St. Petersburg Bay Reef is one of 43 artificial reefs along the Gulf Coast of Pinellas County from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete Beach. These man-made reefs are constructed from environmentally safe materials. Within about two weeks, algae and barnacles begin to cover the carefully placed structure, attracting fish, and within a year, coral growth starts.
Located northeast of the St. Petersburg Municipal Pier, St. Petersburg Bay Reef was constructed in 1976 as part of the area’s artificial reef program. The reef features scattered concrete materials, small boat molds, and a single barge, creating an inviting habitat for marine life.