

Best for beginner divers, 15-25m, shore entry, mild current.
Spanish Rocks is a reef located 100 metres offshore in Tampa Bay. This shore-entry site is suitable for beginners, though divers should be prepared for a long surface swim to reach the reef. The site features depths ranging from 15 to 25 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres. Conditions include mild currents and visibility typically between 10 and 20 metres. Hazards at this location include surf and potential low visibility. Night diving is permitted, and a typical dive lasts approximately 45 minutes. Parking facilities are available for visitors. Species recorded around this area include bonnethead, shortnose batfish, horseshoe crab, drum, croaker, gurnard, snake eel, Atlantic spadefish, spotfin burrfish, honeycomb cowfish, sea star, crab, bream, hermit crab, and pigfish.
27.48741, -82.71289
You can hear the reef before you can see it.
Park at the beach access point on Gulf Drive North and 33rd Street. Walk south along the beach for six houses, then head due west for a couple hundred yards past the sandy bottom area.
Recorded at this site
Depth
15-25m
Visibility
10-20m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
18-29°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Species recorded around this area include bonnethead, shortnose batfish, horseshoe crab, drum, croaker, gurnard, snake eel, Atlantic spadefish, spotfin burrfish, honeycomb cowfish, sea star, crab, bream, hermit crab, and pigfish.
Yes, the site is rated as suitable for beginner divers.
The depth ranges from 15 to 25 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres.
Spanish Rocks is a shore-entry site located 100 metres from the beach.
Yes, Spanish Rocks is suitable for both diving and snorkelling activities.
Diving at Spanish Rosks in Holmes Beach requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Spanish Rosks in Holmes Beach. Water temperatures range from 18°C to 29°C.
Spanish Rosks in Holmes Beach typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Spanish Rosks in Holmes Beach typically ranges from 10 metres to 20 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.