Explore the Gold Coast

Diving in the Gold Coast of Florida offers a captivating underwater experience that is both diverse and thrilling. Stretching from Miami northward along Florida's east coast, this region is renowned for its vibrant marine ecosystems and impressive array of dive sites. The Gold Coast is particularly famous for its numerous wreck dives, including the popular Wreck Trek of Miami and the Corridor in Palm Beach, where divers can explore several shipwrecks in a single excursion. These sites are teeming with marine life, making each dive a unique adventure. The Gold Coast's dive environments are as varied as they are beautiful. From intricate coral reefs bustling with life to the dramatic underwater landscapes of shipwrecks, there's something for every enthusiast. The area's rich marine life includes spiny lobsters, various species of turtles, sharks, rays, and even the occasional dolphin. Drift diving is a common practice here, thanks to the Gulf Stream's strong currents, providing a unique and exhilarating experience for certified divers. Seasonal migrations and local marine events add a layer of intrigue, ensuring that every dive is filled with unexpected wonders.

Upcoming Events

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Delta’s Splash Dive Charter

Enriched Air Nitrox Level 2 (40%)

15 Nov 2025

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

Instructor Evaluation

Force-E Scuba Centers

Instructor Evaluation - IE

20 Nov 2025

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to:

• Conduct academic sessions
• Lead confined water training
• Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more
• Develop student management and communication skills

Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened oboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Contact an SSI Training Center near you to learn more.
Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with a local SSI Training Center to explore your options.

Professional Level Programs / Courses

SSI North America

Instructor Trainer Seminar - ITS

11 Apr 2026

Instructor Trainer zu werden, ist die ultimative Errungenschaft. Auf dem Instructor Trainer Seminar (ITS) triffst du andere Instructoren weltweit und erweiterst dein internationales Netzwerk.

Während des Trainings hast du die Möglichkeit, dich persönlich weiterzuentwickeln, ein spezielles Verkaufstraining zu absolvieren, deine pädagogischen Fähigkeiten zu verfeinern, neue Fertigkeiten zu erlernen, Führungsqualitäten innerhalb deiner Branche zu kultivieren und gleichzeitig deine Karriereaussichten zu verbessern.

SSI Instructor Trainer sind qualifiziert, das gesamte Spektrum an Tauchkursen zu unterrichten, den Instructor Training Course (ITC) durchzuführen und auch Instructor Crossover zu unterrichten. Instructor Trainer können auch Specialty Instructor Seminare für alle Specialties, für die sie qualifiziert sind, unterrichten und das Assistant Instructor Trainer-Programm durchführen, um die nächste Generation von Instructor Trainern auszubilden.

Professional Level Programs / Courses

SSI North America

Instructor Trainer Seminar - ITS

10 Oct 2026

Becoming an Instructor Trainer is the ultimate accomplishment. Meet other dive instructors worldwide at the Instructor Trainer Seminar (ITS) and broaden your international network.

During training, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your personal development, undergo specialized sales training, refine your teaching abilities, master new skills, cultivate leadership qualities within your industry, and simultaneously advance your career prospects.

SSI Instructor Trainers are qualified to teach the entire range of scuba courses, conduct the Instructor Training Course (ITC), and also Instructor Crossovers. Instructor Trainers can also teach Specialty Instructor Seminars for all Specialties they are qualified for and conduct the Assistant Instructor Trainer program to shape the next generation of Instructor Trainers.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Neptune Memorial Reef

Neptune Memorial Reef is situated just offshore from Miami in about 45 feet of water and is one of the most unique dive sites on the planet. It’s an underwater cemetery with gates, pathways, plaques, and even benches.

1,207
Logs
919
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ The Corridor (Wreck)

The Corridor Wreck Trek is a drift divers paradise This area is full of amazing animal encounters including Goliath Groupers, sea turtles, stingrays, and in the distance a lurking reef shark. Some of the wrecks in this line up were sunk some time ago so they are covered in corals and sponges.

805
Logs
441
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Merci Jesus (Wreck)

The Merci Jesus is a great wreck dive found off the coast of Florida, just north of Fort Lauderdale. It is normally visited by dive boat and not by shore diving. The Merci Jesus is 90’ long and 26’ wide, bow pointing south and the hull is upright.

73
Logs
61
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Blue Heron Bridge at Phil Foster Park

One of the most popular dive sites in South Florida, Blue Heron Bridge is an easily accessible shore dive sitting just under the Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach. SPECIAL NOTE: check the tide schedule as this dive can only be made during slack tide otherwise currents will be too strong through the bay.

18,221
Logs
5,393
Divers
6.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★☆ Tigertail Lake

Lake Tigertail is a shore accessible fresh water dive site right next to the Bass Pro shop in Dania Beach, Florida. It’s a popular site for open water diver certification courses, especially when the ocean is too rough to go out. The water is a big greenish.

1,930
Logs
684
Divers
9.0 m
⌀ Depth
3.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Datura

This site is located at El Prado Park in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. This dive site is excellent for divers and snorkelers alike. The beach access has fresh water showers, a garden hose, and a bench with cutouts for tanks. This site starts when you reach the swim buoy and continues East for about 100 yards.

955
Logs
362
Divers
6.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Anglin Pier Ledge

The reef here runs parallel to the shoreline (north and south) and is a great shallow second dive when heading back from the deeper wreck dives of South Florida. The north end of the reef has some great habitat off to the west of the main ledge as well.

480
Logs
256
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ SS Copenhagen (Wreck)

This is a true wreck off the coast of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea that’s over 100 years old, sinking in 1900. It was a 325-foot steamer sitting in only 15-30 feet of waters so this is a great snorkel as well as a dive.

1,470
Logs
1,058
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ The Nursery - Florida

The Nursery gets its name from the group of resident nurse sharks that live here. It is an easy boat dive and can turn into a drift dive at times due to the current.

1,436
Logs
961
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Pompano Beach

Pompano Beach is extremely popular because of the close proximity of world-class wreck and reef dives. There are some shore dives but most are drift dives off a boat so all you need to do is jump in and get picked up later.

1,614
Logs
732
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★★ Beach House

Also known as “Brown House“. A vast north/south reef ranging between 50 feet to 63 feet. Medium to strong currents for an easy drift dive. Visibility can vary based on currents.

19
Logs
19
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Garrett’s Reef

This shore dive sits just off Boynton Beach. It can be accessed using the beach access point just south of the site. Find it by swimming 20 yards straight out, in line with the Boynton Beach water tower. It has a 20 foot max depth. Rough surf and current are possible.

2
Logs
2
Divers
6.0 m
⌀ Depth
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★☆ Boynton Beach Reef

Boynton Beach Reef sits just south of West Palm Beach on the east coast of Florida and is a great diving location for new divers. The Atlantic ocean here is full of healthy corals, Caribbean fish species, and clear water.

1,190
Logs
437
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Boynton Ledges

Diving Boynton Ledges is full of dramatic edges dropping from 51 feet on top to 67 feet in the sand. This site runs north/south with many deep undercuts and plentiful marine life. A fun boat dive!

1,622
Logs
668
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Flower Garden

The Flower Gardens sits right off West Palm Beach and has a shallow ledge that contains both an inside and outside drop. The outside ledge has several fingers and starts at 40 feet then slopes down to 70 feet.

2,009
Logs
1,182
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving at the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast offers a rich tapestry of dive sites that cater to all levels of diving enthusiasts. Among the top spots is the Scottish Prince wreck, located just off the Main Beach, which provides an intriguing glimpse into maritime history with its coral-encrusted remains. Divers often encounter an array of marine life, including vibrant schools of fish and the occasional sea turtle, making it a favorite among wreck diving aficionados.

For those who prefer shore dives, the Seaway is a popular choice due to its easy accessibility and the chance to see diverse marine life, including the elusive wobbegong shark. Night dives at this site reveal a whole new world, with nocturnal creatures like octopuses and squid becoming more active. The Gold Coast strikes a perfect balance between shore and liveaboard diving, offering flexibility and a variety of experiences that cater to both casual divers and those seeking an immersive underwater adventure.

The best Months to dive at the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast offers year-round diving opportunities, with water temperatures ranging from 21°C–26°C/70°F–79°F. These mild temperatures make diving feasible in all seasons, though a wetsuit is recommended during the cooler months of winter and early spring.

Visibility typically varies between 10–20 meters/33–66 feet, influenced by weather conditions and ocean currents. Northeasterly winds during the summer can reduce visibility, while winter generally provides clearer waters. Currents are usually mild, but divers should be aware of occasional strong currents, especially in exposed dive sites. Overall, the Gold Coast provides a reliable diving experience, though conditions are often optimal during the autumn months.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

ACE DIVING

401 BISCAYNE BLVD, PIER 5, SLIP 33, 33132 Miami, FL - USA

Delta’s Splash Dive Charter

200 E 13th St, Slip 18 , FL 33404, 33436 Riviera Beach, FL - USA

Force-e Scuba Centers

2808 N Federal Hwy, 33306 Ft Lauderdale, FL - USA

Divers Direct - Dania Beach

180 Gulfstream Way, 33004 Dania Beach, FL - USA

Starfish Scuba

735 Casa Loma Blvd - Slip #11, 33435 Boynton Beach, FL - USA

Force-E Scuba Centers

270 N. Congress Ave., 33426 Boynton Beach, FL - USA

Force-E Scuba Centers

155 E Blue Heron Blvd., 33404 Riviera Beach, FL - USA

Underseas Sports

1450 N Federal Hwy, 33304 Fort Lauderdale, FL - USA

Force-E Scuba Centers

1312 N Federal Hwy, 33062 Pompano Beach, FL - USA

Force-E Scuba Centers

2621 North Federal Highway, 33431 Boca Raton, FL - USA

SSI North America

430 S. Congress Avenue, Suite 1A, 33445 Delray Beach, FL - USA

Juliet Sailing and Diving

25 SE 2ND AVE, STE 406, 33131 Miami, FL - USA

Neritic Diving

4508 N University Dr, 33351 Lauderhill, FL - USA

Hydrotherapy Dive Charters LLC

Alsdorf Boat Ramp Park, 33062 Pompano Beach, FL - USA

Underwater Unlimited

4689 SW 72 Avenue, 33155 Miami, FL - USA