Where is the exact location of Spanish Rocks Reef

[TracyN]

Hey all,

My buddy and I are planning on going to Spanish Rocks Reef on Thursday. Neither one of us has been there before. I know we can find the beach but to prevent a lot of unnecessary swimming how far away is the reef from the shore and in what direction do we need to travel? Thanks.

 

[FredL]

From the public beach access near the end of Gulf Dr.

Look SSW to buoys. About 10 o'clock off the beach. Swim past those. Maybe 100+ yards, depending on the tide. More reef further out too.

Went there on my 1st visit just this past Saturday, Sept. 17. Saw a manatee, 12 ft. nurse shark, good variety of fish and coral. Vis = 20 ft.

 

[TracyN]

Thanks Fred. This sounds awesome. How hard is it to get lost out there? I can't speak for my buddy but I am directionally challenged sometimes. I would love to see a shark just as long as it doesn't view my dive buddy or myself as a tasty morsel.:shocked2:

 

[Reef_Haven]

Shamelessly copied from this STICKY thread.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/florida-conch-divers/60333-insider-information-local-diving.html

Dive Spot: Spanish Rocks

Location: Bradenton Beach/Anna Maria Island, FL

Type of diving: Shore dive – good for beginners

From Tampa ST/Pete: I-75 south from Tampa to the Bradenton/ State road 64 exit.
Note, there is an A and B – take exit A it will head you toward the beach.
Exit toward the right. Stay on that road for about 8 miles or so, until you get to Gulf Dr. (you will hit Gulf Dr. after you cross the intercoastal waterway).
Turn left on Gulf Dr. and take it down about 1/2 mile
Just before the curve to the left there is beach access and parking. That is where you want to be. It is a small sand lot between some houses and apartments. Just pull in and park. Gear up walk down the beach to the left about 50 yards (6 houses).

From Sarasota/Bradenton:
Take 41 north to Cortez Rd. turn left (west) on Cortez until you cross the intercoastal waterway.
Turn right at Gulf Drive and go north about 2 miles
Follow Gulf Drive to the left at the traffic light
The beach access is on the left after you round the curve
Beach access is a small sand lot between some houses and apartments. That is where you want to be. It is a small sand lot between some houses and apartments. Just pull in and park. Gear up walk down the beach to the left about 50 yards (6 houses).

The address for the house next to the sandlot where one should park is; 33 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, FL.
Some other links:
Google Maps
Google Maps

What to expect at the dive site:
Rock ledges soft, hard small coral croppings, Sea grasses with sea horses. 22ft’ or less. DON'T FORGET YOUR DIVE FLAG!!! Boaters here are known for their careless behavior, so be cautious and again don’t forget your flag.
Amenities: None. Closest dive shop - Seatrek Divers Dive Shop - 105 7th Street North; Bradenton Beach, FL 34217; (941) 779-1506

Pros and Cons: Great dive for newbs, as depths are no greater than 22'. Fairly easy swim from beach to site. Visibility is rarely better than 15' but the price is right!

Don't forget your compass, hint: The shore is East.​

 

[shorediver66]

Spanish Rocks - Google Maps
Here is what I have:
Directions: I-75 south from Tampa to the Bradenton/ State road 64 exit( there is an A and B so take the A exit it will head you toward the beach). You are going to take the exit toward the right. Stay on that road for about 8 miles or so until you get to Gulf Dr.( you will hit Gulf Dr. after you cross the intercostal waterway)You make a left on Gulf Dr. and take it down about 1/2 mile. Just before the curve to the left there is a beach access and parking. That is where you want to be. It is a small sand lot between some houses and apartments. Just pull in there and park. Gear up walk down the beach to the left about 50 yards (6 houses) enter the water swim out about 50 yards and dive max depths 22ft.

 

[TracyN]

Thanks everyone. We should be able to find it now without too much difficulty. We are looking forward to this dive