Diving at1 Mile Reef, Site 05-7 (United States)
1 Mile Reef, Site 05-7, is an integral part of the SWARA Artificial Reef System in Walton County, Florida. This dive site features approximately 40 acres of permitted seabed, supporting at least five patch reefs alongside 30 pre-fabricated concrete and embedded Florida limestone rock reef modules. These structures are strategically deployed to foster diverse marine habitats, located within one nautical mile of the shore, making it accessible for certified divers.
Evening condition tracking at 1 Mile Reef, Site 05-7 features an air temperature of 26.9°C. We have recorded wave heights measuring 0.3m during this period. These figures outline the environmental parameters currently present.
Dive Site Coordinates
27.4895, -82.7347
Dive Site Overview
Purpose-built structures define the underwater experience at 1 Mile Reef, drawing divers into an engineered habitat. This artificial reef site stands out through its distinct blend of concrete and Florida limestone modules, specifically designed to foster sustainable marine life.
Its 40-acre permitted seabed includes multiple patch reefs and approximately 30 purpose-built reef modules, featuring three distinct design types. The careful placement of these structures is intended to encourage rapid colonization, transforming the seafloor into a vibrant ecosystem capable of supporting local fish populations and diverse invertebrate communities. Divers explore a mosaic of these engineered habitats, uncovering intricate shelters and feeding grounds.
While specific depths for this particular site are not consistently reported, artificial reefs across the broader SWARA system generally lie within shallower recreational ranges, making them accessible to many certified divers. Accessing this site consistently demands a boat.
A GPS device becomes indispensable for precisely locating the specific reef formations, considering the site's proximity to shore, just within one nautical mile. Accurate navigation ensures divers can fully engage with these detailed artificial environments.
Best Time to Dive
Planning a dive at 1 Mile Reef is best done during months offering calmer seas and higher dive scores, aligning with a more comfortable overall experience. May and July typically stand out with an 'Excellent' dive score, suggesting favorable conditions. Air temperatures during the prime months range comfortably, with averages reaching 25.7°C (78.3°F) in May and 28.7°C (83.7°F) in July. Average wave heights are also notably lower in May at 0.45 m (1.5 ft) and even less in July at 0.34 m (1.1 ft), reducing potential surface chop and improving underwater visibility. Rainfall is moderate, generally around 2.25 mm (0.09 in) in May and 2.54 mm (0.10 in) in July, rarely impacting dive plans significantly.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
The dive experience at 1 Mile Reef centers around exploring these man-made structures that invite marine colonization. Descending onto the reef, divers will encounter the varied textures of concrete and Florida limestone, designed to create intricate shelters and feeding grounds. While specific depths for this exact site aren't consistently reported, other fish/dive reefs in the SWARA system, like Grouper Reef, offer recreational depths typically ranging from 3.7-6.4 m (12-21 ft). Visibility at these sites can vary depending on recent weather and surge, but generally offers reasonable conditions allowing for appreciation of the artificial reef modules. Currents are not consistently reported but can shift based on local weather and tides.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Expert divers approaching 1 Mile Reef should always prioritize safety by adhering to established guidelines. Florida State Law mandates the prominent display of a diver-down flag or buoys in any area where diving is occurring. Locating these sites accurately requires a GPS device, given their offshore positioning within the one nautical mile range. Divers should always stay within their certification limits and be mindful that weather and sea conditions can change quickly and often in this region. Continuous monitoring of local forecasts before and during the dive is a prudent practice to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Forecasts suggest a slight cooling pattern in the days ahead. Cooler days are ahead; you might want a warmer option for later in the week. A hood or vest can noticeably improve warmth during longer dives.
Divers who prefer a balanced level of warmth often select 3mm wetsuit in water temperatures like this. Consider warmer surface protection (like a boat coat) due to brisk winds.
At 1 Mile Reef, Site 05-7, the water is currently sitting around 25°C (77°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 27°C (80°F).
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
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Marine Life at 1 Mile Reef, Site 05-7
The artificial structures of 1 Mile Reef foster a thriving underwater habitat, attracting a spectrum of marine species. Divers commonly observe various fish, including Amberjack, Red Snapper, Triggerfish, Gag Grouper, Gray Snapper, Wrasse, and Damselfish. Invertebrate life is also present, with sightings of Octopus, Tunicate Colonies, and Sea Urchins. Larger marine animals, such as Reef Sharks, Stingrays, Barracuda, Spotted Eagle Rays, and Green Sea Turtles, periodically cruise the area, especially around the deeper sections of the reef modules.
Red Snapper
Reef Shark
Spotted Eagle Ray
Amberjack
Damselfish
Sea Urchin
Stingray
Barracuda
Triggerfish
Grouper
Green Sea Turtle
Wrasse
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of reef is 1 Mile Reef?
1 Mile Reef, Site 05-7, is an artificial reef site. It's part of the extensive SWARA Artificial Reef System in Walton County, Florida, featuring pre-fabricated concrete and Florida limestone modules.
What is the typical depth at 1 Mile Reef?
While specific depths for this site are not consistently reported, other similar dive reefs within the SWARA system typically range within recreational depths, such as 3.7-6.4 m (12-21 ft).
How do I locate 1 Mile Reef?
Locating 1 Mile Reef accurately requires a boat and a GPS device. The site is situated within one nautical mile of the shore, making boat access essential for divers.
What types of structures will I see?
The reef is comprised of approximately 40-acres of permitted sea bottom featuring patch reefs and around 30 pre-fabricated concrete and embedded Florida limestone rock reef modules of three design types.
What marine life can be seen at 1 Mile Reef?
Divers may encounter species such as Amberjack, Red Snapper, Triggerfish, Gag Grouper, Lionfish, Octopus, Reef Shark, Stingray, Barracuda, Spotted Eagle Ray, Gray Snapper, Wrasse, Damselfish, Tunicate Colonies, Sea Urchins, and Green Sea Turtles.
Are there any specific safety requirements for diving here?
Yes, Florida State Law requires all divers to prominently display a diver-down flag or buoys. It's also crucial to monitor rapidly changing weather and sea conditions and to dive within certified limits.
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