Diving atTod Sirod Reef - G (United States)
Descending towards Tod Sirod Reef, divers quickly transition from open Gulf waters to an engineered underwater landscape. The structure, resting on a sandy bottom, begins to materialize at around 12 m (40 ft) of depth. This artificial habitat offers an immediate focal point, drawing the eye with its varied concrete and limestone modules.
Tonight's objective overview for Tod Sirod Reef - G shows an air temperature of 23.9°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.3m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
26.1298, -82.0384
Dive Site Overview
An artificial system in the Gulf of Mexico, Tod Sirod Reef sits roughly 13.5 nautical miles offshore from Gordon Pass in Collier County, Florida. Established in 2015, this site incorporates a diverse assembly of pyramid-shaped limestone modules, concrete slabs, poles, and old concrete benches, all strategically deployed to foster a complex marine habitat.
Structure deployments typically occur at a consistent depth around 12 m (40 ft), with some variations extending into deeper parts of the reef complex where the maximum depth might reach around 14 m (46 ft). The surrounding seafloor, characteristic of the nearshore Gulf, presents a relatively flat sandy-muddy substrate. This expansive sandy bottom provides low natural relief, making the reef's introduction a significant ecological intervention.
Artificial structures here rise approximately 3 to 6 m (10 to 20 ft) from the bottom, offering significant vertical relief and crucial shelter for a burgeoning ecosystem. As a key component of Collier County's Artificial Reef Program, its purpose extends beyond recreational diving; it actively supports ecological restoration and enhances local biodiversity in an area otherwise devoid of extensive natural hardbottom features.
Best Time to Dive
Planning a visit to Tod Sirod Reef often aligns with the best seasonal conditions for visibility and comfort. May generally presents excellent dive scores, with mild air temperatures averaging 26.4°C (79.5°F) and minimal rain. Water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico typically range from 21-29°C (70-85°F) annually, making for pleasant diving most of the year, with summer months peaking above 30°C (86°F). During the cooler months from January to April and again from October to December, dive scores remain consistently good, even as air temperatures drop to around 17.9-23.7°C (64.2-74.7°F). Wave heights also tend to be lower during late spring and summer, which can contribute to better water clarity. While moderate currents are influenced by the Loop Current, seasonal upwelling during summer months on the West Florida Shelf can enhance nutrient availability, potentially affecting localized visibility, yet often bringing abundant marine life.
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
Encountering the Tod Sirod Reef delivers a distinct experience, especially for intermediate-level divers. The site maintains a consistent recreational depth around 12 m (40 ft), providing ample bottom time for exploration. Surface water temperatures generally range from 21-29°C (70-85°F), offering warm conditions throughout much of the year, with summer peaks often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Divers should anticipate moderate currents, influenced by regional oceanographic patterns, though tidal ranges are typically small, around 0.3-0.6 m (1-2 ft). The seafloor environment is predominantly a sandy-muddy substrate, which frames the artificial structures. While visibility can vary depending on conditions, the reef's consistent depth and structural relief make it a reliable location for observing marine aggregations.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
While diving Tod Sirod Reef, adherence to established guidelines helps ensure both diver safety and reef preservation. Heavy anchoring directly on the artificial structures is explicitly restricted to prevent physical disruption and maintain reef integrity. Divers should utilize GPS coordinates for precise navigation to the site, which is located approximately 13.5 nautical miles offshore. General Gulf regulations prohibit the take of protected species like sea turtles and certain corals. Awareness of fishing activities in the area is advisable, as recreational fishing, particularly bottom fishing for species like lane snapper and sheepshead, occurs here. Mitigating illegal fishing gear entanglement is an ongoing conservation effort, so divers should remain observant of their surroundings.
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
Divers planning deeper dives may feel cooler than those staying in shallower areas.
Many divers find that 3mm wetsuit offers a comfortable balance between warmth and mobility. Forecast trends indicate similar diving conditions over the next few days.
Current temperature readings suggest that the water at Tod Sirod Reef - G is around 24°C (76°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 24°C (75°F).
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
Check local United States medical facilities.
Entry Requirements
View United States Visa Hub
Currency
USD
Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
Marine Life at Tod Sirod Reef - G
Approaching the artificial structures, divers will immediately notice the density of fish life drawn to this constructed habitat. Schools of snapper and sheepshead are commonly observed aggregating around the concrete slabs and limestone modules. Beyond the larger aggregations, the reef is home to a diverse array of invertebrates: giant anemones often host symbiotic cleaner shrimp, while wing-oysters, tunicates, and various soft corals colonize the surfaces. Exploring further, one might spot variegated and rock-boring urchins, sea cucumbers, spadefish, jack-knifefish, butterfly fish, grouper, angelfish, wrasse, and grunts, all benefiting from the varied shelter Tod Sirod Reef provides.
Dive Sites Near Tod Sirod Reef - G
View all dive sites in United StatesDiscover more underwater gems in this area.
Dive Centers Near Tod Sirod Reef - G
No Dive Centers Local To Tod Sirod Reef - G
Are you a dive center visiting this location? Get listed to reach divers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of reef is Tod Sirod Reef?
Tod Sirod Reef is an artificial reef, created from pyramid-shaped limestone modules, concrete slabs, poles, and old concrete benches. It was deployed in 2015 as part of a program to enhance marine habitats in the Gulf of Mexico off Collier County, Florida.
What is the typical depth at Tod Sirod Reef?
The reef sits at a consistent recreational depth, with most structures deployed around 12 meters. Divers will find some sections of the complex may extend slightly deeper, reaching its maximum recreational depth.
What marine life can I expect to see at Tod Sirod Reef?
Divers can expect to encounter various fish species, including schools of lane and mangrove snappers, sheepshead, spadefish, and angelfish. The structures also support invertebrates like giant anemones, cleaner shrimp, wing-oysters, soft corals, and sea cucumbers.
How do I access Tod Sirod Reef?
Divers typically reach the reef by private or charter boat. This artificial site lies approximately 13.5 nautical miles offshore from Gordon Pass, near Naples, Florida. Precise navigation using GPS coordinates is essential, as no prominent natural landmarks mark the location.
What are the water temperatures like at Tod Sirod Reef?
Surface water temperatures in this area of the Gulf of Mexico generally range from 21-29°C (70-85°F) annually. During peak summer months, temperatures can often exceed 30°C (86°F), offering warm conditions for diving.
Are there any specific regulations for diving Tod Sirod Reef?
Yes, heavy anchoring directly on the reef structures is prohibited to protect their integrity. Divers must also adhere to general Gulf regulations, which include not taking protected marine species such as sea turtles or certain corals.
Liveaboards Sailing to Tod Sirod Reef - G
Explore highly rated liveaboards visiting this dive site and discover the best routes in United States.
Resorts & Accommodation
Find partner hotels and dive resorts directly accessing the reef.
Around This Area
Explore top-rated restaurants, activities, and attractions near Tod Sirod Reef - G reviewed by travelers.
Planning to dive Tod Sirod Reef - G?
Send one inquiry and receive offers directly from the best verified local dive operators.