Stepping Stone North is part of a larger network of artificial reefs in Palm Beach County, designed to create intermediate shelters for fish moving from inshore habitats to the open ocean.

Article at a Glance

• Location: Stepping Stone North is an artificial reef located off the coast of Boynton Beach, Florida, designed to enhance marine habitats.
• Depth: The dive site ranges from 25 to 35 feet, making it accessible for divers of all skill levels, including beginners.
• Visibility: Divers can expect visibility between 10 to 60 feet, with the best conditions typically occurring in the summer months.
• Marine Life: The reef supports a diverse ecosystem, featuring species such as snapper, grouper, and various crustaceans, providing excellent opportunities for observation and photography.
• Current Conditions: Generally mild currents make this site suitable for novice divers while still offering enough interest for experienced divers.
• Best Time to Dive: Late spring to early fall is considered the optimal time for diving, with warmer water temperatures and improved visibility.
• Community Involvement: Local dive operators provide guided dives and support conservation efforts, enhancing the overall diving experience and promoting marine protection.

Stepping Stone Reef Boynton Beach

Stepping Stone North is an artificial reef located near the shore of Boynton Beach, Florida. The reef was deployed on August 13, 2013, and covers approximately 7500 square feet in 35 feet of water13.

Reef Composition

The reef consists of:

• Two pre-fabricated concrete reef modules at the north end
• 910 tons of large limestone boulders forming the remaining section (1)

The structure varies in height, with the highest point reaching 8 feet above the ocean floor in some areas1.

Marine Life

Stepping Stone North provides habitat for hundreds of species of fish, crustaceans, and other marine organisms1. This diverse ecosystem makes it an excellent location for observing marine life.

Diving Experience

This reef is particularly suitable for:

• Beginning divers
• Snorkelers

The current is generally less of a factor here, allowing for easier navigation. Divers can explore the area by swimming in a circle or zigzagging across the reef.

What Marine Life Can I Expect To See?

Common Marine Life

• Fish Species: Expect to see a variety of reef fish, including:
  • Snapper
  • Groupers
  • Triggerfish
  • Parrotfish
• Crustaceans: Various types of crabs and shrimp inhabit the reef, contributing to the ecosystem’s diversity.
• Other Marine Organisms: The reef also provides habitat for soft and hard corals, as well as other invertebrates.

Habitat Features

The artificial reef’s structure, which includes pre-fabricated concrete modules and limestone boulders, creates numerous hiding spots and feeding areas for marine life. This complexity supports a rich biodiversity, allowing both juvenile and adult fish to thrive while providing protection from predators.

What Do Divers Say About This Site?

Positive Feedback Highlights

• Diverse Marine Life: Many divers appreciate the rich biodiversity at Stepping Stone Reef, noting the variety of fish species and vibrant underwater ecosystems. This makes for an engaging and visually rewarding dive experience.
• Professional Dive Operators: Reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of dive operators like Starfish Scuba and Boynton Beach Dive Center. Divers commend the staff for their attentiveness and safety measures, which enhance the overall diving experience. For instance, divers have noted that the crew takes time to assess individual experience levels and provide necessary assistance, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers.
• Comfortable Diving Conditions: Many divers mention favorable conditions, such as low currents, which contribute to enjoyable dives. The well-maintained boats and equipment also receive praise, ensuring a comfortable experience on the water35.
• Instructor Quality: Specific instructors, like Clay Hertzoff from Boynton Beach Dive Center, are frequently mentioned for their knowledge and ability to make diving enjoyable while prioritizing safety. This has led to recommendations for both certification courses and guided dives.

Key Information

Highlights of Diving This Site?

Diverse Marine Ecosystem

• Rich Biodiversity: The reef supports a wide variety of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, large rays, and various coral species. This diversity enhances the overall diving experience, providing opportunities for both observation and photography.

Unique Structure

• Artificial Reef Design: The reef consists of pre-fabricated concrete modules and limestone boulders, creating numerous hiding spots and feeding areas for marine organisms. This structure fosters a vibrant ecosystem that divers can explore.

Excellent Visibility

• Visibility Conditions: Divers generally report good visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters, allowing for clear views of the underwater environment and its inhabitants.

Varied Dive Sites

• Multiple Dive Locations: Within the Stepping Stone complex, there are several distinct dive sites, each offering unique features:
  • The Maze: A series of canyons and caves where divers can encounter larger fish species.
  • Hawaii: Known for its deeper drop-offs and abundant big fish life.
  • Cluster of Four: A group of medium-sized stones providing excellent terrain for exploration.
  • The Lost Stone: Offers deeper dives with rich fish life.

Suitable for All Levels

• Accessibility: The site is suitable for both novice and experienced divers. The generally mild currents and shallow areas make it ideal for beginners, while the more challenging sections cater to advanced divers.

Positive Diver Experiences

• Community Feedback: Divers frequently express satisfaction with their experiences at Stepping Stone Reef, often highlighting the professionalism of local dive operators and the overall enjoyment of the underwater scenery.

Iconic Spots At This Site

Key Iconic Spots

• Pre-Fabricated Concrete Modules: Located at the north end of the reef, these modules create unique underwater structures that attract a variety of marine life. They provide excellent opportunities for divers to explore and observe fish hiding in and around them.
• Limestone Boulder Pile: Comprising 910 tons of large limestone boulders, this section of the reef offers diverse habitats for marine organisms. The varied topography encourages exploration and interaction with different species.
• The High Point: The highest point of the reef rises about 8 feet above the ocean floor, providing a vantage point for divers to survey the surrounding area and observe marine life from above.

Unique Features

• Rich Marine Life: The combination of artificial structures and natural boulders supports a thriving ecosystem, making it a hotspot for encountering various fish species, crustaceans, and other marine organisms.
• Shallow Depths: The site is situated in approximately 35 feet of water, making it accessible for divers of all skill levels, including beginners. This shallow depth allows for extended dive times and easier navigation.

Navigational Tips

• Circular Navigation: Due to generally mild currents, divers often find it effective to navigate the area in a circular or zigzag pattern, which enhances their ability to explore different parts of the reef efficiently.

Environmental Conservation Efforts at Stepping Stone North

Artificial Reef Creation

Stepping Stone North was deployed on August 13, 2013, covering approximately 7500 square feet in 35 feet of water1. This artificial reef project aims to:

• Provide habitat for hundreds of species of fish, crustaceans, and other marine organisms
• Create intermediate shelters for fish moving from inshore habitats to the open ocean
• Support biodiversity and ecosystem health in the area

Reef Structure and Design

The reef’s design incorporates elements that promote marine life:

• Two pre-fabricated concrete reef modules at the north end
• 910 tons of large limestone boulders forming the remaining section
• Varied structure height, with the highest point reaching 8 feet above the ocean floor

This design creates numerous hiding spots and feeding areas for marine organisms, fostering a rich ecosystem.

Coral Restoration Opportunities

While not specifically mentioned for Stepping Stone North, nearby artificial reef projects in the area, such as the 1000 Mermaids Project, incorporate features for coral restoration:

• Patented “Coral Lok” system allowing coral to be out-planted directly to the structures
• Structures designed to support fish habitat and provide coral restoration opportunities (2)

Environmental Monitoring

Local conservation groups and government agencies are involved in monitoring the impact of artificial reefs:

• Regular monitoring with underwater video and photography
• Assessment of marine life growth and ecosystem development over time

Community Involvement

These artificial reef projects often involve community participation:

• Local diving and fishing communities contribute to monitoring efforts (3)
• Educational opportunities for the public to learn about marine conservation

Maximizing Your Diving Experience at Stepping Stone North

Dive Preparation

• Choose the right skill level: The site is ideal for Open Water Divers and beginners
• Depth range: Plan for 25-35 feet of water
• Navigation technique: Use circular or zigzag patterns across the reef to explore thoroughly

Marine Life Observation

• Best practices for marine life viewing:
  • Move slowly and deliberately
  • Look carefully around limestone boulders and concrete modules
  • Check both high and low points of the reef structure
  • Pay special attention to hiding spots where fish and crustaceans congregate

Technical Diving Tips

• Current Conditions: This site typically has less challenging currents, making it more accessible
• Visibility: Expect clear underwater conditions that allow for excellent marine life observation
• Exploration: The reef’s varied height (up to 8 feet above the ocean floor) provides multiple viewing perspectives

Recommended Equipment

• Standard open water diving gear
• Underwater camera for capturing marine life
• Dive computer
• Underwater light for exploring shadowy areas

Capturing Memories at Stepping Stone North: Photography Tips

Get Close to Your Subject

• Proximity Matters: Water absorbs light and reduces color vibrancy, so aim to be within 12 inches of your subject for the best clarity and detail. This minimizes backscatter from particles in the water.

Use Proper Lighting

• Natural Light: Shoot when the sun is directly overhead (between 10 AM and 2 PM) for optimal lighting conditions. This helps reduce shadows and enhances color saturation (4).
• Strobes and Flash: If using a strobe, ensure it’s turned on, especially in deeper water where natural light diminishes. Position the strobe away from your camera to minimize backscatter (5).

Master Your Buoyancy

• Control Your Movement: Good buoyancy control is crucial for stability while shooting. Practice hovering and adjusting your position with controlled breathing to avoid disturbing marine life or stirring up sediment.

Composition Techniques

• Angle of Shot: Shoot from a low angle, ideally upwards, to create depth and interest in your images. This technique also helps highlight your subject against the surface light.
• Rule of Thirds: Frame your subject according to the rule of thirds by placing it off-center for a more dynamic composition.

Adjust White Balance

• Color Correction: Use custom white balance settings to counteract the blue hues that occur with depth. Recalibrate every 10-15 feet as you descend to maintain accurate colors.

Be Patient and Respectful

• Wildlife Interaction: Approach marine life slowly and calmly; sudden movements can scare them away. Patience will allow you to capture more natural behaviors and interactions.

Practice Makes Perfect

• Familiarize Yourself with Your Gear: Before diving, practice using your camera in a controlled environment to become comfortable with its settings and functions. This preparation will help you react quickly underwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boca Raton – Boyton Beach Dive Sites

• Boca Artificial Reef Ledge
• Brighton Ledge
• Opal Towers
• Finks Grouper Hole
• Boca OutFall Trench
• Paul’s Reef
• Horseshoe Reef
• Casino Reef
• Stepping Stone Reef
• Rags Reef
• Lynn’s Reef
• Gazebo Reef
• Briny Breezes Reef
• Black Condo Ledge
• Gulfstream Ledge
• Delray Ledges
• Boynton Ledges

Reference List

• (1) Artificial reef off Boca Raton completes county plan for inlets
• (2) Marine Protected Areas Group in the Southeast
• (3) The Southeast Florida Marine Debris Reporting and Removal Program
• (4) How to photograph coral reefscapes
• (5) Underwater Tips for photographing coral