Bathtub Reef Beach Reviews

A nice place to visit with snorkel and mask. Typically shallow water. We have seen many small reef fish.

Hands down the best beach in the area. Besides the heat, you wouldn't think this is Florida. Best time is at low tide where you can do some shelling and snorkel the Reef. There is a shallow lagoon too for the kids to swim and have fun. It's just a fantastic place. Snorkel , swim , picnic , see cool marine critters. Fantasize too when you see all the mansions.

Not sure what they are doing now but there are lots of huge pipes laying across the parking area and dunes so you can't get to it. A disappointment because the sand it white and it would be nice to enjoy. Doesn't look like it will be cleared any time soon.

I love that i can swim out to the reef and snorkel looking at all the fish. Would go as often as i can

We like this beach but we frequently visit. There's never that many people there so it's a good spot for us we have a two year old and a four year old.

The unique reef allows beachcombers to walk out over 300 feet in shallow water. Perfect for everyone...especially families with small children. The beach is undergoing a complete restoration and will reopen for the summer season. Beautiful, clean, well kept beach. A 'must' for locals & visitors!

Coral rising above the surface forms what appears to be a large swimming pool as it holds back the entire North Atlantic Ocean. That's a stretch, but it is a neat place to visit while in Stuart, Florida.

We wouldn't come back here even if you paid us. Not clean at all. Set up and it was 20 mins later, we were packing up to leave. Never again

We enjoyed our short visit here. There is a nice beach and also a walk across the street along the mangroves. We really enjoyed visiting the Eliott Museum nearby which has lots of old cars.

This is a great little beach for families with young children with the normally clear and calm waters it;s an ideal beach for the young ones.

The reef makes for some ideal snorkeling if that"s your choice/

Good exercise walking on the beach. Can walk in either direction for a good distance. Expect bigger waves outside the reef area and during high tide. Get there early so you can find parking.

I rated it average because it it closed and not accessible. They are apparently undergoing major renovation. The sign indicates that they are creating bigger and better beach, more parking and enhanced facilitates. It appears that they are closed until mid May.

I have found bath tub beach to not have high waves because of the reef around it. It has lots of parking and no charge. Just a great day at the beach.

It’s a lovely Beach, great for kids the water is usually warm inside the reef, parking is close, it’s great for snorkeling too.

This beach is nicely landscraped and guarded. It is shallow with rocks which protrude during low tide. It's a great place to gather shells but be careful Nd watch where you walk. The reef does allow critters to get trapped inside when tides go out. We saw 3 sharks inside the reef and the swimming was closed. Have fun and be safe!

Bathtub beach is closed due to erosion! How sad☹️. We walked down from the Sandpiper condo (Marriott) to see if anything was left. I dont know if they can ever fix the beach. Maybe the Army Corp of Engineers can fix more erosion. This was a serene and beautiful spot where you could snorkel, wade around and enjoy nature surrounding you. Hopefully it will be back again and open to the public once more.

This is a great beach area especially with kids. It can get pretty populate so I usually go for a short time them go to another beach area where it is less full of children.

Loved our drive inn the island to get here. We went on a week day and almost no one was around! We loved it. Also right there is a small refuge museum that is also worth visiting.

It's the one beach on Florida's east coast that has a protective reef to keep the waves down and protect young kids from getting bowled over. I would imagine that there's the added protection from sharks which in any case are very rare. We love to bring our grandkids here and not have to constantly worry about rip currents.

The beach has been recently revitalized with more sand and huge sand dunes. It looks like it's still a work in progress with work to be done on the parking lot.

Unfortunately, this beach area has been hit hard repeatedly over the last several years and has still not recovered. The pavilion is now closed and sand has been piled at the former parking lot and in front of the pavilion. Strangely, there's still a lifeguard stand there.
This has the potential to be a nice kiddie spot with the "bathtub" depth water, but it's not waht you'd expect in a normal "surf-type" beach. The beach itself is very narrow now and the shower off facilities are no longer accessible.
Let's hope that some day the beach will be reconstructed to the gem that it used to be!

We were intending on swimming in the ocean but the purple flag warning was out. The water was so super clear. Despite the flag and ran in for a quick cool down. The information on how the reef is formed is interesting.

Through some research we found this place. We grabbed our snorkling gear and headed over. Parking was limited. But once we parked and hoped in the water, it was all worth it. The area is protected by a reef. The water is shallow and full of rocks, life and shells. We spent a lot of time swimming, exploring and have returned several times.

This is a great place to go to the beach. It is far from the regular beach, so there is not a lot of people here. They have now 2 lifeguards on duty If you want a regular beach, Jensen beach is about 5-10 min down the road. Not a lot of parking spaces here, so be early, or you might have to park along side the road. Great place for kids. It is surrounded by a reef, and makes it a safe place for kids to play in the water. Also due to the reef, most of the sand stays where it is, and therefor very shallow. Recommended for families.

Old Florida and its greatest charm. A beautiful beach located on Hutchinson Island. Swimming water quality is amazing.

This beach is fine for walking and excellent for surfers . The beach was not clean but was acceptable. We did enjoy our visit.

What a beautiful beach. Dark turquoise water, more gentle waves (swells) than some other beaches, and a terrific flock of pelicans diving over and over to catch fish. People swam here and dmall ones played in the surf. A few folks were scuba diving for what looked like shellfish. Beach itself is a bit of a slope which we like- made for comfortable napping. Bathrooms amd decent parking. We will definitely go again!

Water is warm and I heard you can get some good views snorkeling out by the rocks, however we did not get the chance to. The water was warm and it was a bit crowded.

What a great place. The parking is limited and bathrooms are scarce, but there is a lifeguard and a deck with picnic tables. There is fresh water for rinsing off. It is a wonderful safe place for little ones to explore.

Really nice beach especially at low tide lots of fish and great snorkeling. Good for small children.

My husband and I spent this past Saturday at bathtub reef. It is such a pretty beach with a very small parking lot, no trash cans to throw out the trash and no bathroom facilities. There are 2 outhouses on the property but imagine what that is like around12 noon on a hot sunny day. There were a lot of children there so where do you think they went to the bathroom? Also, the county redid the beach and built some kind of a gazebo on the beach for what reason??? I hope people in the county read this review and REVIEW their actions

Our experience from Oct 14, 2017. (This was the resting part of our vacation after 5 days of Disney World.) Snorkeling was horrible that morning after high tide but the afternoon trip closer to low tide made it a very good experience. The rocks were hardly visible on our morning trip. Visibility was about 2 feet or less with a lot of sand, silt etc making it hard to see. We got battered by the waves that morning. The afternoon was so much better.
We arrived about 3:15 PM and the reef was visible from left to right (North to South) facing the ocean. Some snorkelers and divers were straight out from the entrance to the beach area. We elected to head North up the beach to the rocks in front of the houses at the left end of the beach. We saw thousands of fish that afternoon. I only saw 2 that morning.
Once the tide starts to recede, some of the fish get trapped between the rocks/jetty and the beach. This is a great time for viewing. The rocks act as a natural breaker where one can just float along viewing the fish. Some seem to follow us from time to time probably waiting for us to stir some silt. This was a great, fun day at bathtub beach. We always use water shoes instead of fins when snorkeling in salt water. Fins are great in springs but Ive found some beaches to have rocks, glass or sharp objects so it is always best to err on the side of safety.

Bathtub Reef is very appropriately named. A natural rock reef creates a pool like area which is great for the little ones. Took two of my grandchildren (5&7) there this past weekend and we had a great time. If you try to get there when the tide is low the consistent shallow area allows the children to play without worry. The parking lot and pavilion were recently redone and the dune was replenished. Though the small parking lot and lack of restrooms are a drawback it does manage to keep the number of beachgoers pleasantly low with plenty of room to spread out.

Beach is closed due to serious beach erosion. When it is open be aware that the parking lot is small and the beach is not very wide. There are also a lot of on beach and off shore rock formations.

This is a great beach to spend the a day especially if you have small kids. The reef blocks major wave activity. Our group was college age and they snorkeled and enjoyed the afternoon and the sunset. Uncrowded when we went weekday afternoon and enjoyed our visit.

We went here in 2009, 2013 and 2015 with friends who live in Stuart (30 min inland from here). It changes over the years, but is also a great place to go and visit. A little wading pool for little kids as well as very nice waves for your more adventurous teens. It changes over the course of the day, so be sure and look at your tide charts before going.

We were hoping to snorkel near the reef....unfortantly that was not the case. Water was very shallow although it was a perfect spot for families with smaller children: Water was shallow and no waves.

I have been going here since I was a kid and now I take my kids here when we decide to go to the beach. Highly recommend this beach.

Hey f you love taking you’re pooch to the beach, this s not to missed. Fewer and fewer places exist to do this so take advantage of it

Spent a Saturday here with our family of four and LOVED the Bathtub Reef Beach! The tide was coming in on a windy day, so the water was far from calm. That said, the reef protected the shoreline enough that kids could swim closer to shore - something that was undoable anywhere else.

Clean bathrooms, good parking, and attentive lifeguards. We'll be back on a more calm day.

This is a basic beach with lots of families, a lifeguard, and a wooden gazebo. It wasn't crowded and although the beach area isn't long or deep, there was lots of width to spread out.

This used to be one of my favorite beaches. I know that the city has put a lot of resources into maintain the beach front here, and I appreciate it. This beach has the calmest surf on Hutchinson Island, and is very family friendly. I can tolerate screaming children running around, but I was disappointed with all of the trash on the beach.
Seriously, we couldn't walk three steps without seeing discarded and abandoned trash - cans, hats, flip-flops, sunglasses, plastic bags, etc. I grew up going to Hampton Beach in New Hampshire, I thought I knew the dirtiest beach - I guess not.
Also, parking is horrendous.
Yes, I will go back. Hopefully they clean it up a little.

There is free parking, pink shells, calm waters, lifeguards, and beautiful birds. Who could ask for anything more?

Bathtub Beach is a great Beach for families with small children. The Rocks off the beach act as breakers so once water passes over them, the waves are very very small making the water very calm. There is rarely any undertoes to be concerned about. I would definitely recommend the speech for your outing.

Unfortunately, the day we visited this beach, there were sharks in the area so we couldn't go in the water. Very clean beach and not very crowded on a Saturday. Plenty of free parking. No facilities.

Reading the reviews I really expected to like this area but we went at high tide and it wasn't enjoyable at all. Sorry.

It was under construction when we were there with no signs of workers...It is called bathtub reef because it is shaped like a bathtub. It has nice sand and is sort of secluded.

This little beach is not as big, or as well travelled/visited as Stuart and Jensen Beaches, but if you want a place with less of a crowd, this is a wonderful little beach.

We loved it here. Renovations mostly completed. Unfortunately the presence of blue algae closed the beach while we were there. Before that however, the reef water was shallow & crystal clear with sealife to See when snorkeling. There is also areas for dogs past the yellow & green flag on the edges of the beach.
Get there early! We were here during the week in the off season so it wasn't an issue but the parking lot is small. Bathrooms are available & wooden deck newly built . Life guards are there.

This is a nice beach with restrooms, good parking, etc. Very similar to other beaches in the area, but it does have some cool rocks at part of the beach. We went to hopefully snorkel and see some fish but the waves were too large for decent snorkeling. This could be a good place for it, but be sure to check surf levels before going.

I grew up in Martin County and have gone to Bathtub Beach many times. It is a great beach to take you children to. I live in Palm Beach County now but made the trek several times with my own children when they were young. I the same day you can visit The House of Refuge and The Elliott Museum which are both nearby.

I live next to this reef. The area is perfect to sunbath and swim. Go and visit it if you come to stuart

We went to watch the sunset from the pier on the opposite side of the road. Great views from either side, but be aware that the view of the sunset will be occluded by the house to the south in winter.

For locals, Bathtub Reef is a great place for families, because the beach has a protected lagoon-type area.
At low tide, the beach becomes well basically… a bathtub. A giant one, mind you. But with a soft sandy bottom, and lots of little fish to peer at, it's a perfect place to bring the smaller kiddies.
Make sure that you check to see what time low tide is, and get yourself there fairly early, because it is not a huge beach in the sense that there's not tons of parking to be had but it is free, however.
The water is crystal clear, no huge waves, and the sand won't burn your feet off. All in all, a very nice, worry free relaxing day at the beach is to be had here.
The picture here is at high tide, FYI.

This has recently been redone with new viewing deck, shower, shidewalks. The reef is not very far out and the water is not very deep. During high tide is the time to snorkel. During low tide, the reef is exposed. Great place to take the kids.

By comparison all the beaches on the Treasure Coast are great. Bathtub offers an amazing reed for snorkeling and provides a calmer area for kids, especially the sand bars where waves won't smack them down. There are bathrooms and a rinse off shower in the parking lot behind the life guard station. You do need to pay attention to the guard station flags -rough waters and sharks happen when you're on the coast. Keep aware and you're fine. The downside is if you like to set up a tent or pop up cabana this may not be for you. The beach itself is not long and is maybe 60 feet from the retainer wall to the water during low tide. During high tide (usually around 4pm) there is about 20 to 30 feet of sand but half of it becomes subject to lapping waves and you will see everyone pushing back as the waves come in. For those not stable on your feet, park at the first parking lot with the pavilion and take the boardwalk safely to the beach. The second parking lot by the roundabout has a 3 foot drop onto uneven beach. There is old broken up cement where a storm washes away the prior path so be prepared - we saw almost every other person fall trying to get onto the beach from the second parking lot. The first one with the sign has a smooth board walk to the beach. We love this beach, the 4 stars only because the city of Stuart needs to fix the dangerous drop, especially for our older folks who deserve to enjoy the beach without getting hurt.

Not much parking, gets crowded but shallow and little waves so great for small children. Ok snorkeling, nothing too exciting. Trailer for a bathroom but at least it has one.

Nice beach warm water a little hard to find if you don’t know where your going but otherwise. I recommend

great get away nice location not a large crowd nice reef at low tide a little out of the way but worth it

Went on Friday Easter weekend it was packed! We got lucky and got a spot within 5 min but people were waiting for longer than that. The water was really blue and the geology of the beach was unique with a small reef about 100 yrds out from shore. Which creates the "bathtub" effect between shore and reef. There was a nice sandbar that let you walk about halfway out to reed in one spot. This beach would be much better on a quiet day I'm assuming it was so packed because of spring break and being in s Friday. Lots of kids!

This beach is the best! It’s perfect for anyone - families, small children, for anyone who likes sun, sand and water! I’ve found some beautiful sea shells there that are worth collecting. It’s got a huge area with shallow water perfect for the little ones. It is a clean beach. Lifeguards are attentive. It’s my favorite beach in Martin County!

The sand comes and goes on a regular basis. Our fragile worm reef makes this a calm shallow area good for families or those more fragile physically.

Whether you are a beach lover, or just need to see the ocean; this is a perfect spot for you to visit. It's a living reef that is constantly being preserved. Great for snorkeling, especially if you're a novice. Watch for the flags indicating rip currents or sharks!

We visited on a sunny Tuesday, it was surprisingly busy but we found somewhere to park. The beach is just beautiful. The tide was out so the children could paddle to the sandbar (NOTE: it is a living reef so DO NOT WALK ANYWHERE NEAR THE ROCKS, as it could damage the reef - so many people kept walking thru and the lifeguards very calmly explained to people not to). We spent a good few hours at the beach, the beauty is - especially when the tide is out - is that it is shallow enough to allow older children to paddle by themselves. A true gem. There are toilets in the car park, but no cafe, so make sure you bring lots of snacks and drinks.

One more thing - the shells are beautiful. Bring something to take some home with you!

It is a nice beach but after the hurricane parking is limited. They have to replensih the sand after most storms

First time there - we brought and 8,6, and three year old. Because the water is shallow, the older kids were bored and wanted to leave. The three year old was having a blast in the shallow calm (no waves) water. The following day, two adults went back to swim on the outside of the "worm poop" reef. They were thrilled to see a variety of fish and also two nurse sharks over 6 feet! Parking is hit or miss. We had to circle the lot waiting for someone to leave so we could park.

The natural rocks make for a beautiful beach. We enjoyed a great walk.

The beach was not crowded, which made for a great visit.

Overall a unique beach and worth a visit.

The last couple years it was not bathtubby at all- but they rebuilt the beach in a way that brought back the calm wAters - the parking area is huge now, updated amenities - so nice!

We always take a ride or two each year, in fact, we always take visitors there. It's a wonderful spot to really see the ocean and its marvel. It might be nice, if they could install a bench or two.

Love this beach, and especially loved taking my kiddos there last year when they were in town. So awesome, especially for littles.

Beach was open for first time after renovations. Not much parking and no public rest rooms. Not a very big beach but was nice.

....a nice spot for snorkeling if you're into that. At low tide, the reef provides the beach with a nice pool of calm water. Otherwise, it's a nice, sandy, safe beach with lifeguards that can range from really clean to full of seaweed and junk depending on what the waves bring in at high tide. Parking is ample, but can be really tight on weekends. They also have some nice, clean restrooms which is always a plus.

Good beach for a walk or swim. The bathtub part washed away years ago so it is a bit of a disappointment. So it goes!

Love, love, love this beach! When the tide is low, it's just like a bath tub and perfect for small children or anyone who likes to float around without getting battered by waves. You can snorkel and see lots of little fish around the living reef too.

This stretch of shoreline on the island offers a fair bit of off road parking and a great boardwalk stairs to the beach below. The reef and shoals protect the cove-style beach area. Walk out to knee depth on the sandy bottom at low tide. Outhouse style pottys here, bring what you need for the time.

It's a small beach, but does have two lifeguard stands. It's shallow towards the closed end and offers some snorkeling opportunities. Clear water with some protection from the pounding waves because of the reef that parallels the shore a short distance offshore. A great beach to take the kids!

The day I was there was glorious and a little crowded. Stay near the lifeguards if you're swimming as the reef/rocks became visible when the tide was going out.

There is limited parking for this beach, and currently it is closed for restoration. The county seems to have brought in more sand, but it’s not accessible.

Tip: if you park before the beach, there is another landing that you can get around to enjoy the water. No lifeguard is present, but the ocean is still beautiful.

Don't come during Lake Okeechobee discharges into the St Lucie River as it brings toxic blue green algae to this beach as it is next to the inlet. Once a thriving unique reef is now dead due to the pollution from excess agriculture runoff water. Google 2016 Bathtub Reef Beach green algae. 2018 looks like it's going to be the same, with polluted water black in color and toxic algae making it to the beach.

It's a nice beach. Parking can be a pain and there's one shower, so be prepared to wait. It seems every weekend we go there's a shark flag up. We stay close to the shore.

Shallow swimming area in cove protected by outer reef. Watch out for rocks and tree stumps near the beach & please don't stand on the reef or rocks. Just need to remind beach goers not to litter. Some beach reclamation has choked out reef, but snorkellers can still see a variety of fish on the outside of the reef.

Bathtub Beach is a lovely place!!! At low tide one can walk the tide pools enjoying the little sea critters. However, lately, it has been closed due to toxic algae infiltrating the area due to Lake Okeechobee drainage!!!! What a shame!!! My advice--check to see what is happening before venturing there.

My wife and I visited Bathtub Reef Beach today. My wife is an avid seashell collector so we timed our visit to be near low tide. We found the beach to be pretty clean although on Halloween there were only maybe a dozen or so people there. We also saw landscapers working by the parking lot and others who appeared to be picking up trash. It is handicap accessable and there are clean bathrooms. And its free. The beach itself is lovely and the water calm thanks to the reef that runs parallel to the shore. Of course this is the ocean, not Disney World, so sometimes there's seaweed and sometimes there's not. In our case, seaweed no, algae bloom yes. Though we didnt see it we coughed it. There are warning signs and even the lifeguards had bandanas over their mouths. We didn't go in the water over our knees. I didn't see or feel any big boulders or rocks other than those at the beach's northern end. The rest of the shore is sand. If there are submerged rocks between the shore and the reef I cant say. What I can say is Bathtub Beach is a cool beach, good for bathing and shell hunting and i'd be willing to bet, good for snorkling nearer the reef. We're going back tomorrow!

Like to take out of town guests here while they have snow on the ground back up north. Also enjoy the nearby house of refuge.

Bathtub Beach is located on the road through Indian River Plantation, south the historic House of Refuge and just before the exclusive Sailfish Point development. Bathtub Beach is a special place for local and visiting residents.

A reef protects an area of ocean refers to as “bathtub,” which is ideal on many days for children and adults to frolic freely from the waves. Many times there is even a sandbar before the reef.

Bathtub Beach and facilities were refurbished at the beginning of 2016. Some people walk south to the St. Lucie Inlet. It is about a mile down and quite interesting to view the inlet in its various stages. It is not the safest inlet to boat in or out as people have perished since being dug-out starting in 1844. There is always a problem with the inlet filling in with sand.

Historically, this was part of the path that Jonathan Dickinson traveled up the coast in 1696 after being shipwrecked. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, a developer named James Rand built a pier that is no longer in existence. A Hollywood movie, Empire of the Ants, was actually filmed here in 1977.

Parking is limited. It is highly recommended that you come early to secure a spot. Parking in the road will get you a ticket from the Sheriff department—and they will give you a ticket.

There are bathrooms in the southern end. A nice gazebo is still standing and you can get great views from the vantage point. There is a shower to wash off.

There are lifeguards at this beach depending on the season and conditions. The nude sunbathers of the 1980’s are no longer, and “Bathtub Beach,” is mainly a family area.

The reef is protected and standing on it is unlawful and damaging. On nice days, people do snorkel and scuba the reef area.

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This is one of my favorite beaches. Great for relaxing and hanging out. Snorkeling there is fun as well. Get there early on weekends as the parking lot fills up early.

A very fun, family and pet friendly place. Bad parking on most days....But overall really cool place to go to the beach.

I LOVE bathtun Reef! I have been taking my child there since she was an infant! Its so beauitful there!

this is a beautiful beach. perfect place to take the little ones. The water is usually very calm. There is a lifeguard.

Spent a few minutes seeing the sights! Interesting beach. Will go again on our next visit to spend more time. Very natural setting.

Water was rough during our stay due to the passing hurricane. There is a large gazebo with benches and a few tables. Ramp from parking lot to structure. Beach has lost sand and dunes are being constructed. Personally do not see the attraction.

Wonderful beach for kids and snorkeling
Limited parking
If you walk 1 1/4 miles south you will reach the st lucie inlet
A great spot to swim or fish

Clean & not overly crowded. Private and not commercialized. Nice people there. ample parking. I'm visiting from another state and feel safe in this area. Water is beautiful. Nice beach with coral reef if you snorkel.

Nice restrooms, quiet & relaxing. The area is tricky to get into, but parking was available to those who get there early.

Dunes look great...parking area excellent...new restrooms a plus. Recommend this beach for families with small kids.

This is a very special beach. Because of the reef low tide is especially fun for children. The water is shallow and the little tide pools sometime have marine life to explore. This beach also has life guards for added security. Parking in the past has been horrendous, but they are working on that problem this early summer...CHECK FIRST TO MAKE SURE ITS OPEN as it will be closed for a short time in the summer of 2016 for erosion repairs!

Reminds me of when I was a kid at the same beach 25ish years ago. Great feeling to be back home and able to take my own children to the same beach I visited regularly in my youth.

Wasn't overcrowded, nice Beach , I had problems with my GPS so I had trouble locating this. I was not there for low tide but was there for a high tide in the Wind we're definitely hauling lots of surfers doing their thing had a nice time I would go back

Drove out to bathtub reef for a few hours. Parking is terrible and they were ticketing, so be aware. No beach amenities (bath rooms, water, etc) but the view is amazing, and life guards are there

Perfect way to spend an afternoon reading and listening to the water. There’s plenty of shade, and plenty of sun. The waves are big! Loved all the wildlife.

They keep trying to repair the beach and then it gets hit by another storm.
The reef itself that is above water sometimes has also been damaged I belief.
Still I will go back to check on it. It is almost at the end Hutchinson Island. This barrier island had a hole blown through after the two bad hurricanes 8 years ago?
People had to take a boat across the rift to get to their homes. I never thought I would buy a condo on a Barrier Island for these reasons. I have no regrets, best beach in Florida?

We visited this beach one day in the mid-afternoon but the winds were at about 15+mph so the water was quite choppy. We were really looking forward to possibly snorkelling and seeing the local sea life but it was much too wavy the days we were visiting. We did find some nice small shells and saw a nurse shark swimming around our legs!!

This place is called the bathtub because the coral reef creates a natural lagoon especially during low tide. It is now a county park as it is a very popular place to go. It is a great place to go and experience a coral reef, tidal pools and a beautiful beach

You have to make time to visit this gem. It’s off the beaten path but do make the time to visit. It’s very different than any other place.

We visit the Bathtub Reef every year and it never disappoints. We snorkel to the reef and get a close up view of all the colorful life living on it. The beach itself is great for sunbathing or building sand castles. It's reassuring to know there are lifeguards on duty too.

Bathtub Beach is a mixed bag. I am writing this review as someone who worked adjacent to the beach so was there 7 days a week, year around. First, it is frequently closed due to erosion or other repair issues. They call it Bathtub because it is "protected" by the reef. You should also know that, in the past few years, there have been at least 2 shark attacks. It is a beautiful spot and nice amenities such as restrooms but just be aware of your surroundings.

This beach is located on south Hutchinson Island in the Indian River Plantation. It is beautiful. Great for snorkeling or wading. There were lifeguards and ample parking. It is secluded, not a tourist heavy destination.

Great place for any age. Be sure to bring a mask so you can explore! Lots of fish that will come right up to you. Don't forget a sand pail! Lots of cool shells to pick up from the water or the beach.The reef keeps the waves out so it's a fun and relaxing adventure.

beautiful setting and is very popular among visitors and locals. unfortunately, this year the beach area is being worked on and is closed-completely chained off. last time i was there, they were digging ditches and had pipes ready to be installed. hope it will be ready by next winter. it's one of my favorite places to go for long walks and enjoying natural beauty. if you are determined to spend time on the beach, just drive north about 1/4 mile to refuge beach. beautiful, also.

Bathtub Reef Beach is amazing. One of the best beaches I've ever experienced. Especially good for children due to the reef. At low tide you can walk out about 20-30 feet and it's only a few inches deep.

Great beach and nice for families!! Been going to this beach for over 30 years!! Shallow waters for kids to play. Parking is bad so go early!!

This is one of the calmer beaches in the area. The waves are small and kids can play here pretty safely.

Parking lot is dirt with no facilities, beach water was very murky and dark. Popular with snorkelers though with reef so close.

This is a neat little beach that is close to reefs allowing for some very close to shore viewing. But get there early as parking is very limited.

Beach is unique and is great for kids. Low tide offers tidal pools to explore. The biggest draw back is the parking. It’s very limited. I have tried to go several times and couldn’t because there were no
Parking spots.

This is a perfect beach for kids but the only problem...the parking is horrible and summer no parking available.

Dirtiest beach I've ever seen. I don't know if it's always like that or because of the strange change of tides at that time, bringing in the trash from the sea. We had 2 plastic bags supposedly for shells but ended up filling them with all kinds of plastic trash. I tried ignoring them at first but eventually had to pick them up.
We were finally rewarded when we got to the end of the beach behind the Sailfish Point development. The beach was so clean and dotted with birds walking alongside of us.

Most beaches on Hutchinson Island are a bit narrow but Bathtub has a nice wide beach area. Families congregate on the weekends so it gets busy and they still do not have facilities--have porta potties and hoses to rinse off the sand. I assume facilities are coming? Beautiful beach.

I love this beach. It's called Bathtub because there is a reef just off shore that at lower tides creates a huge area of shallow water and little tiny sandbars where you can carry a beach chair and have your own island in the middle of the water while watching your kids play and snorkle in clear knee deep water. So it's perfect for families. There's a pavillion and bathrooms. It's an incredibly scenic beach that never feels crowded. I often go there just to look at it - so beautiful there. If you like shelling you're gonna lose your mind. Again because of the reef there are areas where shells are more than abundant. Lots of people fish, sailboard, and surf when the tide flexes it muscles. They just finished a multimillion dollar refurbishment and expanded parking. So just go! You won't regret Bathtub.

Been going to this beach my whole life. Love it! Take your kids as low tide comes and spend a good day on the sandbars and enjoying the coral reef and ocean life

This is a secret place for all of the locals... Nice clean beach with crystal clear water surrounded by a barrier reef. No shark bites here!!!

We loved Bathtub Beach!!! It just felt a little safer for the children, swimming in the ocean. There are still waves and we all walked out to the reef and were standing in a foot of water out there. We made sand castles, "sharks" and wanted to watch the tide come in and destroy them but unfortunately it started to rain and we had to leave. It was fun for my daughter who wasn't traveling with us, because she could see us on the web cam. The only negative was there is not enough parking. When we couldn't get in we went back to the beach just north of this near the House of refuge. Cool beach!!! Very different with rocks, or reef right on the beach. I highly recommend both.

New facility construction is evident in the parking lot which has clean curbs, sidewalks and handicap accessible ramp up to the viewing platform. There are also two handicap ports-potties on concrete pads.

The number of vehicle parking spots has increased, but may fill on nice, prime beach days. There are two Life Guard towers and a wide expanse of sandy beach.

A unique feature of this public beach is the reef that creates an enclosed area that at low tide is protected from ocean waves and has a sandy bottom for easy swimming access. There are information plaques that describe the structure of the reef and living creatures we all must be careful it to adversely impact.

This is VERY FAMILY FRIENDLY. If you are visiting anywhere around the Stuart/Jensen Beach/Hutchinson Island area and are looking for an Atlantic Ocean beach adventure, try this well maintained facility.

On a Tuesday morning it’s easy for parking and enjoying the beach. Found more shells than anticipated and the surf was calm. They gave life guards and that is very important.

This place is always lovely, lots to see in the water even in shallow depth. Nice lifeguards and good sand with a deli place at the beach nearby.

Great snorkeling for the area. Been many times and will continue to go. Great place to take the kids.

Great spot to walk the dog. Beer friendly. Open 24/7. Nice pavilion for sunrise ops. Parking is limited, so go early morning or late afternoon. Great for kids to swim safely inside the reef.

Can't really do a fair review because this location is undergoing beach renourishment. It looks like it's going to be very nice once they are finished.

We walked down this beach twice during a recent visit to Stuart. It was a very relaxing outing. There is always a nice breeze to keep you cool but you need sunscreen as there is a lot of UV reflection off the water. There are a lot of great shore birds to watch as they feed at the waterline and scurry about to avoid the waves. The beach is very clean and there were not a lot of other folks enjoying it when we were there.

Very nice place to stop. The beach is not so wide, but very nice. wade out a bit - warm brackish water. the mini museum is nice also

Years ago...36 to be exact when I first moved here this was the beach to go to. The reef was beautiful and full of life, it had a generous parking area, snorkeling was perfect. Now...it’s a sad reminder of climate change and humans. The reef is dead. With no lifeguards on duty people have walked all over the reef, stealing its coral, and crushing it. It no longer has any life. It’s just a broken up pile of rocks and dead coral now.
This beach is getting smaller and smaller as the sea takes it over. Millions of taxpayers money goes to refurbishing the sand, only to have the wind and tide steal it again. The parking area is usually closed, and it’s rare that anyone gets to use this beach anymore. The house built on the beach is slowly being taken by the sea piece by piece, year after year till it will one day be gone too. We have other beaches here just as nice so go to one of those, the bathtub reef and beach is no more

This beach got great reviews but I am not sure why. Lots of crushed shells made for uncomfortable walking, there was very little beach available at high tide and there was a steep drop off to the water.

Have been to lots of better beaches

This beach is so popular as its usually safe and protected-until the next hurricane!
Every year it seems the place has to be rebuilt with sand brought in from the neighbors!

Bathtub beach is located on a narrow strip of island with a salt water river on one side and the ocean on the other. The drive to the beach alone is worth the trip. The reef breaks the larger waves creating a shallow area which is great for young kids. The sand is nice and there are lots of seashells and rocks for kids to play with. There aren't many amenities other than lifeguards and an open air shower to rinse the sand off. The parking lot isn't huge so be prepared to circle for a spot if it's a nice day!

Excellent public beach with plenty of parking and well covered by lifeguards. The reef shields the beach somewhat so it is good for kids.

This is a beautiful spot! The beach is clean. There were lots of shells for collecting. There is free parking and an area to wash sand off. We also enjoyed the drive to get here. You can see the lagoon on one side and the ocean on the other!

Such a nice area and great views. Able to walk all along and great places to stay right off the beach. Would highly recommend is Beach if you come to the area!

This is a beach that should be explored.
It’s nice to see all the families spending time together. Parents must feel particularly safe here because you see many babies and toddlers. For the grown ups there is snorkeling. On the opposite end you can bring your furry four legged children.
Definitely keep on eye on the lifeguard stand as occasionally there may be a shark sighting. I say come see it before it’s gone because with each hurricane there’s more and more beach erosion. It’s quite sad as it’s a beautiful beach.

Great walking and shopping district. River view dining, theater programs, cultural diversity, you just can't go wrong when you visit this lovely little town.

I went with young children. The water was calm. The kids could snorkel. It was awesome. Our 10 year old was still on all fours in the water. Fish gathered under him and moved with him as he slowly crawled. Park early! It fills up. There were fights going on in the parking lot!

This reef area is so unique. At high tide, most of the reef is covered in water, but at low tide there are tide pools with fish and other creatures. Some of the rock faces are exposed and you can see the barnacles. In combination with a jetty at the end of the island, large schools of fish can be found swimming in the reef area which looks very cool...but there are quite a few small sharks that show up for snacks as well. There were lifeguards present one day when we were there, and at low tide there is a huge, shallow area with no waves. We also found some amazing shells and watched a few people fishing.

I'm sharing a little known secret. If you find the Bathtub Reef, backtrack and go to the beach on the RIGHT after leaving Bathtub to the parking area known as "The Rocks". This is a surfer hangout. There are restrooms. But the view is paradise and is usually known only to the locals. It's not necessarily the best for children (The Bathtub area is however). But this is great for couples. Also, be aware that pets are allowed on the beach (as in BIG dogs sometimes).

I have many fond memories of visiting Bathtub Beach on Hutchinson Island, Stuart Florida.
We even had a memorial here in 2000 when my Mother died in Stuart. But unfortunately the parking lot has been removed and the only access to this lovely calm beach is via a very small parking lot down the road. Why?

Bathtub reef is hidden off of A1A,it is a little hard to find.The beach is very beautiful.The water is very warm(therefore the name)because it a shallow sandy area.There a reef that you can snorkel and take in the sea life.Great place to relax while the kids play in the water because is no surf to speak of.

Bathtub Reef is located on the southern end of South Hutchinson Island in Stuart Fl. This is a "Worm Reef" created by a massive colony of Fragmatapoma caudata marine worms that capture the grains of sand tossed by the wave action and fashions those grains into a massive reef. The reef acts as habitat for a variety of fish, crabs, mollusk, starfish and algae. The reef also acts as a break to the incoming waves which results in a "bathtub like" shallow swimming area between the reef and shore that is perfect for young children.

The beach was closed last spring for restoration, so this visit was our first since the improvements! I like how they made proper dune crossings and now the dunes are marked off so ppl stay off them! The beach is great and at low tide, perfect for young children as the reef protects the beach from large waves and becomes like a lagoon! It exposes part of the living reef as well. Their are lifeguards on duty. While their were a few Portuguese Man O war on the beach, the lifeguards were pointing them out to newcomers on the beach who may not be familiar with what they look like. They also had the marine life flag flying. My only disappointment was that ppl leave trash behind which is so ignorant and disrespectful. We picked handfuls of mostly plastic and food wrappers for proper disposal. I'd imagine that some of it washes up on shore as well. There are ample trash cans and recycling containers, if ppl would just make sure their trash makes it there! We will definitely be back as our three kids love this beach!!

So happy to have this beautiful beach reopened! Great place for families.
The lifeguards do a great, if not exhausting,job of keeping coral walkers off the endangered reef!

Another example of how Florida excels at providing its tourists with beautiful natural attractions. The chance to see a live reef without having to snorkel out is rare. Nice detailed information provided, as well as a wooden viewing area. The beach was very relaxing much safer for children because of the natural barrier. View was amazing even got to see a whale surface.

We try to get here for at least an afternoon whenever we are in the area. Free beach; shallow water and sometimes you luck out and see beautiful fish.

Nothing like Miami Beach. So family friendly and quiet. Being able to walk so far out without dropping points is wonderful for having children with! One of my favorite places to stop and relax.

they fixed the parking and the walks
If a west wind protected from wind by land and very clean and nice.
Go during the week when not too crowded

This is just awesome! Make sure its hi tide if you plan to snorkel. If you want low tide,,,its perfect for the kids and animals. parking is limited ,,but wait to you see whats in store for you!

Absolutely a must see in Stuart. Great place for families with young children to folks that are young at heart. Snorkeling is a must. We've been here several times and it's never failed to be awesome!!

This is a very scenic beach, different than most Florida beaches. It is very relaxing to sit back and enjoy or for a swim. Great for families. It is a local gem.

We had perfect timing showing up. As we were walking a lifeguard was showing up for duty and asked if we had been to the beach yet or if we were just arriving. We told him that we were just getting there and he made a recommendation that we take the kids to the far left side because it is she most shallow part of the beach and there will also be some tidal pools to play in. Boy was he right. My 2 year old who had been afraid of the waves all week jumped right into the tidal pools and found a lot to do. It was a great experience and we came back later in the week also! My 5 year old daughter was able to dig for shells and they also found a lot of sea snails in he rocks. Great time!

Wife an I visited Jensen Beach during a recent vacation .. Good news .. water looked spectacular with it's blue-ish tint ..
didn't see any pollution in water .. but .. bad news was that sandy beach area needed some cleanup .. debris and a lot of seaweed .. folks were clearing off seaweed just to be able to set up chairs or lay down their blankets.. we arrived early so no problems with parking .. but .. if you arrive late morning/early afternoon you will probably encounter parking issues .. low tide is best time to go .. you are able to walk out pretty far into water .. great for kids.. tidal pools get created on reefs..

Parking is free, but limited. For all practical purposes, arrived before 10:00AM on weekends and holidays. One can argue it is the “Best” beach in Martin County. Ironically, the beach is not listed on Google Maps.

It is known as “Bathtub” since a reef is close to shore forming shallow waters during low tide. For small children, it is a fun playground. You are asked not to go on the reef since it is fragile.

Bathtub Reef Beach is easy to find. Turn south by the Marriott Resort on MacArthur Blvd. The distance is about 3 miles. You will come across the House of Refuge, the oldest house in Martin County since 1876. The beach is before you enter the Sailfish Point guard gate. No problem if you miss the turn as there is a roundabout before the guard gate.

Martin County spent millions of dollars to refurbish this beach destroyed by storms in 2024. The gazebo that went out on the beach is now gone. For the most part, the refurbishment is much welcomed. There is a new bathroom at the southern end. All they need to do now is to place a shower somewhere near the bathroom.

The St. Lucie Inlet is but a tad more than a mile from Bathtub Beach heading south. It makes for a pleasing walk or run. Across the inlet is the St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park.

Sailfish Point complex is unobtrusive to the beach area. This area was known as “Seminole Shores.” The original developer was James Rand who built a pier that lasted for many years, now gone. The peninsula was mostly filed with Australian Pines, now homes and a golf course for Sailfish Point.

In the 1970’s there was an unofficial nudist area down by the inlet. There was even a movie in 1976 filmed along that beach called, “Empire of the Ants.” It was a low budget film.

Just north of Bathtub Beach is a popular area where surfers like to catch waves caused by the reef below.

On a rainy day going to the Elliot Museum and or House of Refuge is not a bad idea.

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The weather was great, the beach was clean and beautiful, very relaxing. Would recommend for any day of the week.

Stuart is a gem of a seaport town, a fishing and shipping center that "made good", with a pretty downtown and active arts scene. Very much a beach town, they are everywhere along Hutchinson Island. But there's one that's perfect for swimmers (or nonswimmers) who don't like fighting the surf when the wind is onshore, and that's Bathtub Beach. It has a protective reef, lifeguards on scene, and nice calm shallow water inside that reef. This is the place to take small kids or reluctant beachgoers. It's off the beaten path, no stores nearby, so bring your picnic basket and beach gear, just a nice quiet beach.
Take a tour of the House of Refuge Museum on the way out, or back.

Absolutely beautiful. Life guard protected, which is a good thing, shark was spotted, life guards had everyone stay out the water until the shark was gone. Nice bathrooms. Limited parking. Shallow areas for young ones to play in the water

The reef creates a barrier so that at low tide, Bathtub Beach is just that -- a big bathtub, with very little surf. Bring your coolers and umbrellas, and lots of sunscreen, and plan to build sand castles.

Scenic drive down to this little cove. Nice place to snorkel for beginners, when tide is in and great for kids to play with tide is out. The reef helps break the waves so that the little ones can play.

Love to visit Bathtub Beach. So relaxing! Also love to siddel across the street to the short mangrove walk.

A beautiful beach! Fun for families and it has a great sunset! A must visit if you are on the Treasure Coast!

Loved this beach...not super crowded when we went and it has some unique rocks along the shoreline that are different than most beaches in Florida

Go on low tide and it is very different. Get there early or avoid week ends as there will be no parking after 9:00. Typical, lay back stuart beach with the reef feature. Down the road is the House of refuge, and across the streett fro the beach is a wooden path through mangroves to the Indian River for a great view and a glance of sailfish bend. I caught a 25 lb snook of the seawall several years ago, thanks to Mark Nichols, owner of DOA Lures.

This is a great spot to stop and swim. The surf was really bad except here as the reef broke up the surf! Has showers , shade and lots of parking. Great stop to just take a breath of sea air!

Beach was nice but the kids wanted to snorkel and the water wasn't really clear enough. After being there about 30 minutes, there was a shark sighting and had to get out of the water. Waited about 1-1 1/2 hours to get the all clear and decided to just go back to the beach house as water was clearer and better for snorkeling.

It was only a few miles from the hotel. There is an outer reef so the waves don't crash as hard as further up toward the Marriott. My son and I enjoyed walking and shell collecting here several times during our stay.

Always calm due to the Reef just off the beach. NO FACILITIES NONE so hit the head Bathroom before coming. Limited parking.

One of our favorite beaches in Stuart. Bring your camera and snorkel and you may see some fun sights! Rock formations are gorgeous with the crashing waves

has a reef off shore for snorkling thats about the best thing about this beach. also nearly always deserted

The beach is as beautiful as it looks in pictures. Easy to park, wasn't too crowded when we went. Great place to walk, take a dip, find some shells.

I went to find some cool marine life and I did, I saw some cool fish and some crabs. I'm going back to try to find a star fish or two

We were excited to check out the highly recommended beach, but got there and the beach was "Closed until further notice." Disappointing, but there were many other easy beaches to get to along the way.

Having intimate knowledge of the goings-on and the ups and downs that have plagued this beach in the past, I can attest as to how faithfully committed Martin County has been to this beach and its environs.
Despite previous erosion (and other) issues, Martin County has been steadfast in their effort to make this the great beach that it is.
It is locally known as the "family beach"
Now; if we could just get the public to abide by the signs and not trample the fragile, living, worm rock reef, life would be good.

This beach is over the top great!!! It was voted among the best beach that we have ever been to. My entire family snorkeled 4 of the 7 days at this beach. We saw barracuda, angel fish, crab, and other tropical fish. The beach itself is protected by a reef. You can snorkel during high tide and the kids can play during low tide. Extremely kid friendly especially for small ones. Can't say enough. Will definitely be back if we visit the area again. Must see if in the area.

I really wanted to visit this beach, but sad to say no parking for now. It's located along a very narrow road that is currently seeing new home growth with what parking is available being used by the local contractors. My guess is at least another 4-8 weeks before the parking area is open. Hope I'm wrong on the timeline, I plan on returning.

Great beach for collecting shells and warm water at low tide in a lagoon, calm water.

Sand flies on the dry sand you need bug spray. I got loads of bites 200 plus..sit on wet sand.

Dogs can go on the beach on a lead at the north and south ends.

Great clean toilets and changing rooms... outside showers to clean feet of sand when leaving the beach.

No cafe to buy food or drinks.

Recently revamped.........showers, pavilion and pretty water! What else could you want?? Great parking lot although sorta small.

We had heard that this was a good place to snorkel, which didn't end up being the case. However, we enjoyed just hanging out at this beautiful beach. We waded around in the lukewarm water, checked out the reefs, and watched spinner sharks leap out of the water most of the day.

The beach also features a fair amount of parking and decent facilities.

My first time to a reef today, plan to go back tomorrow morning. BEAUTIFUL beach! Exceeded my expectations! The sand was white, the water perfect, clear, and not at all cold. There was a rainbow in the clouds as I swam with the ocean. Yes, 'with'. It was a spiritual experience!

Went here last weekend; arrived just before high tide on a day right before the full moon, so the tide should have been fairly high.
The 'reef' is about 75 yards offshore; to get to it you have to wade through knee-deep water - very shallow, even at high tide. The reef is barely covered with water at full high tide - maybe 3.5 to 4 feet over the rocks. Add to this the surf pounding you while you try to snorkel and driving you down into the rocks and its an unpleasant experience indeed!! We snorkeled for an hour or so hoping it would get better but the tide started out again and it got even shallower!! Soon, there wasn't even enough water left to swim around the rocks.
Also, we only saw one fish of any size; just a bunch of minnows darting around.
I understand the marketing hype surrounding this place, but my fairly expert opinion (I've snorkeled all over the world) is that this place is good for one thing - bringing your young toddler children to swim safely in the ocean (the swimming area is literally a 'bathtub'). As a snorkeling place, it's really a joke.

We drove all the way down the island to get here and then we really couldn't see much of the reef so we figure it must have been high tide. There were quite a few people out the evening we went because they were there to watch the full moon rise over the Atlantic Ocean, really pretty.

What more could anyone ask for on the beautiful Atlantic? Reefs, sand and first class access provided by Martin County.
Come visit and enjoy our beach's. Respect them, do not leave trash and stay off the reef with your feet, swim over snorkel and enjoy.

This beautiful stop and beach is gone. I remember bring my child her or just relaxing and it's not there

We spent the day at Bath Tub Reef Beach on 2 days and found it to be great. Facilities are close. One of the days was very windy but there were areas that were more protected and made it much more enjoyable to be on the beach. Sand is not as white as o the gulf side but there are plenty of shells to collect. Bath reef beach apparently got its name because the reef of the era where the water is totally calm and shallow, like bath tub water.

We planned to come snorkeling at Bathtub Beach for the day. Unfortunately, the water was nasty. It looked like river water. Because of all the rain in Okeechobee, the Okeechobee was to full. They drained it into the water and it ended up in the Treasure Coast ocean. Five years ago, it was drained into the Everglades or overflowed in Okeechobee. This water will probably be nasty for at least another month. Hopefully they won't release water again this summer.

In January it was too cold for sun worshipping but the sound of the breaking waves and sand in the toes was perfect for the escape from Maryland's dreary winter!
There were a few huge houses but the beach is all public access. Nice visit!

I haven’t seen a prettier beach in South Florida. Cool rocky coast that makes for a beautiful sunrise! We walked the coast every morning and will miss this beach dearly!

This is such a beautiful place to snorkel, find shells, or just enjoy the beach. It is like you stepped onto a caribbean island for the day, it is gorgeous and the water is crystal clear. Such a hidden gem.

Call the Health Department because very few signs posted. Signs say !Advisory! High Bacteria. Avoid Contact With The Water. Martin Co Health Dept 772-221-4090. Please google flesh eating bacteria in FL. Over that last three years at least 8 people have died. Of course this is not reported in main stream media because of the loss of tourist dollars. The fish are poison. Kayaking, boating, swimming ALL are AT RISK activities. Lake Okeechobee & the canals West to Ft Meyers & East to Stuart area need to be removed. Only solution to stop the poisoning. The Kissimmee River must flow naturally.

Highly recommended to all you sand crabs. Enjoyed the quiet beach and close reef location. You won’t want to leave. Bring the kids.

Amazing beach on the ocean. When the tides go out on the reef the water gets even warmer and you can see the fish and more. It also creates tides pools where kids can swim and so forth.

Great location to walk on the beach. It is safe and clean. Not in the mood for a walk: Watch surfers, fish, relax, or just enjoy the sunset. Whatever you choose it is a great beach with lots to enjoy!

My kids loved that the waves were less powerful so they could safely swim and play. We bought cheap snorkel gear and had fun finding shells and fish. There are porta potties but we couldn't find a shower for sand which would have helped. Parking was crowded, but we did get a spot close up and the beach had ample spots for sunbathing. Even despite the negatives, it was an awesome beach for kids. My seven-year old found a crab and we got lots of shells.

We visited twice. Once it was a bit rough and high tide so we weren't able to explore the reef. The other time the water was much calmer and very clear. Not many fish to see but no one said it was Hawaii (or even the Keys)

We have been several times but have yet to snorkel around the reef as the boat wake and tide make it dangerous to get too close. On the bright side, there are tons of pretty scallop shells that you can find while snorkeling along the beach. Overall, it is a very nice beach but parking is AWFUL as it is a small sandlot. There are bathrooms but not a fancy boathouse and there is also an outdoor shower to wash all of the sand off. Don't be discouraged about the parking because it is a very nice beach!

Bathtub reef was surprisingly fun to snorkel. Having snorkeled at several Carribean reefs, I was not really interested in going, but tagged along at the last minute. It was a calm enough day and there was plenty of fish including a 3 to 4 foot shark. The reef itself is not that large but has a few interesting formations

if you want private, and you like a smaller beach area to go to, you have to go here once. It's location is awesome.

This beach is perfect for snorkeling or any activity with little ones. If you want to just float around, build sand castles, it's perfect. Lots of deep sand to shore beach

Such a great little spot to safely enjoy the beach and water. We go here to watch the evening waves and relax. Nice place to wade in the water and just chill.
Bring a blanket or chairs and sit back for florida at its finest.

Beautiful clear water with a large variety of fish and sea life. The reef was interesting with an amazing ecosystem.

We went at high tide and there was nothing calm about this beach. There was a significant amount of sea vegetation in the water and sand - and when I say significant, I mean it. It was painful to stand in the water because of the sticks, etc hitting you with each wave. Trash littered the beach - water bottles, plastic caps - it was quite sad. We cleaned up what we could but it would really benefit from some TLC. The only positive I would give this beach is that it had some unique shells on the beaches and my kids loved that. The water was just too rough for us to let them play for long. Bathroom facilities are very nice. Only one shower area and considering this is a fairly popular beach, it was very busy.

This beach had lots of reef on shore and off shore. It had an area that was very calm and warm. Really nice beach. Good shells. The reef was really tough to walk on. Cool place. Road access was closed due to construction when we went. We parked down the street and walked down. Nice path and foot washing stations. Residential area.

This beach has a reef that's really close to the shore and it's pretty shallow all the way out. This made it ideal for our kid's first Ocean swimming experience. The waves break on the reef leaving the swimming area much more calm. There were shells everywhere and it wasn't too crowded which made for the perfect beach day!

Amazing place with super clear water. Check before you go that the tide will be going out while you are there. That is the only way you get the “bathtub effect” this place is known for.

I took a road trip from Boynton Beach to explore Bathtub Reef Beach. A friend of my cousin's recommended the beach and I also saw a few checklists on e-bird. I was looking for some shorebirds that were reported as nesting there but never found them. I was there on a very hot and very busy day! The beach was very crowded and I did also go at 12:00 Noon which is not a prime time to see birds, especially in the heat. I did not try snorkeling but noticed the area for snorkeling and some people with snorkel gear. There is no charge for parking but parking can be an issue as with most beaches if you don't get there early enough. I was lucky to find a spot. There was a nice wooden deck area with 2 picnic tables including 1 in a shaded area so you can bring your lunch and enjoy the view if you don't want to go on to the beach.

I love this place, no matter what time of the day! Is like being in paradise. You can go at midnight and see the turtles as they go to the sea for the first time, enjoy the sunrise or the sunset. You can take beautiful pictures!! And the water is clear and the sand is perfect.

I go during the day when children are in school, It is nice and quiet, always clean also. I didn't have problems finding parking either/

Bathtub Beach and the adjacent reef are located on Hutchinson Island which extends to it's southern most point known as Sailfish Point.

The coral reef creates a basin between the reef and the beach at low tide and the water temperature in the basin resembles that of a bathtub.

The experience of dipping in a coral reef protected basin at low tide while overlooking spectacular ocean views is second to none.

All in all, highly recommended.

Best beach in town for small children and families. Shelling is great and very relaxing. Clean beach and you always get to watch surfers.

While this beach is extremely busy and parking is limited, there are lifeguards on duty and the reef breaks the waves making it a very large "bathtub." Despite the business, there was ample spots to set up camp for the day. It is great for families with babies and toddlers to much older. Our kids are 5 and 7. We did see some wildlife on the beach like a Portuguese Man of War (in early January) and a sea cucumber (also early January). We have been here multiple times while we stay at our condo. We tried to go today, but Bathtub Beach is closed until mid-May 2016 for rejuvenation. There are showers when exiting the beach.

Very nice beach localation. Due to the reef, the waves are mch more manageable. But the drop off iis still significant

This beach has a rocky reef that encircles almost the entire area! The water is only about waist high (3 ft) near the reef and even shallower after low tide. Lots of different fish and crabs to spot if snorkeling and many hard-to-find shells for those who love shell hunting! The water is seldom rough and perfect for little ones. There are lifeguards on duty and walking/climbing on the reef is prohibited. There is also a nice large pavilion, bathrooms and a shower for rinsing sand off. Excellent for those who want to snorkel or swim !

Rented a bike from Ironhorse Bike and Scooter Shop in Jensen Beach. This bike and scooter shop was the KEY to getting me to this beautiful paradise. I've rented bikes in all places I've traveled around the world -- this shop has the best selection of quality bikes that were in excellent condition . Kevin (owner) is impeccable with ensuring bikes are safe and ready to go. I rented the bike for a week (super reasonable) and he had my bike ready to go in the morning (checked tires, oiled chain, adjusted handle bars for my height etc) and also provided a nice COLD bottle of water before AND after the ride at no charge. Lock,helmet,map and backpack is available -- THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE BATHTUB REEF !!

Just down the road from the House of Refuge, this lovely little beach is different in that there is an underwater reef ~100 yards out (depending on tide), which breaks the waves before they get to shore reducing their size. This means it's great for little ones (and maybe the elders too), who are intimidated by the knock-down force at other beaches.

Tried to go here but parking lot under construction and other lot nearby small and full. Had to go to Stuart town beach.

Bathtub beach was closed due to erosion but we did walk to it and enjoy the beauty there. The next beach down was an absolute blast! We went both Saturday and Sunday mornings and had so much fun watching the surfers! Great area!!!

Whenever we have guests from out of town we always take them to Bathtub Beach. Whether it's for a walk on the beautiful beach, or checking out the view from their observation deck, it's always an enjoyable and peaceful place to visit. Be aware that It does tend to get a bit crowded during season, and the parking is limited.

love this beach for snorkeling and fishing. Great area for locals and tourists. Highly recommend for any day

The beach is a bit of a drive to get to as its off the main road out to Hutchinson Island;however it is worth it if you have a family. The beach is not too crowded, the reef keeps the waves down and the water up to the reef is shallow (5 feet to 6 feet in my experience). As another added plus there are lifeguards here where they might not be available at other Martin County beaches.

This is a super place to swim the Atlantic. Sheltered but open. When we went it was to windy & cold but I really wanted to get in the water. I will return in warmer times.

Safe beach haven, nicely kept. Nice parking lot and very safe for children. At low tide it literally is a bathtub.

I've been visiting here for 20 years. I live in NJ, so its hard to beat our beaches! This is a great place to take children. Calm waters and lots of sea creatures to find in the reef!

We biked here after the House of Refuge. Nice raised pavilion, perfect for our picnic lunch. The beach was obviously a very popular destination!

Being here for 42 years this beach is the best on the east coast great for kids and great outer reef. Parking is tight so make sure to get there early

The beach is really great, white sand, and when the tide is low, a great amount of protection for small children, since the rocky surrounds, helps provide protection. Parking can be a problem, since the lot is very small, and no parking on the street.

When I came around 8am, the parking lot (free) was nearly empty and the only people on the beach were people sitting in their beach chair reading a book. By the time I left just before 10, the beach was teeming with kids and their parents and people were waiting to take my parking spot. Even though there were a lot of kids playing on the sand bars and in the shallow water, it still felt like a very peaceful beach. It was wide, the water was calm and warm with schools of fish swimming at your feet, and there's a reef to explore, too. I came here to snorkel but it was low tide at the time I came so I walked around the reef instead of snorkeled (for the most part- I could float around in some spots) and saw medium-sized crabs and lots of fish. It felt like a very safe beach in a nice area, and I would love to go back during high tide!

We wanted to check this place out for potential snorkelling with the kids when they arrive. We walked the beach for quite a ways & there are lots of rock outcroppings. It was high tide so the water was pretty rough in places but at the actual "bathtub" area it was a good spot to wade & you can see fish - super clear. Looking forward to going back when at low tide. There's a lifeguard as well as free parking!

It was supposed to be reopened late May! It was not during our stay. Made us sad. It is touted as one of the best snorkeling in the area and we were not able to experience it.

This was a great suggestion by our hotel. Our kids had downtown from there baseball tournament. The kids enjoyed the weather and view. We got a break and were able to put our feet in the sand.

This is a great each for kids. There is a reef kids can swim out to and play on. The parking lot has been reconstructed so parking is not the hassel it used to be. There are bathroom facilities pass the end of the parking lot. They are lean and well maintained. The only drawback is there are no concessions stands, so be sure to pack some drinks and snacks.

Such a great place to bring the kids. Parking is kinda limited so get there early if it’s on the weekends

It was a nice visit to Bathtub Beach, however I would not recommend coming here if you enjoy swimming in the ocean. It was so rocky that my son and I were actually hurting ourselves trying to get out far enough to avoid rocks. We were not able to get away from them and it's actually dangerous if a wave knocks you down with all of those huge boulder rocks!!

Spent a few hours at Bathtub Reef Beach looking for shells. It wasn't low tide and the seas were kicking so the shelling wasn't the best but was able to find some nice shells. A of surfers & living reef. Great area to explore def will return.

Beautiful beach, natural reef that looks like a bathtub at low tide. Lifeguards, clean. Paviliion, although it doesn't access the beach, is a lovely spot for coffee or lunch. Not a lot of parking, but it's a must see if you're in the Stuart/Hutchinson Island area.

Sad that this kid friendly beach is treated with such disrespect. It is safe and shallow with a small natural reef keeping any undesirable fish out, so should be perfect for families, but it is littered with junk. Plastic bottles, cigarets, food cartons, food. Definitely not a beach I would go back to, too many other beautiful beaches with good parking and respectful people than to waste my holiday time here.

Lovely beach with a family-friendly atmosphere. Easy to walk the sugar sand beach or set up chairs for a longer stay. Tides reveal small "pools" at waterfront sometimes where children love to explore and play. Yearly beach resending occurs here since the sand washes away during storms. There is a lookout which is arrived at from a ramp. Lifeguards, bathrooms are available.

I was expecting a nicer beach - the color of the water and sand is nicer closer to Jensen beach, also tough to get parking if you don’t go early.

My favorite beach, peaceful relaxing way to spend a few hours, or the day. If you have small children this place is fantastic at low tide, surrounded by a natural reef, so much fun to explore. Bring your mask!

This is a nice beach when there is one. It has a big erosion issue. Seems at least every other year they have to bring in sand. If it's not too wavy, the enclosed area is great for kids. Parking is limited.

We are very fortunate to live just minutes from here. My family and I go to this beach all the time. It is our favorite beach around Stuart, Florida. When the tide is low, the reef is above water and from the reef to the shore is shallow and warm like bath water

Super nice place to go with the kids and the whole family. Very calm and nice water. It could be crowded on weekends so I recommend to get there early or at the end of the day, or if you don't mind waiting time, anytime is fine.

Awesome place to visit. Kick back and relax! The reef is neat to see and swimming is awesome. Recommend.

Narrow beach, protected by a wonderful reef. Least beautiful beach in Martin County. But, has 3 wonderful things in its favor. Extremely good snorkeling, very safe for children and across the street a nice boardwalk to scenic overlook of the inter-coastal waterway.

Walked the beach and the waves were awesome. Picked up some pretty cool shells. The reefs were fun to look and watching people surf. Life guard was on duty too. What a great trip.

We went but there was construction going on in the parking lot. You could not get near the place. After hearing how wonderful this beach was, it was very disappointing.

We stayed 5 miles north of bathtub reef on the ocean. At the hotel the water was nice and crystal clear blue. We arrived at bathtub reef to find the water a greenish yellow with a lot of plant debris. It was a little rough so trying to get past the reef was difficult. Really didn't see any fish.

They call it "Bathtub Beach" because it's as warm as a bathtub. The water comes in on the right side at high tide and gets "stuck" in the low area behind the reef when the water recedes at low tide. The sun heats up the shallow pool of water that is left over. It's deep enough to sit waist high. It's a perfect place to bring small children as the water is clear, warm and shallow with no waves. The sand in that area has no rocks or shells, so it's perfect for sitting and enjoying the warm water.

We visited several beaches in the area, and this was by far the best! We snorkeled, found tons of shells and the water was clear and refreshing. You must visit this beach, if you are in the area.

This beach has a visible reef just offshore which makes for a unique beach experience. You can also walk across the street to a public pier in the mangroves to catch great sunsets over the intracoastal waterway. There is also a large covered pavillion and showers available.

We went to this beech area with our 2 year old Grandson. Small waves, lots of pools and other small kids. Great for families with small children, they will not be afraid to go into the water . Great Life Guard staff.
Parking is somewhat limited , go early.

Best to go during days when it is not school holidays as this beach gets packed out. Beautiful part of the treasure coast and great for romantic walks or just for hanging out. Loads of parking and just a nice spot to go to even for a drive. Make sure to take your sunscreen SoFlo summers ate very very hot!

When we went the waves were super rough. Sand was not soft. It was clean. The life Guards leave at 5. I thought it was going to be clear and calm water. So was a little upset. But can't help Mother Nature.

I love bathtub reef beach! It is a beautiful spot. I have been many times to go snorkeling on the weekends. They have done some updates to it I'm told but I have not been there yet to see it for myself. The parking is limited so you need to go early. The water is very shallow and good for kids. If you plan to snorkel be sure its not low tide the reef will probably be too shallow to go.

One of the best beaches I have ever been to. Great beach to bring the kids to. Good for snorkeling also.

Such a lovely beach!! Great place to relax and enjoy South FL beauty. We went later in the day - not sure if it gets busy earlier in the day. Such a lovely view and new deck to enjoy the scenery. Bring your own food and drinks - it's a remote beach and nothing close by. Pure FL beauty!!

We had a great afternoon snorkeling at Bathtub Reef. Wasn't sure what we were going to see but saw a lot of parrotfish, angelfish, and wrasse. I also saw a number of snook - wasn't prepared for how large they would be!

Make sure you bring reef shoes as you will need to climb over the reef wall to get to the best snorkeling. We arrived at 2 pm and the tide was out. Very easy to get to the snorkeling spot.

this beach is great for families with kids low tides & you can walk out further in the water before it reaches your knees

This is often the most coveted beach by locals because of the reef just off the beach. It is also subject to beach erosion in any major weather event and therefore is closed after a storm typically due to damages.

Out of the way beach that has a covered wood cabana with two picnic tables and benches. The parking fills up on weekends early.

Beautiful beach, lots of parking and restrooms nearby. Not sure who is throwing their trash and cigarettes on the beach but please stop. Lots of see weed comes on the beach at times which makes going into the water difficult. Lots of 🐚 to be found.

The beach is beautiful. Calm waters, Beautiful sand. The only drawback is the parking lot. It was crowded and not paved. It was very messy and I felt like I needed to wear rain boots to walk from my car to the beach.

Perfect for small children. The rocks break the waves and create like a pool of shallow water. It is absolutely perfect for young children to play in less than a foot of water. For adults that wish to snorkel or dive, go out beyond the ‘breakers’. If I had a raft, I would have laid out in this calm water for the day, and probably fried. There are lifeguards. This location has restrooms. Free too, no parking meters.

I have never seen a beach quite like this one. It was beautiful. The water was multiple shades of blue and the beach was not super deep. It is easily accessible. I have been visiting the south Florida east coast for more than 10 years. I usually hang out in Ft. Lauderdale. I will definitely be coming back to visit this amazing sight. This beach does have a living coral reef. Be sure to not step on the reef so you don't kill the little creatures that live within the coral.

The beach is awesome we went with our grandchildren and they had so much fun the beach is shallow....and great for sea shell picking...

Every major storm seems to wipe out this fun kids beach. The water tends to be shallow, ideal for little ones. BUT, check, because it seems like it is closed more than open.

Website was incorrect about access. Said the beach restoration project was complete and the public parking lot and beach were open...wrong. You’ll have to spy one of the several public pulls outs north of the beach to park and reach the beach.

We went because it was recommended by a friend. It was nice, perfect for kids because of the shallow water, but I was not impressed nor would I go out of my way to get there. The beach is small and parking is horrible, with very little space. Get there early if you plan to go! It was crowded the day we went, and we only found a parking space because someone was leaving.

First time at this beach and it will not be the last. The tide was out and you could walk right out to the rocks. Great place for swimming. On the weekends it is very crowded

Went with friends and their families as a mini vacation. We live about 3 hours away and had recently heard of this beach through a co-worker. I loved how close the reef was to the beach. We got to see lots of coral, sea urchins, grouper and a few little colored fish. The kids loved snorkeling too. Beach is family friendly because the reef breaks the waves so they aren't so rough coming in. There are restrooms on site, and a rinse area. Worth coming back to, for sure.

I can't say that we went into the water, but there were many families with young children and dogs that were enjoying the shallow water in February. Such a pretty place!

This is a cool and secluded off the beaten path beach. The beach is protected from breaking waves by a reef just offshore perfect for smaller swimmers. Enjoy!

This is a very nice beach off of A1A behind the Marriott Resort on Hutchison Island. You turn in the street for the the hotel and go back as far as you can toward the condos/away from The Marriott Hotel itself. It is a winding road and you will pass a lot of homes built along the water plus a Life Saving Museum along the way which is worth a visit!. A large parking lot is on the left for the beach area. We visited several times recently during a stay on the east coast.

The beach is well kept and quite long. It is well protected by a line of rocks that parallels the shoreline. The North end is very shallow, especially at low tide. If the tide is relatively calm, there is good snorkeling from the middle to the south end. The depth increases as you go south. The best is a calm day at high tide. Get close to the rocks to see a lot of fish. If it is rough and it was half of the days we visited, visibility is poor and the currents can make for a challenging swim.

I would definitely go again but only after a close check of tidal conditions. There are showers to rinse off your feet, there are helpful/friendly lifeguards plus a covered pavilion for shade!

Beautiful beach with many surfers when we visited as the sea was very rough.The drive down is very pretty with some lovely homes around. Parking was at a premium when we visited in March as the large main car park was closed due to some sort of repair going on.

The Bathtub beach gets its name from the worm rock reef that is just off shore. During low tide there is no better place for families with small children to relax and enjoy the ocean.
Now there are lifeguards and bathroom facilities that make the trip easier for some.

See the coral reef! Lots of fish if you like to snorkel! Bathtub is being redone and is beautiful! Low tide is great for little ones! Lots of little tidal pools! Also there is a lifeguard! Showers to rise off!

It's called "bathtub beach" because the water temp is so nice and warm. The shallow water is nice to snorkel in. The sea shells are abundant everywhere. Love this renovated beach. Has easy access to get to.

I wanted to write a review on this beach for the month of March of 2021 because the beach is closed. It is under construction due to a storm and the parking is closed. You can access the beach from a walkway further north, but it has a very small parking lot and no street parking. As for snorkeling, it was so windy and wavy that it would have been impossible to see anything. We asked an employee of the Refuge Museum (just north of the beach) when it's good to snorkel there and he said about 15 days a year it's calm and clear enough to snorkel. At low tide it's a good area for children to swim in, but I would check to see if and when the beach is open for visitors before I drove there.

It was windy when we visited, but beautiful, handicapped ramo, gazebo with picnic tables, beautiful clear water.

What a lovely tucked away beach on the Atlantic Ocean.
So it has this reef that has a protected worm that lives in it that surrounds the beach. It creates like a lagoon from the ocean and allows people to wand float or swim it's warm waters.
Definitely a place to bring the children.

We went after a hurricane hit the Carolina's, so the water was to rough to swim. We did enjoy a god walk on a very clean beach. Bathrooms were closed this time.

Upon visiting the beach which has been closed for months due to rebuilding the beach we found it is closing again because of toxic water. This is such a tragedy because it is a terrific family beach but the water being dumped from the lake into the river had closed down several beaches in the area. One man on the news said " if we can build the Panama Canal why can't we move the water into the Everglades where it is needed? ". We need help here.

My first trip fishing in the ocean from the shore and it was amazing. Not the best day for catching but it didn't matter because the waves were beautiful and the colors stunning. Watching surfers, beach combing, and playing in the sand more than made up for not catching fish. Great location to learn how to surf cast!

My family goes to Bathtub Reef a lot and we find it to be wonderful. The sand is fine and nice, the water warm and beautiful. Sometimes it is a bit crowded, watch out for weekends. And I saw jellyfish there last time we were there. But it is the ocean, so these things are normal. Just keep your eyes open and enjoy a gorgeous spot!

I love to park at the bathtub beach and walk down to the inlet, wonderful. Each time, there is something new to experience, whether it is the shift in the sand, schools of fish, birds, turtle nests, ship wreck, fishermen, dogs, boats. Life is good. It's one of the reasons that we live in this area. I don't like it when they close the beach for extended periods. It should not take that long to replace the sand.

Great beach for everyone, especially children. It has been closed many times due to bad storms and hurricanes causing sand erosion. Local news will mention if the beach is closed.

We absolutely loved it there! The water was just beautiful the sun was hot but with the wind it was fine .We didn't stay long but people young & old were having a ball. I was especially happy to see how attentive the Life Guards were.

This is one of those attractions that has to be rebuilt after a storm goes by. We went last to Bathtub Reef in early December and there really wasn't much there, except for a reef . . . no sand to speak of. Later I found out that they had suffered a lot of damage from Hurricane Matthew the year before but had not done any repairs.

It's a pretty neat place I guess right after the county rebuilds it but seriously, if you have to spend in excess of $3 million you have to wonder if it is really worth it.

There are many more beachs that were fine after Irma so I doubt we will be heading back.

Visited with family. Close parking available. Life guards were on duty on Sunday. Safe beach for kids due to the reef giving protection. Enjoy and wear sunscreen.

I have visited The Bathtub several times over the years but haven't been back since it was supposedly ruined by one of the hurricanes. I was so happy to see it hasn't changed much from what I had remembered. We went at high tide so we couldn't see the reef very good but it would have been an amazing time to snorkel. The water was crystal clear but we forgot the snorkel. I remember from years ago that the best time to visit is low tide so you get the "bathtub" effect. The water comes over the reef and pools up, warms up and it delightful. The water today was cool at first but felt great with the 90 degree weather. There were several people paddle boarding today as there weren't too many waves. Wish we would have brought our suits and snorkel! There are not any facilities at this beach and the foot wash/shower didn't work. It looked like they were doing a bit of construction on the gazebo which is where the shower is attached. The only downfall (for us) is dogs are allowed on the beach. None of them bothered us but just don't like them on the beach and having to watch where you walk. Also as a side note there is a lifeguard on duty so that always makes you feel safer!

Bring your fins and mask all ages and enjoy seeing all kinds of fish. I have seen snook and sharks often! Very exciting and shallow! Go early. Not a lot of parking!

Surf was great, life guards very professional. We went one day when there were washed up jelly fish and they were making sure people didn't get stung

Visited on Memorial Day weekend. Walked a few miles to the south all the way to the inlet where the boats go out to sea. The beach area down there was so beautiful and peaceful. Beautiful shells, quiet, calm and just such a nice stretch of beach to walk. The bathtub reef area is really neat too. Lots of kiddos snorkeling and enjoying the low tide. Water is crystal clear.

Reef protects the shore from pounding Atlantic surf. Great if you have small children. Unfortunately, parking area is currently closed due to construction, but you can access the beach from the next parking area north.

Nice beach when there is sand.Parking is horrible so we always end up leaving because all the spots are taken No bathrooms or food.

A good example of what is left of the reefs on the Treasure coast.
Check the weather. It can get crowded at the new parking lot.
We have enjoyed it twice.

Haven't been to the beach in years personally but when we did go, this is where we went. It's very popular.

Great family place opening back up in February 2020. Best in low tide for the little ones to play in the surf.

Walk out all the way to the reef

No longer polluted, bathtub beach offers a relatively safe place to enjoy a day at the beach, especially for children.