Breakers Reef is one of the most spectacular coral reef ecosystems in Palm Beach, Florida, offering divers an unforgettable underwater experience. Located just over 3 miles south of the Palm Beach Inlet and directly offshore from the famous Breakers Hotel, this dive site is known for its stunning coral formations and abundant marine life.

Article at a Glance

• Diverse Marine Life: Home to sea turtles, goliath groupers, various shark species, and vibrant reef fish, making it a rich ecosystem for divers.
• Ideal for All Skill Levels: Suitable for both beginners and advanced divers, offering a range of experiences from drift diving to deeper explorations.
• Optimal Diving Conditions: Best visibility of 40 to 60 feet and warm water temperatures (73°F to 80°F) make for comfortable diving year-round.
• Key Dive Sites: Notable spots include the Fourth Windows, King Neptune statue, and Elevator Shaft, each offering unique underwater features.
• Best Time to Dive: Spring and summer months (May to August) are ideal for turtle sightings and optimal diving conditions.
• Photography Opportunities: Excellent conditions for underwater photography with colorful corals and abundant marine life.
• Conservation Efforts: Active initiatives such as reef cleanups and artificial reef creation help protect the delicate marine ecosystem.

Breakers Reef Palm Beach

The reef runs north to south, featuring continuous ledges, undercuts, and crevices with depths ranging from 42 to 60 feet. The inside wall rises steeply from 30 feet in the sand to 20 feet on top, with a 4 to 8-foot ledge covered in barrel sponges and soft corals.

Diving Experience

Dive Type: Drift dive, suitable for Open Water certified divers

Visibility: Divers can expect excellent visibility, with reports of top-to-bottom clarity and 60-70 feet of horizontal visibilityPhotography: The reef offers endless subjects for both wide-angle and macro photography enthusiasts

Special Features:

• The “Fourth Window” dive spot aligns with the fourth window of the Breakers Hotel
• A statue of King Neptune can be found at the north end of the reef
• Remnants of a historic pier destroyed in the 1928 hurricane can be explored

What Marine Life Can I Expect To See?

Sea Turtles

• Loggerhead Turtles: Commonly seen, especially during nesting seasons from spring to summer, with sightings of 15 to 30 adults not uncommon.
• Green Turtles: Also prevalent in the area, they are often spotted alongside loggerheads.
• Hawksbill Turtles: Occasionally seen, identifiable by their distinctive shell shape.
• Kemp’s Ridley Turtles: Rarely encountered but noted as passing through the region.

Fish Species

• Reef Fish: A variety of species including blue angelfish, spadefish, jacks, grunts, and porkfish are abundant.
• Goliath Grouper: This large species can often be found residing in the reef’s structures.
• Pelagic Fish: Divers may also see larger species such as barracuda and even migratory bluefin tuna.

Sharks

• A range of shark species inhabit the area, including:
  • Nurse Sharks
  • Lemon Sharks
  • Blacktip Sharks
  • Hammerhead Sharks
  • Tiger Sharks
  • Bull Sharks
  • Rare sightings of great white sharks have also been reported.

Other Marine Life

• Eels: Green moray eels are commonly spotted lurking among the reefs.
• Rays: Southern stingrays and eagle rays are frequent visitors to the area.
• Invertebrates: The reef is home to various sponges and coral species that provide habitat for smaller marine organisms.

What Do Divers Say About This Site?

General Impressions

• Diverse Marine Life: Many divers highlight the abundance of marine species, including sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and larger predators like sharks. Sightings of loggerhead and green turtles are particularly noted during warmer months, with reports of 15 to 30 turtles observed in a single dive.
• Visibility and Conditions: The site is often described as having excellent visibility, typically ranging from 40 to 70 feet, which enhances the overall diving experience. Divers appreciate the warm water temperatures, usually around 76-80 degrees Fahrenheit, making for comfortable dives year-round.

Specific Experiences

• Unique Encounters: Divers have shared memorable experiences, such as observing squids displaying mating behaviors and witnessing cleaner shrimp interacting with larger fish like moray eels. The presence of cleaning stations adds a fascinating dynamic to dives, where divers can watch various species engage in mutualistic relationships.
• Drift Diving: The drift diving experience is frequently mentioned as enjoyable and easy to master. Divers appreciate the convenience of being carried along by currents, allowing them to explore the reef without exhausting swims back to the boat.

Dive Sites and Features

• Variety of Dive Spots: Breakers Reef features multiple dive sites like “Elevator Shaft” and “Fourth Window,” each offering unique underwater landscapes adorned with colorful sponges and corals. These areas are popular for both recreational diving and photography due to their scenic beauty.
• Community Engagement: Many divers express a sense of community among fellow divers at Breakers Reef. Reports of collaborative efforts to clean up debris from the reef demonstrate a commitment to preserving the underwater environment.

Key Information

Highlights of Diving This Site?

Diverse Marine Life

• Sea Turtles: Frequent sightings of loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles, especially from May to August, with reports of 15 to 30 loggerheads observed in a single dive.
• Fish Species: The reef is home to a variety of reef fish, including angelfish, parrotfish, grunts, and schools of spadefish and jacks. Large species like goliath grouper and various sharks (nurse, lemon, blacktip, and even occasional tiger sharks) are also common.
• Unique Creatures: Divers may encounter octopuses, southern stingrays, spotted eels, and stonefish among the coral formations.

Scenic Underwater Features

• Coral Formations: The reef features stunning coral formations with ledges, undercuts, and crevices that create a visually captivating environment for divers. The topography ranges from depths of 50 to 65 feet, ideal for exploration.
• Fourth Window Dive Spot: A notable feature where divers can explore beautiful ledges and reef fingers. This area is particularly popular for its rich marine life and unique underwater terrain.

Dive Experience

• Drift Diving: The site is known for its drift diving opportunities, allowing divers to effortlessly glide along the reef while enjoying the scenery without strenuous swimming.
• Visibility: Divers often report excellent visibility conditions, typically between 40 to 70 feet, enhancing the overall experience.

Special Activities

• Lobstering and Spearfishing: The deeper eastern side of the reef is suitable for activities like lobstering and spearfishing, providing additional excitement for experienced divers.

Iconic Spots At This Site

Fourth Windows

• Description: Located on the northern section of Breakers Reef, this area features beautiful ledges and reef fingers. It is a favorite among divers for its rich marine life.
• Depth: 45 to 59 feet.
• Highlights: Frequent sightings of tropical fish, sea turtles, moray eels, and nurse sharks. A heavily encrusted communications cable adds an interesting feature to explore.

King Neptune Statue

• Description: An 8-foot statue of King Neptune, placed in the late 1970s, lies at the end of the reef.
• Depth: Approximately 59 feet.
• Highlights: The statue is surrounded by tropical fish and often visited by sea turtles, making it a popular photo opportunity for divers.

Elevator Shaft

• Description: This site features a well-defined ledge that runs straight, providing excellent visibility and opportunities to see diverse marine life.
• Depth: 45 to 57 feet.
• Highlights: Common sightings include moray eels, grouper, spiny lobster, and various tropical fish among soft and hard corals.

North and South Turtle Mounds

• Description: These isolated coral mounds are located on the inshore side of Breakers Reef.
• Depth: Ranges from 42 feet on top to 62 feet in the surrounding sand.
• Highlights: A hotspot for grouper, hogfish, sea turtles, spiny lobster, and moray eels.

The Trench

• Description: A unique feature at the southern end of Breakers Reef with a trench that provides shelter for various marine species.
• Highlights: Ideal for night dives where divers can spot lobsters, crabs, and resting turtles or sharks.

Dive-O-Rama

• Description: This site features a mix of patch reefs and ledges with a vibrant ecosystem.
• Depth: 43 to 56 feet.
• Highlights: Known for juvenile fish populations and frequent sightings of barracuda and sea turtles at cleaning stations.

Environmental Conservation Efforts at Breakers Reef

1. Reef Cleanup Programs: Palm Beach County participates in annual reef cleanups to remove marine debris from local coral reefs, helping to minimize indirect impacts on the reef ecosystem and associated organisms (1)(6).
2. Artificial Reef Creation: Palm Beach County has created artificial reef areas to reduce pressure on natural reefs like Breakers Reef. Over 49 vessels, 110,000 tons of concrete, and 140,000 tons of limestone boulders have been deployed to create new marine habitats (3).
3. Mooring Buoy Installation: Mooring buoys are being installed near natural reef sites to allow boaters, divers, and fishers to tie their vessels instead of dropping anchors onto fragile coral reefs (4).
4. Reef Injury Prevention and Response (RIPR) Program: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection established this program to manage and respond to coral reef injury events (4).
5. Disturbance Response Monitoring: Local organizations like the Palm Beach Zoo participate in monitoring programs to assess thermal stress on vulnerable stony coral species (5).
6. Education and Outreach: Efforts are made to inform residents and visitors about responsible coastal enjoyment and reef protection (2).
7. Enforcement of Regulations: Existing rules and regulations are enforced to protect the reef ecosystems (2).
8. Water Quality Improvement: There are ongoing efforts to reduce land-based sources of pollution to improve water quality for reef ecosystems (2).

Maximizing Your Diving Experience at Breakers Reef

Timing Your Dive

• Plan your dive during spring and summer months (May to August) for the best chance to see numerous sea turtles, with reports of 15 to 30 adult loggerheads in a single dive.
• Aim for high tide for optimal visibility and minimal current.

Exploring Key Areas

• Visit the “Fourth Windows” area, featuring beautiful ledges and reef fingers at depths of 45 to 59 feet.
• Explore the “Elevator Shaft,” a well-defined ledge at 45 to 57 feet, known for moray eels, grouper, and spiny lobster.
• Check out the “North and South Turtle Mounds,” isolated coral mounds at 42-62 feet, which are hotspots for marine life.

Marine Life Encounters

• Look for the resident Goliath groupers.
• Keep an eye out for various shark species, including lemon, reef, black-tip, and even occasional hammerheads.
• Search for unique creatures in debris and old bottles on the seafloor.

Photography Opportunities

• Bring a camera to capture the diverse marine life and coral formations.
• The King Neptune statue at 59 feet depth offers a great photo opportunity.

Conservation Awareness

• Participate in reef cleanup efforts by collecting any marine debris you encounter during your dive.
• Be mindful of your buoyancy to avoid damaging the coral structures.

Dive Techniques

• Practice drift diving skills, as Breakers Reef is known for its excellent drift diving conditions.
• Use a compass for navigation, especially in the shallower areas between bridges.

Capturing Memories at Breakers Reef: Photography Tips

Know Your Equipment

• Camera Choice: Use a camera that is suitable for underwater photography, ideally one with manual settings. DSLRs or mirrorless cameras with housing are popular choices.
• Lenses: A wide-angle lens (e.g., 10-17mm fisheye) is great for capturing expansive reefscapes and marine life up close. Macro lenses are ideal for detailed shots of smaller creatures.

Lighting Techniques

• Strobes and Filters: Utilize strobes to illuminate your subjects and reduce backscatter. Blue-filtered strobes can enhance the vibrant colors of corals and fish, especially in deeper waters where natural light diminishes (8).
• Natural Light: When shooting in shallower areas, take advantage of natural light. Position yourself so that the sun is behind you to achieve a beautiful blue water color and avoid shadows on your subjects (7).

Get Close to Your Subject

• Proximity: Underwater photography often requires getting close to your subject to capture details and reduce water distortion. Aim for a distance of 1-2 feet from marine life for striking images.
• Patience: Allow marine life to approach you rather than chasing after them, which can lead to better compositions and more natural behavior.

Composition Techniques

• Foreground Interest: Include interesting foreground elements like corals or sponges to add depth to your photos.
• Rule of Thirds: Use the rule of thirds to create balanced compositions, placing key subjects along the grid lines or intersections.

Environmental Awareness

• Respect Marine Life: Avoid touching or disturbing the reef and its inhabitants. Familiarize yourself with the underwater environment before taking photos.
• Conservation Efforts: Participate in reef cleanups during your dives by collecting debris, which can also provide opportunities for interesting before-and-after shots.

Experiment with Different Styles

• Try various techniques, such as circular fisheye shots or capturing fluorescent corals at night, which can yield unique visuals and enhance your portfolio.

Practice Makes Perfect

• Regularly practice your diving and photography skills in different conditions to become comfortable with your equipment and improve your underwater photography techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Palm Beach Diving Sites

• Blue Heron Bridge
• Breakers Reef
• Flower Gardens
• Juno Ledge
• King Neptune
• Northwest Double Ledges
• South Double Ledges
• Cable Crossing
• Breakers 3rd Window
• Rons Rock
• Ballentine Reef
• Worth Avenue Pier Debris
• Playpen or Playground
• Bath and Tennis
• North and South Turtle Mounds
• Shark Canyon
• Larsens Valley
• Hole in the Wall 

Reference List

• (1) The Southeast Florida Marine Debris Reporting and Removal Program
• (2) Conservation actions aim to reduce the main threats to Florida’s Coral Reef
• (3) Environmental Resources Management
• (4) Palm Beach County Reefs
• (5) Florida’s Coral Reef Conservation
• (6) DIVE AGAINST DEBRIS DATA SUBMISSION
• (7) How to photograph coral reefscapes
• (8) Underwater Tips for photographing coral