I am referring specifically to the part of Fort Lauderdale Beach adjacent to the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.
I am neither referring to the entirety of the beach, which contains 4 miles of coastline, nor am I referring to my experience at the Hilton Hotel, which I would actually rate 8.5 out of 10.
This is the best beach I have seen in the continental United States. The water is green but transparent out to stomach level. The water is also warm, welcoming, and most important, clean. Surprisingly one of this beach's biggest issues is that it is full of flora and fauna. I went for a mile swim with my prescription goggles, and twice swam past a stingray. It was about the size of my stomach and for me, that tripped me out. If there is a stingray out there, what else is out there that I cannot see. Stingrays are supposed to be safe and friendly but I don't think the Crocodile Hunter or his family would say the same. Definitely worth visiting if you are anywhere in the American South and especially in Florida.
Strengths:
Beautiful, light-green, warm water. Easily swimmable, it lends itself to quasi-Caribbean resortesque relaxation. Because you are in the United States, people will not simply approach you to sell you assorted crap.
Weaknesses:
Kelp: There is seaweed, which brings in small fish, which bring in bigger fish.
Stingrays in relatively shallow water.
The water is only transparent out to about your stomach. I was out there with prescription goggles but past my height the water is opaque.
The water is green rather than blue.
The currents get strong once the water gets deep.
Size of beach
Length of shoreline- 4 miles
Distance from shore to sand- approximately 20 meters
Sand type
Whitish/ brown
Water Appearance
Water color- green
Transparent to 4 feet
Extremely clean- 10 out of 10
The water is free of trash and so is the land
Trash cans are available and emptied regularly
Water Temperature is ideal
There is no shade available and unless you are staying at the hotel, you have to bring your own seating.
Dangerous riptides
The currents get strong as the water gets deeper
Lifeguards
None but there are many people around and as well as people in boats and jet-skis
Poisonous jellyfish or snakes
None
Available Activities
Swimming distances and free diving
Hot women. Mostly Russians and Thai hookers with foreign men
- Level of Calm
Swimming great- no surfing possible light waves
- Animals
Birds, fish, stingrays, sharks
- Plant Life/ Other
Seaweed/kelp