Bathtub Reef Beach Guide: Snorkel Lagoon & Cam
Stuart, Florida · Treasure Coast
Bathtub Reef Beach is not really a surf spot. A protected worm reef running parallel to shore makes a calm, shallow lagoon that's built for snorkeling and family swims, not waves. Surfers occasionally pick up rides on the sand just north, but the reef itself is federally protected and off limits to walking.
| Day | Surf | Wind | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 7/24 | knee to waist (2.2 ft) | 12 mph E | Marginal |
| Sat 7/25 | ankle to knee (1.7 ft) | 14 mph SE | Poor |
| Sun 7/26 | ankle to knee (1.3 ft) | 15 mph SW | Marginal |
| Mon 7/27 | ankle to knee (1.3 ft) | 13 mph WSW | Fair |
| Tue 7/28 | ankle to knee (1.4 ft) | 15 mph SW | Marginal |
| Wed 7/29 | ankle to knee (1.6 ft) | 14 mph SW | Fair |
| Thu 7/30 | ankle to knee (1.6 ft) | 16 mph WSW | Fair |
Days 8 to 15 are a lower confidence outlook. Data by Open-Meteo.com, refreshed every 2 hours.
What It Is
Heads up: Bathtub Reef Beach is not really a surf spot. The worm reef runs parallel to shore and creates a calm, shallow bathtub-style lagoon, low crowd, that's better suited to snorkeling and a family swim than surfing. The reef is fragile and federally protected, so walking on it isn't allowed.
Best Conditions
There's no meaningful swell, wind, or tide window here, because this isn't a surf break, the worm reef bottom simply isn't built for waves. Surfers occasionally pick up rides on the sand just north of the reef, and that stretch is fickle and works best on a higher tide. If you're chasing an actual wave, Stuart Rocks reef break is nearby down the coast.
Cam Line and Know Before You Go
Watch the live cam at the Martin County EVS beach cam before you head out. Know the flags and rip currents before getting in the water, and this is a reef and rock bottom, so booties are worth wearing and you should mind your fins and feet around the sharp reef.
Parking and Local Tips
Parking is a free lot at MacArthur Blvd, and it's very limited, so it fills early on a nice day. Local tip: the worm-rock reef makes a calm lagoon that's great for kids, while the surf on the sand just north is fickle and works best on a higher tide, so mind the sharp reef either way.
Gear and the Shop
If you're headed just north for a wave instead of the lagoon, Island Water Sports carries surfboards, wetsuits, leashes, wax and traction, fins, ding repair kits, and board bags for the trip. Bathtub Reef Beach is north of our South Florida stores, so check the full list of Island Water Sports locations for the shop closest to your drive.
Gear for Bathtub Reef Beach
FAQ
Is Bathtub Reef Beach a surf spot?
Not really. It's a protected worm-reef lagoon built for snorkeling and family swims. Surfers occasionally pick up rides on the sand just north of the reef instead.
Can you walk on the reef at Bathtub Reef Beach?
No. The worm reef is fragile and federally protected, so it's off limits to walking, even though it creates the calm, shallow lagoon the beach is known for.
Where is the nearest real surf break to Bathtub Reef Beach?
Stuart Rocks, a limestone reef break nearby down the coast, along with the sand just north of Bathtub Reef itself where surfers occasionally pick up rides.
Nearby spots
Fort PierceHobe Sound
Hobe SoundJensen Beach
Jensen BeachStuart (Stuart Rocks)
Stuart