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Datura ave
 Datura Ave. & Atlantic Ocean, Lauderdale by the sea, FL
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Max Depth: 11-15ft/3-5m
Average Viz: 36-40ft/11-12m
Entry Type: Shore
Bottom Composition: Sand/Shells
Aquatic Life: Plenty To See
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Spring: 71-75°F/22-24°C
Summer: 81-85°F/27-29°C
Fall: 76-80°F/24-27°C
Winter: 66-70°F/19-21°C
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See
http://www.divebuddy.com/divesite.aspx?DiveSiteID=2221PDF map of snorkel trail
http://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/Town_Docs/snorkel_map.pdfFrom FillExpress website; The area off Datura Avenue beach is regarded by many as the "Best Shore Dive in Florida." The REEF survey database for this area (
www.reef.org) includes over 300 species of fish recorded by shore divers. This site is ranked #5 in species diversity for the Tropical Western Atlantic; the first four are shore dives in Bonaire.
Created in 2002 because of Datura Avenue’s popularity among divers, the Marine Archeology Council (MAC) and South Florida Reef Research Team (SFRRT) spent four years obtaining the permits necessary to place the Shipwreck Snorkel Trail just before the first reef line. This site is a replica of what would be left from a shipwreck in the early 1800s. All artifacts are within a 100’ x 20’ area. A set of two concrete replica cannons is on the North side and three on the South side of the site.
An authentic anchor has a pile of ballast stones in the middle. The ballast stones, made from limestone, have become home to a variety of juvenile tropical fish. Get your light out and spend some time looking around the pile and see how many different fish you can find. During the day you can find "Manny" the Mannytooth Conger Eel seeking shelter deep in the pile until dusk when he heads out to feed.