Coral Reef at St. Lucie Inlet Preserve

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is home to the northern range of Florida’s Coral Reef and protects valuable habitat for many Caribbean coral and tropical fish species. This makes the park a great place for fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving.   

The reef is approximately a half-mile offshore from the park beach. On clear days you can see the dark shapes below the water that outline where the reef is located.

The diversity of species found on the reef is truly amazing! Visitors who snorkel or dive on the reef have the chance to see spotted eagle rays, groupers, angelfish and nurse sharks, just to name a few. The reef also is a popular spot for fishing, with Spanish mackerel, yellowtail snapper and snook all found within the park waters.

Best reached by boat, the reef tract  is within the over 3,500 acres of marine waters inside the park boundary. The reef's inclusion within park boundaries allows for extra protection and management of this exceptionally valuable natural resource.