Perry Street Rocks: A Premier Diving Guide in Fort Lauderdale

Perry Street Rocks, located in Hollywood, Florida, is a notable dive site known for its underwater boulders and diverse marine life.

Article at a Glance

Location: Perry Street Rocks is located approximately 600 feet offshore in Hollywood, Florida, making it easily accessible for divers.
Depth: The dive site features shallow depths ranging from 12 to 20 feet, suitable for both beginners and advanced divers.
Visibility: Divers can expect visibility between 10 to 30 feet, varying with weather and sea conditions.
Marine Life: The site is home to a diverse array of marine species, including angelfish, nurse sharks, and sea turtles, providing excellent opportunities for observation and photography.
Best Time to Dive: Late spring to early fall is ideal for diving, with daytime dives recommended between 10 AM and 2 PM. Night dives are also popular for experiencing nocturnal marine life.
Unique Features: The artificial reef structure consists of large boulders that create interesting formations, enhancing the underwater exploration experience.
Community Engagement: Local dive shops organize group dives and educational sessions, fostering a sense of community among divers while promoting responsible diving practices.

Perry Street Rocks Fort Lauderdale

Overview of Perry Street Rocks

Location: The dive site is situated approximately 600 feet off the beach at the intersection of Perry Street and North Surf in Hollywood, FL.
Depth: The average depth ranges from 12 to 20 feet, making it accessible for divers of various experience levels.
Structure: The site features a field of large boulders that create an artificial reef environment, attracting a variety of fish and coral species.

Diving Experience

Accessibility: Perry Street Rocks is a shore-accessible dive site, which means divers can enter the water directly from the beach.
Night Diving: The site is also popular for night dives, where the underwater landscape transforms dramatically, revealing different marine life and behaviors not seen during the day.

Marine Life

Divers at Perry Street Rocks can expect to encounter:

A diverse array of corals and fish species, which thrive among the boulders.
The site serves as a habitat for both small and larger marine creatures, making it ideal for underwater photography and exploration.

Community and Events

Local dive shops often organize group dives to Perry Street Rocks, providing opportunities for divers to meet others and explore the site together. For instance, Aquatic Ventures hosts night dives here regularly.

What Marine Life Can I Expect To See?

Fish Species:
- Angelfish: Known for their vibrant colors and unique shapes, these fish are often spotted around the boulders.
- Sergeant Majors: Small, striped fish that are friendly and often found in schools.
- Nurse Sharks: These bottom-dwelling sharks can occasionally be seen resting on the ocean floor.
- Barracudas: Often present in the area, they are known for their sleek bodies and predatory nature.
- Snapper and Snook: Commonly found near reefs, these species add to the diversity of fish life.
Other Marine Creatures:
- Sea Turtles: Occasionally spotted swimming through the area, adding to the site’s allure.
- Corals and Sponges: The boulders provide a substrate for various corals and sponges to grow, contributing to the reef ecosystem.
Night Diving Highlights:
- The underwater environment changes significantly at night, with different species becoming active. Night dives at Perry Street Rocks can reveal nocturnal behaviors of marine life, including various fish species that are less visible during the day.

What Do Divers Say About This Site?

Accessibility and Dive Experience

Easy Access: Many divers appreciate that Perry Street Rocks is one of the most accessible beach dives in the area, located just 600 feet off the beach at a manageable depth of 12 to 20 feet. This makes it a great spot for both novice and experienced divers.
Unique Structure: The site features large boulders, some the size of cars, which create interesting formations to explore. Divers enjoy swimming between and underneath these boulders, enhancing the diving experience.

Marine Life

Diverse Ecosystem: Divers frequently mention the variety of marine life, including angelfish, sergeant majors, nurse sharks, and sea turtles. The presence of these species contributes to a vibrant underwater environment that divers find exciting.
Night Diving: Night dives at Perry Street Rocks are particularly popular, as the underwater landscape transforms dramatically. Divers report seeing different species and behaviors during night dives compared to daytime.

Group Dives: Local dive shops often organize group dives to this site, fostering a sense of community among divers. This social aspect is appreciated by many who enjoy meeting fellow diving enthusiasts.
Recommendations: Divers often recommend Perry Street Rocks as a must-visit spot for those looking to experience shore diving in South Florida. It is seen as an excellent location for both casual exploration and serious underwater photography due to its rich biodiversity.

Key Information

Category	Details
Location	Hollywood, Florida, approximately 600 feet offshore
Depth	12 to 20 feet
Visibility	10 to 30 feet (varies with conditions)
Suitability	Suitable for beginners and advanced divers
Marine Life	Angelfish, nurse sharks, sea turtles, and more
Best Time to Dive	Late spring to early fall; daytime (10 AM – 2 PM) and night dives available
Entry Type	Shore access
Unique Features	Artificial reef structure with large boulders
Night Diving	Popular; offers unique nocturnal marine life
Local Dive Shops	Aquatic Ventures, Divers Cove
Certification Required	Open Water certification recommended for diving

Perry Street Rocks

Highlights of Diving This Site?

Artificial Reef Structure: Completed in 2006, the site consists of large boulders, some the size of small cars, creating an engaging underwater landscape. This structure provides plenty of nooks and crannies for marine life to inhabit, enhancing the diving experience.
Marine Life Diversity: Divers frequently report encountering a wide range of marine species, including angelfish, sergeant majors, nurse sharks, and even sea turtles. The presence of these species contributes to a vibrant ecosystem that divers find captivating.
Accessibility: Located about 600 feet offshore at depths ranging from 12 to 20 feet, Perry Street Rocks is easily accessible from the beach. This makes it suitable for divers of all skill levels, including beginners.
Night Diving Opportunities: The site is well-known for its night dives, where the underwater environment transforms dramatically. Divers often highlight the unique experience of seeing nocturnal marine life and different behaviors compared to daytime dives.
Community Engagement: Local dive shops frequently organize group dives at Perry Street Rocks, fostering a sense of community among divers. This social aspect enhances the overall diving experience and provides opportunities for divers to connect with others who share similar interests.
Unique Experiences: Some divers have reported special encounters, such as seeing manta rays and nurse sharks during their dives. These unexpected moments add excitement and make each dive memorable.

Iconic Spots At This Site

The Rock Pile: This is the main feature of the dive site, consisting of large boulders that create an artificial reef. The boulders, some as large as cars, provide numerous hiding spots for marine life and interesting formations for divers to explore.
The Coral Gardens: Surrounding the rock formations, divers can find patches of coral that host a variety of fish species. These gardens are particularly vibrant and are a favorite spot for underwater photography.
Nurse Shark Hangout: Divers often report encounters with nurse sharks resting on the sandy bottom near the rocks. This area has become known for these gentle creatures, making it a popular spot for divers hoping to see them up close.
Angelfish Alley: Certain areas around the boulders are frequented by schools of angelfish. Divers enjoy swimming through these spots to observe the colorful fish in their natural habitat.
Night Dive Locations: At night, specific areas of the rock pile come alive with different marine life. Night dives reveal nocturnal species and behaviors, making these spots particularly exciting for divers seeking a unique experience.

Environmental Conservation Efforts at Perry Street Rocks

Artificial Reef Development

Completion and Purpose: The Perry Street Rock Pile was established in 2006 as part of a beach renourishment project by Broward County. The aim was to create a habitat for marine life, enhance biodiversity, and provide a recreational diving site.

Marine Life Protection

Habitat Creation: The large boulders that make up the reef serve as a substrate for various marine organisms, including corals and fish. This structure helps to support a diverse ecosystem, contributing to the overall health of local marine environments.

Community Engagement

Diving Organizations: Local dive shops, such as Aquatic Ventures and Divers Cove, organize group dives and educational sessions about responsible diving practices. These initiatives encourage divers to respect marine life and minimize their impact on the environment.

Conservation Awareness

Promoting Sustainable Practices: Divers are often educated about the importance of marine conservation, including avoiding contact with corals and not disturbing marine creatures. This awareness helps to protect the delicate balance of the reef ecosystem.

Research and Monitoring

Ongoing Studies: While specific studies related to Perry Street Rocks were not detailed in the search results, artificial reefs like this one are often monitored for their ecological impact. Research typically focuses on assessing biodiversity and the health of marine populations in these constructed habitats.

Maximizing Your Diving Experience at Perry Street Rocks

Preparation Before the Dive

Check Conditions: Always check the weather and sea conditions before heading out. Perry Street Rocks is about 600 feet off the beach, and conditions can change rapidly. Ensure that visibility and wave heights are suitable for diving.
Gear Up Properly: Make sure your diving gear is in good condition. Bring a dive flag if diving from shore to alert boaters of your presence.

Dive Planning

Choose the Right Time: Consider diving during different times of day. Day dives offer vibrant marine life, while night dives reveal nocturnal species and behaviors. Night dives are particularly popular at Perry Street Rocks, providing a unique experience with different visibility and marine interactions.
Join Group Dives: Participating in organized group dives through local dive shops, like Aquatic Ventures or Divers Cove, can enhance your experience. These groups often provide guides who know the area well and can help you navigate the site safely.

During the Dive

Explore Iconic Spots: Focus on key areas such as the Rock Pile, Coral Gardens, and Nurse Shark Hangout. These spots are known for their rich marine life and unique underwater formations.
Observe Marine Life: Keep an eye out for diverse species like angelfish, nurse sharks, and sea turtles. Be respectful of their habitat—avoid touching corals or disturbing marine creatures to ensure their protection.
Take Photos: If you enjoy underwater photography, bring a camera to capture the vibrant marine life and unique rock formations. Early morning or late afternoon light can provide excellent conditions for photography.

Post-Dive Activities

Debrief with Fellow Divers: After your dive, share experiences with other divers. Discussing what you saw can enhance your understanding of the ecosystem and help you plan future dives.
Contribute to Conservation: Engage in local conservation efforts by participating in beach clean-ups or reporting any invasive species like lionfish that may threaten local ecosystems.

Capturing Memories at Perry Street Rocks: Photography Tips

Get Close to Your Subject

Proximity Matters: Water absorbs light, so getting as close as possible (within 12 inches) will enhance color and clarity in your photos. This minimizes the amount of water between your camera and the subject, reducing the blue-gray hue often seen in underwater images.

Use Natural Light Wisely

Optimal Conditions: Shoot in shallow water (less than 20 feet) during sunny days, ideally between 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun is high. Position yourself with the sun behind you to avoid backlighting and excessive shadows.

Utilize Flash and Strobes

Lighting Techniques: If using a flash or strobe, turn it on when you’re within 2-3 feet of your subject. For subjects further away, consider turning off the flash to avoid backscatter, which can diminish image quality. An external strobe can also help illuminate larger subjects effectively.

Focus on Composition

Angles Matter: Shoot from a low angle, aiming upwards to create a more dynamic composition. Avoid centering your subject; instead, try to fill the frame and use diagonal lines for added interest.

Focus on the Eyes

Eye Contact: In wildlife photography, focusing on the eyes of your subject creates a connection with viewers. This technique often makes the image more compelling and engaging.

Practice Buoyancy Control

Stability is Key: Good buoyancy control allows you to maintain a steady position while taking photos, which is crucial for sharp images. Practice diving with your camera to become comfortable with movement and positioning.

Experiment with Manual Settings

Control Your Shot: If your camera allows, use manual or aperture priority mode to adjust settings based on lighting conditions. This gives you better control over exposure and helps achieve the desired effect in varying underwater light conditions.

Avoid Disturbing Marine Life

Respect Wildlife: Move slowly and calmly to avoid scaring away marine creatures. Staying still may even encourage curious animals to approach you, leading to unique photographic opportunities.

Capture Different Perspectives

Diverse Shots: Take a mix of close-up macro shots and wider scenic shots of the reef. Varying your perspective helps create a more comprehensive visual story of your dive experience.

Post-Dive Review

Learn from Each Dive: After diving, review your photos to assess what worked well and what could be improved for next time. This reflection can help enhance your skills for future dives.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to dive Perry Street Rocks?

The best time to dive at Perry Street Rocks largely depends on your preferences for marine life visibility and conditions.

Daytime Diving
Optimal Conditions: Daytime dives are popular, especially during the late morning to early afternoon (10 AM to 2 PM). This timing takes advantage of the sun’s position, which improves visibility and lighting underwater.
Marine Life Activity: During the day, divers can expect to see a variety of marine species such as angelfish, nurse sharks, and sea turtles, which are more active in natural light.

Night Diving
Unique Experience: Night dives at Perry Street Rocks offer a completely different underwater experience. The site is known for its vibrant nocturnal marine life, including species that are not visible during the day.
Scheduled Night Dives: For example, Aquatic Ventures organizes night dives regularly, with specific events scheduled (e.g., recent night dives were held on November 27, 2024) 1 2. These dives typically meet around 6 PM for preparation and enter the water by 7 PM.

Seasonal Considerations
Weather Conditions: The best time for diving also depends on seasonal weather patterns. Generally, late spring through early fall offers warmer water temperatures and calmer seas, making it ideal for diving.
Avoiding Storms: Be mindful of hurricane season (June to November) when conditions can become unpredictable. Checking local weather forecasts before planning your dive is essential.

What is the visibility like while diving Perry Street Rocks?

Visibility while diving at Perry Street Rocks can vary based on several factors, including weather conditions, time of year, and water clarity.

General Visibility Conditions
Typical Visibility: Divers generally report that visibility at Perry Street Rocks ranges from 10 to 30 feet, depending on the conditions. Clear days with calm seas typically result in better visibility.
Influencing Factors: Factors such as recent rain, wave activity, and currents can affect visibility. After heavy rains, runoff can lead to reduced clarity due to sediment being stirred up.

Seasonal Considerations
Best Seasons: The best visibility is often experienced during the late spring and summer months when water temperatures are warmer and conditions are generally more stable. During these times, divers can expect clearer waters.
Night Diving: Visibility may also differ during night dives. While some divers enjoy the unique experience of night diving, they may find that visibility is reduced compared to daytime dives due to the limited light.

Recommendations for Best Visibility
Timing: Plan dives for mid-morning to early afternoon when sunlight is optimal for underwater photography and visibility.
Weather Check: Always check local weather forecasts and sea conditions before diving. Calm days with little wind will typically offer the best visibility.

How deep are the dives at Perry Street Rocks?

Diving at Perry Street Rocks typically occurs at depths ranging from 12 to 20 feet. The site features an artificial reef made up of large boulders, some of which have high peaks that contribute to the variation in depth. This makes it an accessible dive location suitable for divers of various experience levels, including beginners.

Is Perry Street Rocks suitable for beginners?

Yes, Perry Street Rocks is suitable for beginners.

Accessibility
Shallow Depth: The average depth at Perry Street Rocks ranges from 12 to 20 feet, making it a manageable depth for beginner divers who may not yet be comfortable in deeper waters.
Proximity to Shore: The dive site is located approximately 600 feet off the beach, which allows for easy entry and exit. This proximity makes it less intimidating for those new to diving.

Dive Conditions
Calm Waters: The site generally experiences favorable conditions, especially during the late spring and summer months, which are ideal for beginners due to warmer water temperatures and better visibility.
Diverse Marine Life: Beginners can enjoy a rich underwater experience with various marine species, including angelfish, nurse sharks, and sea turtles, enhancing their learning and enjoyment of the dive.

Certification Requirements
Minimum Certification: While an Open Water certification is typically required for diving at Perry Street Rocks, many dive shops offer guided dives that cater to beginners. These guided dives provide additional support and safety for novice divers.

Is Perry Street Rocks suitable for advanced divers?

Perry Street Rocks can be suitable for advanced divers, but it primarily caters to a wide range of skill levels, including beginners.

Depth and Structure
Depth Range: The site features depths of 12 to 20 feet, which is relatively shallow. While this depth is accessible for beginners, advanced divers may find it less challenging compared to deeper dive sites.
Unique Features: The large boulders that make up the artificial reef provide interesting structures for exploration. Advanced divers can enjoy navigating through these formations, observing marine life in various habitats.

Diving Conditions
Visibility: Visibility can vary from 10 to 30 feet, depending on weather and sea conditions. Advanced divers may appreciate the opportunity to dive in varying visibility conditions, which can enhance their skills in underwater navigation and photography.
Night Diving: Perry Street Rocks is known for its night dives, where advanced divers can experience a different underwater environment. Night dives reveal nocturnal species and behaviors, offering unique photographic opportunities and challenges.

Marine Life
Biodiversity: The site is home to diverse marine life, including angelfish, nurse sharks, and sea turtles. Advanced divers may enjoy the chance to observe and photograph these species in their natural habitat.

Community and Guided Dives
Group Dives: Local dive shops often organize group dives at Perry Street Rocks. Advanced divers can benefit from diving with experienced guides who know the area well, providing insights into the best spots and safety practices.