What can I say- It's the beach. There is a designated put-in spot where you can launch non-motorized watercraft off Hollywood Beach, about a mile south of the Dania Pier. You have to go out 100 yards or so before heading north or south to comply with boating regulations, and bring a dive flag if diving. There is a soft coral reef ( mainly flat rock with sea fans and gorgonians) about 200 yards off the beach in 10-12 feet of water. They recently created an artificial reef of 6-12 foot boulders just north of the lifeguard stand, just inshore from 3 white buoys. The southern tip of the artificial reef is at 26º 2.743 min north, 80º 6.621 min west. Another 1/4 mile out or so is the 1st reef, at 80º 6.33 min west, which has nicer stuff but is in the path of motorboats. Depth is 14-16 feet depending on the tide. On a calm day you can see the ledge at the west edge of the first reef and find it without GPS. You can fish, dive, snorkel or just paddle. Diehards go out over a mile and try for kingfish. Locals who know their spots can usually find legal lobster out on the reef.
Directions: Take I-95 to Sheridan St. east. Go over the drawbridge over the intracoastal and turn left onto A1A. Go north past North Beach Park, then turn right after a few blocks, being careful since the streets are all one way, alternating east and westbound. Turn left at the end of the street (also one way). Watch for bikes and skaters. The put-in is at Meade St, one block north of Custer St. You can drive onto the beach to unload and load, then park in metered parking.
Entrance fee/parking: Parking meters, $1 per hour, quarters only. No concession stand, so bring quarters with you.
Facilities: Showers, no bathrooms.
Put-in/Take-out: Hard Sand area on the beach side at Meade St. to load/unload, then drag it over the sand. You can't play in the surf in the kayak, you have to paddle out a legal distance from shore. Park on Meade St.
Alternative Put-ins: You can launch your kayak from anywhere in John Lloyd park as well, and play in the surf. Stay well to the north of the pier if launching off Dania Beach and stay at least 200 yards away from the pier when in the water. See Whiskey Creek page for directions.
Route: Atlantic Ocean in any direction.
Wildlife: Sea turtles, tarpon, tropical reef fish underneath.
Other: Sea lice are frequent during the summer. The little rock patches off the beach as seen in the aerial photo were nice snorkeling spots for kids, but were buried with the last beach renourishment project.
Put-in at Custer St.
Maps from Mapquest.com
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