Bathtub Reef

Located in Stuart on the Treasure Coast, Bathtub Reef is an easily accessible beach and reef that provides ample snorkeling and SCUBA diving opportunities. Bathtub Reef consists of three different reefs running parallel to the shore. While not the Great Barrier Reef by any means, this is still a good place to see marine life and to get acquainted with snorkeling or SCUBA diving near reef habitats.

Bathtub Reef is approximately forty yards away from the shore. Bathtub Reef provides the excitement of reef swimming with the addition of unique security. During low tide, this barrier is partly exposed above the surface, and blocks all waves from making it to the shore; the water between this first reef and the shore is indeed like a giant, warm, bathtub…hence the name of this beach. Fish that did not make it over the coral during high tide must wait for the tides to change in the bathtub as well. This allows swimmers to get up close to these beautiful, tropical fish, all in the safety of a giant enclosed lagoon. During high tide, swimmers can glide over the first coral barrier and into the waters between the first and second coral reef. It is important to stress that at no time is anyone allowed to touch the coral reef. Coral reefs are delicate, vital, precious living organisms that easily die when exposed to human contact. When swimming over the reefs, be sure to never (ever!) stand on the coral. The ocean is suffering enough as it is right now, and coral die-off is at its all time worst – let’s do our part to protect our coral! The coral featured at Bathtub Reef is called a “worm reef”, and these worm reefs are the best examples of worm reefs in the country.

Amongst this fantastic worm reef, swimmers will see a myriad of Florida’s aquatic creatures. Besides the living coral, swimmers will also find animals such as Sea Urchins (little, prickly balls with spikes, generally dark in color with dark or red spikes), Bluefish, Cero, Bonefish, Cobia, White Grunts, American Shad Herrings, Atlantic Spadefish, Ladyfish, Parrot fish, Butterfly Fish, Triggerfish, Gulf (Lefteye) Flounder and Tarpon. In addition, many species of Grouper, Jacks, Tunas, and Snappers frequent reefs throughout Florida, and Bathtub Reef is no exception. Sting Rays, who are very skittish and timid creatures, also find their way to Bathtub Reef, and it is advisable to stay away from their sharp stinging tail. Bottlenose Dolphins make appearances at the reef, for wherever the prey goes, the predators will follow. These are welcomed predators – Dolphins love to play, and if you are at Bathtub Reef and they make an appearance, lucky you! However, it is important to note that other predators make rare appearances near the reef, such as sharks. Florida is home to many species of sharks, but shark bites are extremely rare. There are lifeguards at Bathtub Reef to keep an ever-vigilant watch, so heed their recommendations or warnings. Most sharks found around reefs are no danger to humans – their primary diet is crustaceans (such as crab or lobster) and small fish. On a lighter note, Sea Turtles are common to the Treasure Coast, so there is a good chance you will see one of these magnificent creatures!

There are three entrances to Bathtub Reef Beach, and on the weekends, parking fills up very quickly. There are showers on this beach, and changing stations. There is a little boardwalk that also houses an environmental exhibit, which is worth examining for it will give you a whole new appreciation for the nearby reef.

While many people visit Bathtub Reef, this beach definitely has a family fun atmosphere. If you have any little ones on your vacation, this is a good place to bring the kids so that they can get acclimated to the ocean. The bathtub conditions are ideal for introducing the ocean and ocean safety to people. Even though it is a family beach, lots of people without families frequent here, and the LGBT community will not be hassled on this stretch of sand. If you are in the Stuart or Treasure Coast area, we suggest you visit this highly accessible coral reef!