Barrier Reef

Such nice people Joey was so nice!

The store is temporarily closed. I believe they are operating out of a different location. The windows have construction paper on them.

I've been a customer since the late '90s. I love the Barrier Reef; it's a true Boca landmark.

Amazing experience! Bought some plants and was given great advice on how to care for them and guidance on lights and nutrients. Was planning on buying a catfish that was for sale but the kind red haired associate let us know that they wouldn’t feel comfortable selling his as he wasn’t eating this morning. Most people wouldn’t say something like, they would just want the sale, shows that they are running an honest and genuine business which is rare these days. Amazing business with amazing and attentive employees! Also offered to take my garbage while I was shopping, shocked at the hospitality and kindness!! 10/10 experience.

All your fish in one place

Nice place high prices

Barrier Reef in Boca is hands-down the best saltwater fish store I’ve been to in South Florida! The selection of healthy fish, corals, and inverts is outstanding — you can tell they really take pride in the care and condition of their livestock. The tanks are immaculate, and everything is vibrant and thriving. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to help, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned reef enthusiast. They’ve given me great advice on tank maintenance, fish compatibility, and coral care that has made a huge difference in my setup. Prices are fair, and the quality is top-notch. They also carry a great range of equipment, supplements, and hard-to-find items you won’t see in big box stores. Highly recommend for anyone serious about saltwater aquariums — Barrier Reef is a gem in Boca!

Helpful staff! Good choice of inventory

Absolutely blown away by this place! The selection of saltwater fish and corals is hands-down the best I’ve seen in the area. Every tank is pristine, and the livestock is clearly well cared for — vibrant colors, healthy movement, and amazing variety. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Whether you're just getting started or have years of reefkeeping experience, they take the time to answer questions, give solid advice. That kind of work and expertise goes a long way. I picked up a few corals that have been thriving in my tank, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit. You can tell they truly care about the hobby and their customers. Highly recommend to anyone into saltwater aquariums — this is the kind of shop every reef enthusiast dreams of finding!

4//25 REVIEW UPDATE : If you're a hobbyist in South Florida this store is an absolute lifeline. As I previously said, the selection of exotic fish is just off the charts. But the friendly knowledgeable patient staff is also a huge draw. There's no shame in being a newbie hobbyist. The staff there really wants to get you up to speed. I did want to highlight one staff member Jason Wasloff who has been on my virtual speed dial for several years already. Jason has been such an enormous help to me, providing assistance even when "off the clock" because he's just so passionate about fish and aquariums and everything that goes along with it. It's much more of a lifestyle for Jason than it is a hobby. I use Jason for all my service/maintenance calls, and yesterday he spent nearly all day removing an old 55 gallon tank with antiquated substrate, replacing it with a pre-owned (like new) 75 gallon tank, with all the trimmings and sage advice that goes along with it. Yes, Jason sells fish, and all the things that go along with it, but you don't think of Jason as a salesmen. He's much more of a mentor or "sensei" for the fish hobbyist. The sales just "happen" as part of his infectious enthusiasm for the aquatic world. Thanks Jason for vastly improving my "lens" into this magical world. Jason understands for many of us hobbyists, dealing with the stressors of our life on land, the hobby itself isn't just aquatic. It's therapeutic. You can find Jason in and out of Barrier Reef if you need him for service calls at your home or office, or just general advice at the store. Everyone there is super-friendly - I should know all their names - Robin and Joey also help me out many times when I come to the store for fish or other items. --- --- --- I don't know if there are any other local South Florida dedicated fish stores. Beautiful selection of fresh and salt water exotic fish - very knowledgeable staff; I guess a lot of the pricing is based on the size of the fish; I bought a couple of larger fish that set me back - a larger parrot fish; the next day I picked up a small one from Petco for about 1/3 the price so now they hang together in my tank. I am a repeat customer and will continue to go there