Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Snorkel a living reef straight from the sand.
Best for
Snorkeling, Families, A quieter beach town
Directions
Highlights
- Reef within about 100 yards of shore
- Shipwreck Snorkel Trail off Datura Avenue
- Anglin's Fishing Pier and a walkable village of shops and cafés
- No high-rise wall — the town keeps a low skyline
Parking
Metered lots and street parking around Commercial Boulevard and El Mar Drive fill up early on weekends. Arrive early or use a rideshare.
Local tips
- Snorkel on calm, clear mornings; skip it when the flags are yellow or red.
- Use a dive flag or bright float — boats do pass the reef.
- Never stand on or touch the coral.
Common questions
Can you snorkel a coral reef from the beach near Fort Lauderdale?
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Yes. At Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, three reef lines lie within about 100 yards of the beach in roughly 10 feet of water, and the Shipwreck Snorkel Trail off Datura Avenue is reachable by swimming from shore.
Is there a shipwreck at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea?
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The Shipwreck Snorkel Trail is an artificial trail with an anchor, five concrete cannon replicas and a ballast pile. It is not a real sunken ship.
Nearby beaches
Facts checked October 10, 2026. Prices and schedules change — confirm with the operator before you go. Spot something out of date? Tell us.