Turtle Beach- Deerfield Beach, FL
Turtle Beach- Deerfield Beach, FL
Location
Address: 200 NE 21st Ave, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Turtle Beach is a shallow, shore dive spot in between Deerfield Beach and Boca Raton. As you can see from the map below, the area stretches from Deerfield pier North to the Broward/Palm Beach County line and a little ways further North. The reef consists of natural ledges and seagrass as well as artificial boulders.
Depth
Located only a few hundred feet from shore, Turtle Beach features an average depth of 5-10 feet and a max depth of 15-20 feet.
Clarity
Visibility fluctuates based on rain, wind, waves, tide and other factors but is generally very good. Best time is high tide, to check tides click here. The city of Deerfield Beach installed an underwater live-streaming camera below the Deerfield Beach Pier, this is a great way to check conditions it’s also neat to watch anytime!
Marine Life
Turtle beach is full of marine life! On a good day you will find lots of tropical fish, octopus, lobster and nurse sharks, however this site is most famous for the many Green Turtles that inhabit the reefs just off shore and utilize the beach to lay eggs in the summer! These turtles are very friendly, so photo opps are a plenty, but be sure not to touch, chase, or corral any of the marine life as it can be harmful to you and the animal.
Elements
There is usually minimal current at Turtle Beach, but the site is subject to increased wind/waves (Summer time is usually the calmest). Jellyfish, Seal lice, and other stinging nettles may be present as well. Sargasso (seaweed) can be thick in early summer. Its best to wear an exposure suit to protect from sun and other elements.
*Avoid swimming too close to the fishing pier, as fishing lines are usually present!
Access, Parking & Traffic
Parking tends to fill up quickly on weekends, so be sure to arrive early. Flat sandy beaches offer ease of entry when getting in the water. See map below for parking, access points, and reef area. Must pay to park, Pricing fluctuates but is generally more expensive on weekends.Click here for more info.
Turtle Beach is located in a densely populated area of South Florida. Many residents and tourists patronize this beach (mostly for reasons other than diving). While the reefs here are very close to shore, there is still the presence of boat, jet ski, and other watercraft traffic, be sure to bring a flag! Heaviest traffic occurs during weekends.
Overall
Turtle Beach is an easy shore dive that offers amazing interaction with Sea Life! Be sure to bring a camera as you never know what you might find!
We strongly advise that before diving any location, you check for the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit, respect the environment.