Treasure Coast · United States · Reef
Rio Mar Reef
Ledges with lobsters, large grouper and nurse sharks 15 m from the beach
Rio Mar Reef is a solid reef that starts about 15 m (50 feet) from the beach at Vero Beach. Unlike the other reefs nearby it stays solid even in its shallow parts, with cracks, crevices and ledges that hold lobsters, large grouper and nurse sharks, and it reaches 12 m (40 ft) offshore.
Also known as Riomar Reef.
Where it is and how deep
No published position for this site — the map shows Treasure Coast and its other sites; operators know the mooring.
The dive
The reef starts only about 15 m (50 feet) from the beach, so the swim out is short. Unlike the other reefs along this stretch, Rio Mar is solid even in the shallow areas of 4.5 m (15 feet) or less. Cracks, crevices and ledges run along it for at least 180 m (200 yards), and the dive works along them.
Lobsters live in the ledges, along with large grouper and nurse sharks. Farther from shore the reef reaches 12 m (40 ft). Toward the south end, in front of the golf course, lies a wreck from 1715, and salvor boats are common there; the silt they stir up can cut the visibility. The dive ends with a turn back along the ledges and a short swim to the beach.
Marine life and season
- Groupers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Treasure Coast: Diveable all year and no month stands out; the water averages about 22 °C in January, the coldest month, and 29 °C in August.
Know before you go
- Salvor boats are common over the 1715 wreck site and stir up a lot of silt; watch for boat traffic and expect reduced visibility near them.
Dive videos
Riomar Reef Vero Beach · Underwater Florida on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How far from the beach is Rio Mar Reef?+
The reef starts only about 15 m (50 feet) from the beach, and its ledges run for at least 180 m (200 yards).
How deep is Rio Mar Reef?+
The shallow parts of the reef are 4.5 m (15 feet) or less, and offshore it reaches 12 m (40 ft).
Sources
- Beach Dive Sites - Sebastian to Vero — Deep Six Dive & Watersports
- Riomar Reef — Scuba Schedules
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Civil War gunnels, boilers and pipes 75 m off the beach
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Florida's first Underwater Archaeological Preserve, in 3-4.5 m
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A Navy attack cargo ship on the sand at 53 m
Similar dives elsewhere
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Coral fingers and sand canyons on an SPA reef a mile east of Sand Key light
Unusually deep, wide reef crevices that hide grouper and morays