Underwater Art Installation Transforms Miami Beach into Thriving Coral Reef

In October 2025, a groundbreaking project is underway near Miami Beach that aims to transform the area into a thriving coral reef. The "Reefline" initiative is a seven-mile-long artificial reef being constructed just off the coast, within swimming distance of the beach.

At the heart of the project is a coral nursery overseen by Colin Foord, who is carefully tending to over 2,000 soft coral specimens. These corals, including sea fans and sea whips, will eventually be transplanted onto a series of underwater concrete sculptures that are being installed as part of the Reefline.

The sculptures, created by several internationally-renowned artists, are designed to serve as habitats for marine life. One of the first installations will feature 22 concrete cars arranged in an underwater "traffic jam," which Foord says will provide the perfect morphology for the corals to grow and thrive.

The Reefline project is a collaborative effort between the city of Miami Beach and a team of artists, scientists, and conservationists. It aims to not only restore the island's lost coral reef, which was smothered by sand in the 1970s, but also to create a unique underwater tourist attraction. Once complete, the colorful, living coral reef will be visible from the air, potentially becoming a new symbol for the city.

The project is expected to take at least a decade to fully realize, but the first phase, including the underwater car installation, is set to begin this month. Ultimately, the Reefline will bring back a vital part of Miami Beach's natural ecosystem, while also offering visitors a one-of-a-kind underwater experience.