Tigertail Lake

One of the questions we most often receive is: “Where do you guys dive when the ocean is too rough?” Luckily, Florida offers a range of inland dive spots. While South Florida may not have the crystal-clear springs found in North-Central Florida, we do have some excellent alternatives! One of our go-to spots is Tigertail Lake—a hidden gem perfect for freediving when the ocean isn’t cooperating.

About Tigertail Lake
Tigertail Lake is located in Dania Beach, Florida, and is owned and operated by Broward College. In addition to freediving, the lake offers a variety of water sports and recreational activities, including SCUBA diving, paddleboarding, sailing, and even a floating obstacle course. It’s a well-rounded aquatic playground that ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you’re training or just having fun.

Freediving at Tigertail Lake
Freediving at Tigertail Lake isn’t just a drop-in experience. Access to the lake requires a certified freediving instructor with insurance on file through Broward College, ensuring that all activities are conducted safely and professionally. This structure makes Tigertail a perfect training location, whether you’re advancing your skills or brushing up on fundamentals.
Lake Specs:
Max Depth: 45 feet (13.7 meters)
Visibility: 10 feet (3 meters), though it can vary
Temperature Range: Upper 60s °F (~19°C) in winter, mid-80s °F (~29°C) in summer

What Kinds of Animals Live in the Lake?
While Tigertail Lake is a fun and safe place to dive, we haven’t encountered any dangerous wildlife, such as snakes or alligators. The lake is home to a few non-aggressive fish, including Bass, Gar, Tilapia, and Bream.
For added excitement, the lake features a few sunken planes and ships to explore—great for divers looking for underwater structures to practice navigation or just enjoy a unique experience.
On land, keep an eye on your belongings! The local iguanas and ducks are bold enough to search your bags if they smell food. So, it’s best to store snacks securely to avoid attracting these curious creatures.

Why Train at Tigertail Lake?
Tigertail Lake provides an excellent environment for controlled freediving sessions. Its moderate depth of 45 feet makes it ideal for freediving practice, especially for beginners or those working on relaxation and equalization techniques. The lake’s calm conditions—unlike the sometimes-unpredictable ocean—allow students to focus on technique without battling currents or waves. This predictability also makes it a great spot for PADI certification courses or instructor-level training.
In the cooler months, water temperatures can dip into the upper 60s, giving freedivers a chance to practice cold-water adaptation. During summer, the lake warms up to the mid-80s, making it a comfortable dive spot even for longer sessions. While the visibility averages around 10 feet, the murkier conditions challenge divers to rely more on sensory awareness—a valuable skill for anyone looking to sharpen their freediving abilities.

A Perfect Alternative to Ocean Diving
When the ocean is rough or the weather isn’t cooperating, Tigertail Lake is a fantastic option for maintaining your freediving practice. Whether you’re taking a course, training for depth, or simply looking for a peaceful dive, this lake has you covered. Plus, it’s conveniently located near the coast, making it an easy fallback spot for locals and visitors alike.
So, the next time the ocean says “not today,” head over to Tigertail Lake—you’ll be surprised at what this little inland dive site has to offer!

Interested in learning more or booking a private freediving session at Tigertail Lake? Contact us today and let’s make the most of your training, rain or shine!

How Deep is the Lake?
Tigertail lake features a beach access and slow sloping depths. There is rumored to be 20 meter (66 feet) spot in the lake, however, the deepest we have been able to find is 12 meters (40 feet)

How clear is the Lake?
The water here is more clear than most lakes in Florida, but that is not saying much… Visibility here is usually around 10 feet.

What Kinds of Animals Live in the Lake?
We have not encountered any dangerous animals such as snakes or alligators, only a few fish like Bass, Gar, Tilapia and bream. As part of the park, there are a few sunken ships and planes for divers to explore. Be careful not to leave food available, as the local iguanas and ducks are brave enough to search your bags!

How to Dive Tigertail Lake
Divers at Tigertail Lake must be accompanied by an instructor. Instructors must submit an application to Broward College with appropriate insurance documents attached. The cost to dive the lake is $20 per person. Divers must be accompanied by a dive flag.

Why we like Diving Tigertail Lake
-No waves or current makes for peaceful breathe ups and less energy output
-Safe, controlled environment
-Train your mind to diving in darkness