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Sanctuary Reef - Pompano Beach FL


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Sanctuary Reef is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Pompano Beach, FL. This dive site has an average rating of 4.00 out of 5 from 8 scuba divers. The maximum depth is 51-60ft/16-18m. The average visibility is 36-40ft/11-12m.

This is not an official sanctuary, however a few of the dive operators agreed not to put hunters in this area to keep it as pristine as possible. The relief on the southern end is not as prominent as the northern end. The north end is covered in soft corals and marine life.


Type: Drift Dive on a Reef.
Suggested skill level: Open Water Diver or Equivalent Experience.
Location: Hillsboro Beach (outer reef)

Description: Like many South Florida Reefs, Sanctuary is a section of the outer reef, running parallel to the shoreline. The highest concentration of sea life and coral cover is on the western facing ledge (main ledge). This is not an official sanctuary, however a few of the dive operators agreed not to put hunters in this area to keep it as pristine as possible. The relief on the southern end is not as prominent as the northern end. The north end is covered in soft corals and marine life.

Navigation: Start out in either the north or south hook and drift along the main ledge. This is the best scenic route. If you are lobstering sometimes it pays to venture to the deep side of the reef (east) to the Spur & Groove or to the false ledge to the west.

Dive Site Map

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Comments

handyman132 - 7/22/2014 3:58 PM
I went scuba diving here on 5/25/2014. Average viz: 21-25ft/6-8m. Water temp: 81-85°F/27-29°C.
Drift Dive, this site is also called the unofficial sanctuary reef. Completed my final tasks for my OWD Cert. I saw alot of amazing fish and coral and the current was really smooth for this drift dive. I highly recommend this to anyone.
Sun-Florida - 3/12/2013 1:36 PM
I dove this site with Pompano Dive Center on 03-09-2013, friendly, clean, professional and well-organized scuba operation! Had the honor of their esteemed photographer, Craig Dietrich, as a dive buddy ... I’m posting a few of his pics from this dive! :-)
Sun-Florida - 3/11/2013 11:49 AM
Rating Added: 4
Sanctuary Reef is incredible ... such vibrancy and an incredible amount of aquatic life! Highly recommend!