Our 15 Favorite Artificial Reefs in South Florida
Jump in the water's warm!
As a long-time resident of South Florida, I have witnessed the growth and development of many artificial reefs in the area.
These man-made structures have provided valuable habitats for a wide variety of marine life, and have become popular destinations for divers and snorkelers. Over the years, the creation of artificial reefs has helped to revitalize local fisheries, while also providing opportunities for tourism and recreation. As a resident, I feel proud to live in an area that places such a strong emphasis on preserving and enhancing our natural environment. The artificial reefs in South Florida are not only beneficial for the marine ecosystem, but they also add to the beauty and diversity of our coastal communities.
Here's a few of our favorites
Rapa Nui Reef: Located off the coast of Deerfield Beach, this reef features several structures and sculptures, including a giant stone head replica of the Moai statues found on Easter Island. It's a popular spot for divers and snorkelers alike.
Mercedes-Benz Artificial Reef: This reef was created by sinking a 1971 Mercedes-Benz off the coast of Key Biscayne. The car has since become a popular attraction for divers, and is now covered in coral and other marine life.
Jim Atria Artificial Reef: Sunk off the coast of Pompano Beach, this reef consists of several large concrete sculptures designed to look like a sunken city. It's known for its abundant marine life, including schools of fish and colorful coral formations.
Tenneco Towers: These former oil drilling platforms were converted into artificial reefs and sunk off the coast of Stuart. They now provide habitat for a variety of fish species, and are a popular destination for divers and fishermen.
USS Spiegel Grove: This former Navy ship was intentionally sunk off the coast of Key Largo to create an artificial reef. It's now one of the largest and most popular wrecks for divers in the Florida Keys. Newton Creek Artificial Reef: Located off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, this reef features several sunken ships and concrete structures that provide habitat for a variety of marine life.
Miami Beach Wrecks: These four shipwrecks are located just off the coast of Miami Beach and are popular among divers for their diverse marine life and relatively shallow depth.
Sea Emperor Wreck: This former cargo ship was sunk off the coast of Pompano Beach and is now home to schools of fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.
South County Artificial Reef: This reef is located off the coast of Boca Raton and features several concrete and steel structures that provide habitat for fish and other marine animals.
Lofthus Artificial Reef: Located off the coast of Hollywood, this reef was created by sinking the remains of a barge, a tugboat, and several concrete structures.
Boynton Beach Artificial Reef: This reef is made up of several sunken ships, concrete structures, and even an old Rolls-Royce. It's a popular spot for divers and fishermen.
Pompano Pier Artificial Reef: This reef was created by sinking several concrete structures off the coast of Pompano Beach, and is home to a variety of marine life including barracuda and sea turtles.
Jake's Hole: Located off the coast of Key Largo, this artificial reef features several large concrete structures and is home to a variety of colorful fish and coral.
City of Hollywood Artificial Reef: This reef is located just off the coast of Hollywood and features several sunken ships and concrete structures.
Ana Cecilia Wreck: This 170-foot long tugboat was sunk off the coast of Pompano Beach to create an artificial reef, and is now home to schools of fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.
And here’s some links if you’d like to learn more…
Rapa Nui Reef: https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/things-to-do/outdoors-nature/rapa-nui-reef.htm
Mercedes-Benz Artificial Reef: https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/things-to-do/outdoors-nature/mercedes-benz-artificial-reef.html
Jim Atria Artificial Reef: https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/diving-and-snorkeling
Tenneco Towers: https://www.discovermartin.com/what-to-do/beaches/tenneco-towers/
USS Spiegel Grove: https://www.fla-keys.com/diving/wrecks/spiegel-grove/
Newton Creek Artificial Reef: https://www.sunny.org/listings/newton-creek-artificial-reef/3739/
Miami Beach Wrecks: https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/things-to-do/outdoors-nature/miami-beach-wrecks.html
Sea Emperor Wreck: https://www.sunny.org/listings/sea-emperor-wreck-artificial-reef/2964/
South County Artificial Reef: https://www.sunny.org/listings/south-county-artificial-reef/3753/
Lofthus Artificial Reef: https://www.broward.org/Parks/ThingsToDo/SaltwaterFishing/Pages/Lofthus.aspx
Boynton Beach Artificial Reef: https://www.boynton-beach.org/artificial-reefs
Pompano Pier Artificial Reef: https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/diving-and-snorkeling
Jake's Hole: https://www.fla-keys.com/diving/wrecks/jakes-hole/
City of Hollywood Artificial Reef: https://www.sunny.org/listings/city-of-hollywood-artificial-reef/3755/
Ana Cecilia Wreck: https://www.sunny.org/listings/ana-cecilia-wreck-artificial-reef/3750/