once you hit the "real" western edge of the reef, hang out a while north-south because in places its better than you'll find farther out.

Let us know where you're going and we can tell you more about the local reef structure so you don't waste your time looking for the best spots.

The key to local reef diving is to find a spot and then move slowly. Look at the details - otherwise you'll pass right over an octopus garden or one of our little eels. I've watched people go right over 7' nurse sharks, and I can only imagine what I've missed right in front of me! I think the problem I had with reef diving at first was that I "flew" over it expecting to find great things just ahead.

 

[MikeJacobs]

I was intrigued by your knowledge of Miami shore diving. ...SNIP

lol no, I was writing about conditions a little north in Broward County - sorry. I have not heard anything about those dive sites, but we have several Miami divers who are probably itching to get out there and take a look for themselves (if they don't already know).

Folks? How is the diving in Miami at those locations? Anybody know?

 

[weezer66]

OOOps!! Sorry. Do you have any dive shop, site recommendations, as far as boat diving? Is there anything good to see in Biscayne Bay?

Thanks

lol no, I was writing about conditions a little north in Broward County - sorry. I have not heard anything about those dive sites, but we have several Miami divers who are probably itching to get out there and take a look for themselves (if they don't already know).

Folks? How is the diving in Miami at those locations? Anybody know?