With a coral reef only 100 yards off shore, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is one of the most popular spots in Florida for beach diving. Recognized as “Florida’s Beach Diving Capital,” our shoreline is a hot-spot for divers, teeming with marine life located less than 100 yards off the beach. And, since the reefs are in shallow water, beach divers enjoy extended bottom time. Red and white striped Diver Down flags are a part of everyday life here.
No need to spend money on boat dives – walk out of your hotel room and into the ocean, to easily snorkel or dive, and go nose-to-nose with fish, turtles, lobsters, and other marine life. Many of our hotels are right on the sand, so it’s easy to dive anytime you like in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea.
Our Shipwreck Snorkel Trail right off the beach is fun for all ages, and the Underwater Archaeological Preserve, the SS Copenhagen, lies north of town, and is reachable by boat.
We also have two dive shops located right in town, to help with tanks and other gear, as well as give information on the best places to dive.
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea also hosts Bugfest-By-The-Sea, an annual celebration of Florida’s lobster mini season each July. As part of the fun, divers can catch up to 12 lobsters a day, and then celebrate the joy of diving with other divers at events planned around town.
In addition to diving right off our beaches, you can kayak and paddle board. Of course, hanging out or fishing from the historic pier over the ocean is also a fun post-dive experience.
From the Ocean to the Intracoastal, It’s All Here
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is just a stroll from the Atlantic Ocean west to the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway. With dozens of low-rise, family-owned hotels(literally on the sand!), local eateries, and entertainment just steps from our hotels, our Town Walking Map is a handy guide for your visit to our beachfront town.
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is committed to conserving our ocean. We’re designated a “Blue Wave Beach,” a distinction given to clean and environmentally responsible beach communities.
No Car Needed
The best part about visiting Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is that you don’t need a car to discover all that we have to offer – everything is just a stroll away. Many hotels offer free bikes, and bike rentals are available, along with our free “around town” Pelican Hopper bus.
We’re A Small Town, And We’re Staying That Way
We take pride in being different from our big city neighbors Fort Lauderdale and Pompano, exuding old Florida charm with our distinctive mid-century modern architecture.
We’re a “flip-flop, diving kind of town,” and we welcome you to come relax and enjoy our beach diving life with us!
