Diving at Moray Bend in Pompano Beach offers several highlights that make it a sought-after destination for divers. 

Article at a Glance

• Location: Moray Bend is situated in Pompano Beach, Florida, known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
• Depth: The dive site features depths ranging from 45 to 70 feet (14 to 21 meters), making it accessible for both beginners and advanced divers.
• Visibility: Divers can expect visibility between 30 to 60 feet (9 to 18 meters), with optimal conditions typically found in spring and summer.
• Marine Life: The site is home to a variety of species, including moray eels, nurse sharks, and goliath groupers, providing exciting opportunities for underwater photography.
• Diving Conditions: Moray Bend is primarily a drift diving site, allowing divers to glide along the reef with the current, enhancing the overall experience.
• Best Time to Dive: The ideal diving season is from April to September, when water temperatures are warmest and marine activity is at its peak.
• Conservation Efforts: Local initiatives focus on coral restoration, artificial reefs, and community clean-up events to protect the marine ecosystem at Moray Bend.

Moray Bend Pompano Beach

Dive Site Overview

• Depth: Moray Bend ranges from 45 to 70 feet (approximately 14 to 21 meters) deep, making it an ideal spot for drift diving, where divers can glide with the current while observing the underwater ecosystem.
• Marine Life: The site is home to a variety of fish species, including large grouper, snapper, and mutton. Divers often encounter moray eels, which are a highlight due to their abundance in the area. The reef structure provides excellent habitat for lobsters and other marine creatures.

Diving Experience

• Visibility: Generally, visibility at Moray Bend is good, allowing divers to enjoy the colorful corals and diverse marine life.
• Accessibility: The site is easily accessible from local dive charters, which frequently visit Moray Bend as part of their dive itineraries. It is recommended for divers looking to explore the rich underwater landscapes typical of South Florida’s reefs.

What Marine Life Can I Expect To See?

• Moray Eels: The site is named after these fascinating creatures, which are commonly found hiding among rocks and coral ledges. Both green moray eels and other species can be spotted.
• Nurse Sharks: Often seen swimming around the reef, nurse sharks are known for their docile nature and can frequently be observed interacting with divers.
• Goliath Groupers: These large fish can also be spotted at Moray Bend, adding to the excitement of the dive.
• Tropical Fish: A diverse array of tropical fish species inhabit the area, including parrotfish, snapper, angelfish, and sergeant majors. These colorful fish contribute to the site’s vibrant underwater scenery.
• Coral Species: The reef features various types of coral, including rare staghorn coral, which is vital for the ecosystem’s health.
• Other Marine Life: You may also encounter trumpetfish, barracuda, and occasional sightings of rays and turtles in the surrounding waters.

What Do Divers Say About This Site?

• Professional Dive Operations: Many divers commend the dive operators, particularly South Florida Diving Headquarters, for their professionalism and attention to safety. Reviewers highlight the crew’s ability to manage a diverse group of divers, accommodating varying skill levels and ensuring everyone has a safe experience.
• Enjoyable Diving Conditions: Divers appreciate the site’s conditions, noting that despite challenges such as rough seas and strong currents, the dive experience remains enjoyable. The drift diving aspect is often mentioned as a fun way to explore the underwater environment.
• Variety of Marine Life: The rich marine biodiversity at Moray Bend is frequently celebrated. Divers report seeing a range of species, including moray eels, nurse sharks, and vibrant tropical fish, which enhances their overall experience.
• Community Atmosphere: Many reviews reflect a sense of camaraderie among divers on the boats. The supportive environment created by both staff and fellow divers contributes to a memorable diving experience.

Key Information

Highlights of Diving This Site?

• Diverse Marine Life: The site is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including moray eels, nurse sharks, and a variety of tropical fish species. This abundance of marine life provides excellent opportunities for underwater photography and unique encounters with wildlife.
• Drift Diving Experience: Moray Bend is primarily a drift dive site, allowing divers to glide along the reef with the current. This method not only makes for an enjoyable dive but also covers more area, increasing the chances of spotting various marine species.
• Scenic Reef Structure: The reef features a main ledge that rises to about 20 feet high in some areas, providing a stunning backdrop for divers. The western-facing side of the reef boasts the highest concentration of coral cover and marine life, making it particularly attractive for exploration.
• Ideal Conditions: Generally, the diving conditions at Moray Bend are favorable, with depths ranging from 45 to 70 feet. This depth range is suitable for divers with open water certification or equivalent experience, making it accessible to a wide range of skill levels.
• Proximity to Other Dive Sites: Located near Boca Inlet, Moray Bend is often chosen by dive operators on days with rough seas due to its close proximity to other popular dive sites. This accessibility allows divers to easily explore multiple locations in one outing.
• Community and Support: Local dive shops provide guided dives and training, ensuring safety and enhancing the overall experience for divers. The supportive community atmosphere among divers adds to the enjoyment of diving at this site.

Iconic Spots At This Site

• Main Ledge: This is the primary feature of Moray Bend, where the highest concentration of marine life and coral cover can be found. The ledge rises about 20 feet high and is a prime location for spotting various species of moray eels, including green and spotted morays.
• Western Facing Ledge: Known for its vibrant coral formations and abundant marine life, this area is especially popular among photographers due to its stunning underwater scenery.
• Drift Dive Route: Divers often start at either the north or south hook depending on the current and drift along the main ledge. This scenic route allows for an immersive experience of the reef’s beauty while encountering diverse marine species.
• Spur & Groove System: Located on the deeper side of the reef, this area features unique coral formations that provide habitat for a variety of marine creatures. It’s a great spot for those interested in exploring different underwater landscapes.
• Goliath Grouper Sightings: Moray Bend is known for sightings of large goliath groupers, which can weigh several hundred pounds. Their presence adds excitement to dives, making them a highlight for many divers.

Environmental Conservation Efforts at Moray Bend

• Wahoo Bay Project: This initiative aims to create a living laboratory for marine education and conservation. The project involves installing SEAHIVE units, which are engineered structures designed to support marine life and protect shorelines from erosion. Mangroves will also be planted to enhance the ecosystem’s resilience and biodiversity.
• Coral Restoration Programs: Local dive shops and organizations collaborate with the Coral Restoration Foundation to outplant corals onto degraded reefs. These efforts aim to restore coral populations affected by disease and bleaching, thereby improving the health of the reef ecosystem.
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): There is an ongoing effort to designate areas like Nursery Reef as Marine Protected Areas. This designation helps safeguard local marine habitats from overfishing, pollution, and other harmful activities, ensuring sustainable use of marine resources.
• Community Clean-Up Initiatives: Regular beach and underwater clean-up events mobilize volunteers to remove debris from the ocean. These initiatives not only help reduce pollution but also raise awareness about marine conservation among participants.
• Artificial Reef Program: Broward County has established over 112 artificial reefs off its shores, using various materials such as ships and concrete modules. These artificial reefs provide new habitats for marine organisms and help alleviate pressure on natural reefs by reducing damage from anchors and divers.
• Education and Outreach: The Wahoo Bay project includes plans for educational programs that will allow local schools to participate in field trips, fostering a connection between students and marine conservation efforts. A livestream camera will showcase underwater activity, further engaging the community.

Maximizing Your Diving Experience at Moray Bend

Preparation and Planning

• Choose Optimal Dive Times: Early morning dives often provide better visibility and more active marine life. Check local tide charts and weather conditions to select the best times for diving.
• Know Your Gear: Familiarize yourself with your diving equipment, including your buoyancy control device (BCD), weights, and dive computer. Proper knowledge of your gear helps maintain buoyancy and enhances comfort underwater.
• Plan Your Dive Route: Start from either the north or south hook depending on current conditions, and drift along the main ledge for a scenic experience. This route allows divers to enjoy the vibrant marine life without strenuous swimming.

Skill Development

• Practice Buoyancy Control: Mastering buoyancy is crucial for protecting delicate corals and enjoying the dive. Consider taking a PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Course to improve your skills in weight management and movement through the water.
• Refine Finning Techniques: Use horizontal finning techniques to propel yourself efficiently while minimizing disturbance to the reef. Avoid vertical kicking, which can accidentally damage corals and stir up sediment.

Safety Considerations

• Dive with a Buddy: Always dive with a partner to enhance safety. Regularly check each other’s equipment and maintain awareness of each other’s positions throughout the dive.
• Carry Safety Equipment: Bring a surface marker buoy (SMB) or delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB) to improve visibility to surface vessels. Also, consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) for emergencies.
• Monitor Air Supply: Keep an eye on your air pressure gauge throughout the dive. Knowing your air status allows you to make informed decisions about your dive duration and ascent.

Environmental Awareness

• Respect Marine Life: Maintain a safe distance from marine creatures and avoid touching or disturbing them. This respect helps protect both divers and marine life, ensuring a sustainable diving environment.
• Participate in Conservation Efforts: Engage in local conservation initiatives, such as beach clean-ups or coral restoration projects. This involvement not only benefits the environment but also enhances your connection to the diving community.

Capturing Memories at Moray Bend: Photography Tips

Know Your Subjects

• Focus on Moray Eels: These creatures are abundant at Moray Bend. Use a macro lens (60mm or 105mm) to capture close-ups, or a wide-angle lens to include more of their environment. Patience is key; wait for them to emerge from their hiding spots for the best shots.

Optimal Camera Settings

• Use Appropriate Aperture and Shutter Speed: For shooting eels, settings like F8F8and 1/160s1/160s are often effective. Adjust your ISO based on lighting conditions—start at ISO 100 for clarity and low noise.
• Experiment with Angles: Shoot vertically to fill the frame with your subject and reduce water interference, enhancing image sharpness and contrast.

Lighting Techniques

• Utilize Natural Light: In shallow waters, natural light can be sufficient. Position yourself with the sun behind you to achieve vibrant colors in your images.
• Supplement with Strobes: If diving deeper or in low-light conditions, use strobes to illuminate your subjects effectively. This helps counteract backscatter and enhances color vibrancy.

Composition Strategies

• Frame Your Shots: Include elements of the reef in your composition to provide context and depth. Aim for a balanced shot that captures both the subject and its surroundings.
• Avoid Distortion: When using wide-angle lenses, compose your images carefully to minimize distortion at the edges of the frame.

Practice Buoyancy Control

• Master Your Buoyancy: Good buoyancy control is essential for steady shots. Practice before attempting photography to minimize movement that can lead to blurry images.

Be Mindful of Marine Life

• Respect the Environment: Avoid touching or disturbing marine life while photographing. This not only protects the ecosystem but also allows you to capture more natural behaviors in your subjects.

Post-Dive Review

• Review and Edit Your Photos: After your dive, take time to review your images and experiment with editing software to enhance colors and correct exposure issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pompano Beach Dive Sites

• Pompano Trench
• Lost Ledge
• Suzzane’s Ledge
• Pompano 3rd Reef Ridge
• Steve’s Twin Ledges
• Shark Reef
• Touchdown Reef
• Pompano Drop Off
• Grouper Bend
• Nursery
• Crab Cove
• Sea Ranch
• Hillsboro Ledge
• Lighthouse Ledge
• Mark’s Ledge
• Moray Bend
• Nolan’s Ledge
• Separated Rocks (Deerfield)
• The Horseshoe
• Abbey Too
• San Remo
• Shark Ledge
• Spotfin Reef