Bathtub Reef Beach (Hutchinson Island)

1585 SE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996

The signature beach of southern Hutchinson Island — a natural Sabellariid worm reef just offshore breaks summer waves, creating a calm "bathtub" lagoon kids can wade in. Snorkeling on the reef turns up sea turtles, parrotfish, and 500+ marine species. Erosion has closed the beach in past years after hurricanes; check status before going.

Skip the beach today.

Thunderstorms · 84°F water

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny. High near 92, with temperatures falling to around 87 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 103. East southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78. East southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Weather

  • 92°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
  • 34% rain — pop-up showers possible

Water

  • 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

  • Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
skip
23 Swim
44 Sunbathe
18 Walk
28 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

Air Temp
92°F
Thunderstorms
Wind
10 mph
ESE
Rain
34%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
92°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
7:37 PM
3.5 ft · in 20m
Wave Height
1.6 ft
9s · ENE swell

Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference

No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (FLZ164)

The MLB office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.

  • FLZ141 Coastal Volusia-Mainland Northern Brevard — Northern Brevard Barrier Islands n/a
  • FLZ154 Coastal Indian River-Mainland Southern Brevard — Southern Brevard Barrier Islands n/a
  • FLZ159 Coastal Saint Lucie-Coastal Martin — Fort Pierce Inlet, Jensen Beach, n/a

NWS SRF · MLB · Issued Sep 9, 11:30 AM

Sunrise
7:03 AM
Sunset
7:32 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
12:58 AM Low 0.3 ft
7:03 AM High 3.3 ft
1:14 PM Low -0.0 ft
7:37 PM High 3.5 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8722670, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Sep 9
92°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

34%
28
Thu Sep 10
92°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

48%
22
Fri Sep 11
92°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

55%
18
Sat Sep 12
92°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

81%
8
Sun Sep 13
88°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

66%
18
Mon Sep 14
88°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

47%
29
Tue Sep 15
88°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

61%
18
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
  • optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 34% rain chance
  • critical Extra water / electrolytes 92°F - heat risk

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Parking

Free county lot at 1585 SE MacArthur Blvd; fills early on weekends.

Dogs

Leashed dogs allowed on Martin County beaches, but not in guarded swim areas during lifeguard hours.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

1585 SE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996

lifeguardsrestroomsshowerssnorkeling reef
Is it safe to swim at Bathtub Reef Beach (Hutchinson Island) today?

Bathtub Reef Beach (Hutchinson Island) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Bathtub Reef Beach (Hutchinson Island) dog-friendly?

Leashed dogs allowed on Martin County beaches, but not in guarded swim areas during lifeguard hours.

Is there an entry fee at Bathtub Reef Beach (Hutchinson Island)?

Entry to Bathtub Reef Beach (Hutchinson Island) is free.

Are there lifeguards at Bathtub Reef Beach (Hutchinson Island)?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Bathtub Reef Beach (Hutchinson Island) during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Bathtub Reef Beach (Hutchinson Island)?

Amenities at Bathtub Reef Beach (Hutchinson Island) include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snorkeling reef.

When is the water warmest at Bathtub Reef Beach (Hutchinson Island)?

Atlantic water temperatures peak in August. Northern beaches (ME, NH, MA) run cool — typically 60-68°F at the summer peak. Mid-Atlantic (NJ, DE, MD, VA) hits 74-76°F. The Carolinas and Florida Atlantic warm into the 80s and stay swimmable from May through October.

Where is Bathtub Reef Beach (Hutchinson Island) located?

Bathtub Reef Beach (Hutchinson Island) is in Martin County, FL, at 1585 SE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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