- Hollywood Beach, Florida, has opened a new artificial reef trail for snorkelers.
- The trail consists of underwater statues that double as artificial reefs for marine life.
- The founders of the trail hope that it will help regenerate marine ecosystems and make travelers into stewards of the ocean.
Florida’s newest must-see attraction is, quite fittingly, under the sea.
Art and marine conservation have converged off the coast of Hollywood Beach, where the state’s newest snorkel-accessible artificial reef trail, Guardians of the Reef, has recently been deployed.
Developed by Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI), a nonprofit focused on conserving and restoring marine environments via innovative artificial structures, the trail is part coral nursery, part art installation—and fully open to the public.
Over three days in May, the team installed 50 custom sculptural reef modules, including 16 interactive sculptures and 34 coral nursery habitats, across four easy-to-snorkel public park sites located just 250 feet to 350 feet offshore. The modules sit at snorkel-friendly depths of eight to 15 feet deep and are marked with safety buoys, inviting swimmers to explore an interactive underwater gallery that’s not only visually stunning but also ecologically significant.
“This isn’t just a reef, it’s a movement,” Shelby Thomas, CEO and founder of ORAI, said in a release obtained by Travel + Leisure. “We’re building cities in the sea for marine life while creating a unique underwater museum that heals marine ecosystems—and inviting the public to become ocean stewards.”
Each of the 16 sculptures doubles as marine habitat and carries symbolic meaning. The Poseidon and Amphitrite statue pays homage to the mythological guardians of the sea and preside over structures engineered for coral regrowth, while the interactive mermaid tail and diver selfie sculptures encourages visitors to literally see themselves as stewards of the ocean.
There are also various underwater animal figures representing the virtues needed to protect marine life, including a turtle (peace and longevity), octopus (wisdom and adaptability), and seahorse (fragility and patience).
Best of all, the modules aren’t just for artsy inspiration or under-sea fun, as the living installations actively function to restore marine habitats. Each module is equipped with 100 Coral Lok anchors to support live coral outplanting in an effort to support biodiversity and reverse the decline of Florida’s coral reefs.
The organization hopes this living art exhibit will not only restore reefs but also spark further action—so if you swim out, pair your envy-inducing under-the-sea selfie with a digital oath to protect the ocean.
If You Go: The reef sites are accessible from Hollywood’s North Beach Park, Keating Park, and Harry Berry Park. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins and remember to beware of boat traffic. Always use a “diver down” flag when snorkeling.
For more info, visit oceanrescuealliance.org.
