Beacon Harbor is on the leeward side of the island and, depending on the wind direction, the water conditions vary. There is no barrier reef or shallow lagoon, as there is on the south side. The depth gradually increases and is around 25 feet at the dive buoys. The buoy slightly west is Plymouth Rock (Jeff's Reef).

Note: Use a Dive Flag.

Our favorite site is, of course, in front of the house. The entry is across ironshore and there are sea urchins and fire coral, so use caution. Booties or tennis shoes are a must. If you enter straight from the beach, there are some holes and ridges. We recommend walking 30-40 feet eastward (to the right) and entering on a diagonal toward Plymouth Rock buoy (about 290º on a compass). When you reach water deep enough (about waist deep) and beyond the breaking waves, put on your fins and enjoy. Heading west there are lots of sea fans, some with flamingo tongue snails, and lots of juvenile fish. Be sure to look up toward the surface for reef squid. Swim westward and there are patches of brain coral and elkhorn coral. If you snorkel to the buoys, there are some coral heads that rise to a depth of about 10-15 feet. Exit at Smiley house (red tile roof) or continue on to Radar Reef. Around the rock jetties are concrete steps. The walk back is .4 mile.

Depending on the waves, you may want to walk to Radar Reef, enter at the steps and snorkel to the house. If you snorkel on the west side of the jetties, stay close to shore and watch for boats.

This is the buoy to the east of the house. It is very nice snorkeling, but a longer swim from the house. You might drive to Ocean View Dr. east of the hospital and turn left. This will lead to the shore at Greenhouse reef.

Turn on Cemetery Road at Scott Development and continue to the shore. There is a rock jetties and a boat ramp which make an easy entry. The Kissamee tugboat was sunk in 1982 in 40 feet of water. This is a good snorkeling site but the boat itself is rather deep for snorkeling. It makes a nice shallow shore dive.

On the north side, west of the airport, take Robert Foster Lane to the right. It leads to the shore where a small harbor is located. Snorkeling is good around the rocks in this area. The buoys farthest from shore mark the Russian destroyer.

Another easy entry is at the little harbor in front of the police station in The Creek.

There is a little road to the ironshore, which has a fairly easy entry. Old elkhorn coral heads have lots of fish, including an occasional chain eel.

Located on the south side, slightly east of the bluff crossover road, this is an excellent site. However, the prevailing winds generally make it too rough. If you can catch a calm day on the south side, don't miss this site.