Accident Were a free review guide run by passionate Divers, Sports, and Outdoor fanatics. Octopuses and urchins can often be found hiding in the pilings of the sanctuary. Blue Heron Bridge is host to an abundance of tropical life in all stages of development. Thirty miles beyond is the wreck of the Bay Ronto, which sits upside down in 100 feet of water. Meeting the Wreck. Shallowest Shipwrecks Islamorada is hot-spot for diving in and of itself, and the Wreck of the Eagle ranks among the best dive sites accessible from it. Sunk in 2002, the 510ft (155m) U.S. Navy Landing Ship Dock landed on its starboard side, and in 2005, Hurricane Dennis placed the wreck upright. Read on for 16 dive sites that promise some of the best scuba diving in Florida for beginners and experienced divers alike. She lies between French Reef and Dixie Shoals on the bottom of a low profile reef and sand, in depths ranging from 25 to 45 feet. Shipwreck uncovered in Daytona Beach Shores being investigated Its one of the most productive sources of freshwater in the world. The front yard is a riot of damselfish and cleaning stations, with a bounty of reef fish, including parrotfish and sergeant majors. All rights reserved. Tank PM Shallow Reef/Wreck Dive Trip Make It Happen Los Islotes is currently visited as part of an extended Baja Nature itinerary by the Solmar V (solmarv.com). This caused an accident between the Benwood and another blacked out ship, the Tuttle. Dive sites consist of shallow reefs, deep reefs, drift dives, and wreck dives. Economist Turned Conservationist Muditha Katuwawala Named May Sea Hero. Dive WebUSS Spiegel Grove Wreck (LSD-32) A Florida Keys diving trip wouldnt be complete without stopping by the USS Spiegel Grove wreck. The Gulf Stream keeps the visibility high, and the ledge offers views of large pelagic fish you wouldnt normally see while diving. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Florida Find the best and most popular Dive Sites in Florida. Located 22 miles south of Pensacola is theUSS Oriskany. In 2012 the Florida State Departments Underwater Archeology Team launched a project that sunk 12 different ships at a variety of depths along the length of the Florida Panhandle. The site, true to its name, is made up of two distinct coral ledges with a max depth of 50 feet. The Panhandle is culturally and ecologically very distinct from the rest of the state. Eventually there will be 1000 statues, cast from the bodies of real people at the Miami Body Cast. We see big nurse sharks, reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, goliath groupers, barracudas and uncountable varieties of colourful fish here. Diving In fact, theres no discernible vessel, just a scattered set of 300-year-old cannons, reduced from 40 to 24 as a result of salvaging and piracy. Spanish Anchor is a great place to get close to the coral. Skim over the glistening waters on a boat ride to Keewaydin Island and watch as dolphins playfully chase the surf. Dry Tortugas is known for the quality of its coral and the abundance of tropical reef life. Take a look at all 20 sites to Dive in Florida. And dont be surprised to find an octopus or two patrolling the sand. Or poking your head through a collapsed section of cave wall, and staring into a few million years of prehistory? The Gulf Stream current often flows close to the shoreline bathing the coral reefs in clear, warm water. Make It Happen Dickys Place, on Garove island, is accessible only by live-aboard. The hypnotic show becomes more apparent as we descend to a shallow dive site just 22 feet deep in Biscayne National Park. It now sits upright in 115 ft (35 m) of water about 3.5 nautical miles (6 km) west of Looe Keys main dive sites. The Panhandle is also the home of the Shipwreck Trail mentioned earlier in the guide, as well as the celebrated USS Oriskany. Parrot fish and sergeant major swim circles around coral encrusted passageways. Fish, birds, and turtles are as common here as in marine environments, but thats where the familiarity stops. The pilings of the inlet allow for a variety of tropical reef fish to congregate, and the sandy eel grass surrounding the area is famed bymacro photographers. In 25 feet of water east of Key Largo, the remains of the City of Washington lie on Elbow Reef. An underwater guide is available for each site on the Shipwreck Trail, providing the shipwreck and mooring buoy positions, history, a site map, and information about marine life divers might encounter. Ocean depths from the shoreline to the reef rarely reach 20 feet. When you think of Florida, you probably imagine crowded beaches and the routine bustle of Miami nightlife. Ninety-seven percent of South Floridas 200-square-mile Its easier to talk about what you wont see at Dry Tortugas than what you will. Aside from the tropical fish you would see anywhere else in the Gulf, spotted eagle rays and sharks are frequent visitors to the reef and to the shelf below. Though the area lacks the diversity and the dynamic quality of the coral reefs to the south, Panhandle waters have just as wide an array of different fish and invertebrate species as the rest of the state. Divemasters will tell you thats a sign youve ventured too close to their topside harem, but its often a temptation thats impossible to resist. Just a giant stride from the resorts dock, the house reef combines junkyard chic with critter heaven. SS President Coolidge, Vanuatu 6. If you find a good deal on DIVEIN, you click to the retailer, and you buy the product, we get a commission of the sale. Shore dives are not really an option in the Florida Keys because the water is too shallow. This archipelago has a reputation as a great place to get stuck for a while, according to the locals, theres only three things to do in the Keys: fish, drink, and dive. But thats only one reason why Hog Heaven, off Palm Beach, is a divers favorite while scuba diving in Florida. Wreck Excellent Shallow Shipwreck Diving In On most dives, you can expect to see barracuda cruising the decks and several large goliath grouper milling about. Dive boats often visit the shallow wreck, which is popular with local scuba divers and snorkelers. WebShipwrecks dot the coastline all over the lower keys. Our reefs are all teaming with fish life. The San Pedro, a member of the 1733 Spanish treasure fleet caught by a hurricane in the Straits of Florida, sank in 18 feet of water one mile south of Indian Key. Once youve had your fill of 40 Cannons, set sail for other sites in the area reportedly the western hemispheres largest coral-ringed lagoon, Mexicos Chinchorro Banks Federal Biosphere Reserve contains between 30 and 200 wrecks, many quite shallow as well. Pups in particular enjoy engaging neoprene-clad voyeurs, though the adults often join in the fun. What if you spent your entire dive in the shallows? Florida is famous for its coastline, but it also contains some of the largest freshwater aquifers in the world. WebSouth Florida Diving 101 N. Riverside Dr. Suite 111 Pompano Beach, FL 33062 Phone: (800) 771-DIVE (3483) (Toll Free in U.S.) Phone: +1 (954) 783-2299 (Outside U.S.) E-mail: info@southfloridadiving.com Florida Instead it was accidentally driven beneath the waves where it currently rests. Toothy fish like barracuda and oceanic jacks have made these sites their home base. Key Largo Dive Sites Today, it attracts a healthy population of marine life from shimmering schools of silversides to massive grouper lurking in its shadows. PADI Instructor Thomas had a most pleasurable time as dive guide to our Florida, for Second Class Dive School, which is 70 training days long. Crews were unable to lift her off the ocean floor and decided to leave here where she now rests. Or floating across sand dollar and seastar gardens as massive bait balls of glass minnows swirl in the emerald waters. Whether its just a stop along your dive trip, or the focal point of your adventure, the Panhandle is not to be missed. WebThe Florida Keys is home to the United States only living coral barrier reef, making it an ideal scuba diving destination. With every 6-day unlimited tank package, enjoy 5 boat dives for the price of 3 - a. Conditions can be breezy from November through April, and none of these wrecks have protection from the prevailing winds. Today, the wreck is home to a variety of marine life, including schools of fish, octopuses, and even barracudas. Named for the cargo it was carrying when it sank in Key West, the Tile Wreck is in extremely shallow water, resting only 5-15 feet below the surface so you can reach down and touch it. Hidden underneath the wreck youll see spiny lobster poking their antennae inquisitively out toward you. Pompano has an impressive artificial reef program that has produced some spectacular dive spots! In the rest of the guide we provide a cursory overview of the regions we grouped our dives by, and what kind of sites and conditions you can generally expect from them. Additionally, you can observe corals that have been outplanted as an effort to restore the Florida Reef Tract. Most Keys reef divers log a maximum depth of 20 to 30 feet. Max depth of 40 feet makes this a great entry level dive, This end of Molasses Reef gets passing pelagic life, Sharks have been known to frequent the area, Among the best drift dives in the Miami area, Depth and strong current makes this best for advanced divers, Overhangs and crevices contain a great abundance of life, Great site for intermediate and advanced divers, Opportunity to see a wide variety of life, Bonus wreck dive for more advanced divers, Good opportunity to practice navigation and night dives, Abundant small oceanic life and invertebrates, Good beginner site with straightforward navigation, Top of the reef is still visible to snorkelers, Convoluted ledges means theres plenty of room for exploration, Three shallow shore dive sites present the opportunity for an all day adventure, Clear calm water and sites that are relatively close to shore, One of the most famous swim throughs in the Keys, Great dive for beginners looking for something different. Chandelier Caves is a minute from the Fish n Fins dock (fishnfins.com), and is also offered as the third dive on top of a two-tank day for $35. The Cayman Salvager is heralded as one of the best wreck dives in the Key West area. Florida On Earth Day, lets celebrate the oceans climate heroes. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. A second shipwreck has been uncovered in Daytona Beach Shores after the area suffered severe erosion during both hurricanes Ian and Nicole. Limestone cliffs and jungle canopies loom above a fjord that splits two islands but, at a width of only 80 feet, feels more like a river than a sea passage. Hunter is a PADI-certified Dive Instructor with as keen an interest in words as technical prowess. An 11-night trip starts from $5,060; a 13-night trip starts from $5,980. Scuba Diving Once youve done it, do it again: Grab a tank and treat yourself to a night dive, because the front yard is just as lively when the sun goes down. WebDives are geared to satisfy both the beginner and the advanced diver. Moored nearby, the City of Washington was damaged by debris and shrapnel. She lies in 14 feet of water in the sand and grass flats north of Delta Shoals, just east of Sombrero Key Light. Diveable areas like Rainbow River, even though they completely defy the normal expectations of a dive experience, should be on any serious scuba fanatics list. In this guide, weve collected our 20 favorite dive sites from across the Sunshine State and compiled them here. With a constant temp of 72F (22C), a 3mm wetsuit is all thats needed to explore the 50ft (15m) spring and its multiple swim-throughs and air pockets. The eight-day trip, offered in late June, is priced at $1,795 for a standard room. More, The North America Imagine floating slowly toward a wreck through a cloud of dish sized moon jellies, and turning corners to be met with massive monochrome tarpon. Because of how recently these ships were scuttled, they tend to be in pretty good condition making the biggest draw of these wrecks are the wrecks themselves. There are now approximately ninety artificial reefs, including, ships, concrete modules, offshore oil platforms, and more. Minutes from the dock, this iconic dive is your chance to view Palaus famous limestone from the inside. Key West diving also offers a great rarity for divers: a shallow wreck dive. The trip will include the use of air tanks, weights, and weight belts. As you drift by the craggy coral heads protruding from the bottom, look for lobsters and morays nestled in the cracks and crevices. Admit it, this has happened to you before: surfacing to a beautiful, shallow reef, but with only enough air for a three-minute safety stop, you spend your time regretting not coming up sooner. Drift divers are in for a freshwater experience at Rainbow River, located 20 miles southwest of Ocala, in Dunnellon, Florida. A slight descent through a shallow tunnel leads to an inner lagoon whose reflective qualities inspired the sites name. The El Infante and San Jose were a pair of galleons that went down close to each in shallow water. All content is copyright protected by either DIVEIN.com or respected copyright holders. Make It Happen Stuart Coves (stuartcoves.com) offers Tiger Beach dives year-round from Old Bahama Bay Resort (oldbahama bay.com) on Grand Bahamas West End. 2 Cayman Islands Wall To Wall Diving Pleasure. Be on the lookout for the occasional turtle that will drift by, and reef sharks cruising off in the distance. Go Now Xibalba Hotel, xibalbadivecenter.com, Stingray City, Grand Cayman WebWithin Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary lies a trail of historic shipwrecks, scattered along the coral reefs and buried in the sandy shallows a few miles off shore. Shallow The major features of this ship, locally known as the Conrad and believed to be the Adelaide Baker, are scattered over a square quarter-mile area. It boasts a history rich inartifacts and fossils, and even some with connections leading to the Smithsonian Institute. Among waving gardens of eelgrass and bleached limbs of trees youll find all manner of freshwater fish ranging in size from smallish bluegill to looming and toothed alligator gar. Naval destroyer escort in 1943 and was later converted to a high-speed transport vessel. Our reviews: We can make the world a little bit better with great in-depth reviews. Having seen Diving A merchant freighter, the Benwood was carrying cargo between Tampa, Florida and Norfolk, Virginia. WebSouth Florida Diving 101 N. Riverside Dr. Suite 111 Pompano Beach, FL 33062 Phone: (800) 771-DIVE (3483) (Toll Free in U.S.) Phone: +1 (954) 783-2299 (Outside U.S.) E-mail: info@southfloridadiving.com Sri Lankan conservationists group mobilizes and educates volunteers to address marine environment concerns in his home country. Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn. Angelfish and parrotfish cruise through holes in the wreckage, and good sized sponges dot the exterior. Parrotfish, angelfish, sergeant majors, rays, starfish, octopus, and more can be seen in water averaging six to 10 feet deep, with maximum depths of 20 feet. If you check out the Spiegel Grove, be prepared to be met with large schools of jacks, silent stalking barracuda, the occasional bull shark, and as always large hulking goliath grouper. Travel time to the dive sites is normally 30-45 minutes. Florida On this shallow reef dive, in addition to the abundant fish, you may see spiny lobsters, nurse sharks, groupers, eels, and even sea turtles. Explore the breathtaking dive sites of Bonaire with this incredible travel deal! Plus, divers can go tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and camping during their surface intervals. Protected from the brunt of ocean currents by the horseshoe-shaped remains of a volcanic caldera, the sloping profile of this shallow, isolated bay provides varied habitats for an array of critters. That's is how we pay ourselves. This sandy bottomed reef in very shallow water isnt just for beginners, photographers and those with the patience are rewarded with glimpses at slow, unhurried marine life cruising by in clear water. As these wrecks are located in water as shallow as 30 feet they provide for long bottom times. The Captain Dan wreck is one of Floridas coolest wreck dives. Best of all, many wrecks are in shallow enough water to free dive. Even more impressive than the springs, are the rivers. Because great in-depth gear reviews will help you select the right products for your specific needs, budget, and interests. Species like Hogfish, with their shocking orange color, are easy to spot and approach. Other sites such as Devils Den, Blue Grotto, Troy, Manatee Springs, and Alexander Springs also hold the worlds high regard. But what an amazing set of cannons it is. Moonjellies and other invertebrates float in the waters above the ships as starfish and anemones cling to their bodies. Aside from housing the unfinished maritime fortress Fort Jefferson, the park holds 104 acres of preserved tropical savanna and marine sanctuaries. Situated in the triangle of the SE Gulf of Mexico that makes up Marco Island, Everglades City and Key West is the Department of Defense Air Force Relay Tower Reefs. Another great option forshore divingon the Panhandle, the three reefs inside Navarre Beach Sanctuary require a manageable swim to reach, but are certainly worth the effort. The greater Miami area is for those looking for a place where they can have maximum accessibility and the freedom to dive on their own time without compromising on culture and nightlife. Shallow Travel time to the dive sites is normally 30-45 minutes. Devils Den, Floridas only underground prehistoric spring, is located in Williston, Florida. SHALLOW DIVING But a few dives are worth it to spend some time to explore every wreck. After she sank, the Benwood was used as a practice bombing target and salvaged. Then something strange happens: As you move from the gray of the depths to the shallows and begin your safety stop, you forget the tirade youd been preparing. The Eagle is also significant because it was split in half by a hurricane, letting divers without any wreck experience get the chance to see inside the vessel without the risk of overhead cover. For those looking for a more unique snorkeling experience, the USS Strength Wreck is a must-visit spot. Ocean depths from the shoreline to the reef rarely reach 20 feet. The gorgeous location and variety of activities makes Ginnie Springs one of the top visited freshwater dive sites in Florida. Wreck Dive: U-2513 Revealed SHALLOW DIVE Over 50% of diving accidents involve the use of alcohol. SS Copenhagen It is also where John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located, the countrys first undersea park. The Eagle lies on her starboard side in 110 feet of water three miles northeast of Alligator Reef Light. Hammerhead Reef is often touted as one of the finest places in the Miami area todrift dive. WebThe reefs are mostly shallow (25 to 40 feet), so they are ideal for beginners and all divers that want to enjoy lots of light on the reef and not worry about bottom time or air consumption. This is how we pay ourselves. Shallow Massive goliath groupers hover in open compartments. Ninety-seven percent of South Floridas 200-square-mile Lying upside down off the coast of Fort Lauderdale in around 70 feet of water is the scuttled wreck of a barge known as Hog Heaven. You can see why this is known by many as the best scuba diving in Florida. The most prominent feature of this reef is a 15 foot tall reef ledge which rises dramatically from the sandy floor below. Florida Youll see big clutches of spiny lobster sheltered under shelves, sponges holding cowfish and boxfish, and the occasional eel lurking in crevices. 1 Bahamas Life on the Bahia Mar. Though it served many purposes, the former buoy tender is most famous for playing a role in the Mariel boatlift. Its a flourishing patch reef mixed with eelgrasses hosting a healthy assortment of juvenile reef fish, all in under 30 feet. A hurricane destroyed the entire fleet after they left Havana with additional passengers and cargo. places to scuba dive in Florida But its theChrist of the Abyssdive site that is worth mentioning. The dive was in water considerably more shallow than we are used to operating in, so light and murky conditions posed a unique challenge. On Monday, June 17th, the E/V Nautilus explored the wreck of German U-boat U-2513. This morning PADI Instructor Mike enjoyed teaching Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty with one student and Advanced Open Water Diver with another diver. These 5 shallow shipwrecks have become homes for numerous sea animals as well as destinations for divers drawn to history. Reef fish of all varieties are common here, make sure to check inside of barrel sponges for slow-moving boxfish hiding from the current. Shallow Wrecks Key Largo Scuba Diving Spearing Florida Keys fish can be relatively easy or very challenging, depending on what youre going after. Topping off a dramatic wall, the sun-washed spurs and grooves ripple with light, and temperatures stay comfortably in the 80s. The Benwood Wreck has excellent day and night diving all year long. Keep an eye out for wide varieties of turtles, box turtles, massive snapping turtles. Apeks has announced a new technical dive computer that is fully compatible with trimix, sidemount and CCR diving. She was intentionally sank as an artificial reef on May 17, 2006. WebUSS Oriskany. Stingrays have also been known to hunker down in the sand near the bottom. Situated on its starboard side around 80 feet of water, the USS Spiegel Grove is a must-see site for advanced divers who want to explore the coral encrusted exterior of deep wreck. Fujikawa Maru, Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon 5. The sanctuary is home to a rotating cast of turtles who float lazily along the pilings munching jellyfish, and stingrays nestled in the shallow, sandy waters. Its hard to tell which part of the Cayman Salvager is more interesting, the 187 feet of artificial reef in a little less than 90 feet of high visibility water, or the story of how it got there. Florida is known for a lot of things- fish, fruit, bugs, eclectic people; but certainly not its streams and springs. But the spring-fed caverns near the city of Williston are routinely listed as some of the best places to dive in Florida. The Shipwrecks of the Florida Keys Ready to begin planning your scuba trip to Florida? Often seen floating on the surface, or lazing on an underwater shelf, is the resident saltwater crocodile. At two miles in length and ranging in depth from 60 to 90 feet, this is a dive for people with some experience handling deep water and strong currents. The corals are open and healthy, the fish active. In 20 feet of water, four miles south-southeast of Duck Key, lie the remains of a three-masted iron-rigged and reinforced wooden-hull bark. WebThese wrecks combined with our fantastic artificial reefs makes Key Largo the Wreck Diving Capital of the Florida Keys. Shallow Copyright 2023 Scuba Diving. Tuna, wahoo, and other larger schooling fish are also often found along with smaller sharks and rays. More, The Eagle Some of the wrecks are in as little as 25 ft of water. The sanctuary is one of the best Key Largo attractions if you fancy a day trip by boat. Three are within recreational limits (60-130ft/18-40m), while two are reserved for technical divers (around 200ft/60m deep). Check out Jupiter Dive Center (jupiterdivecenter.com/) to explore the bridge as well as coral reefs, ridges, and wrecks in area. Sea fans, sponges and soft corals reach almost to the surface. The ledge rises from 10 to 15 feet from the bottom. Good mixed environment dive, opportunity to see a lot of life! Get a first look at the first-ever Apeks dive computer. Dive The Benwood was built in England in 1910 and sunk in 1942 when it collided with another ship. With the bow resting on its port side in 85 feet of water and stern (still upright) in 60 feet, the wreck is the Bracs most coveted dive site. Typically these are very good places to explore if you are a new diver, or if you have interest in another of Floridas unique diving experiences. The Amesbury was built for military combat and is better known in Key West as Alexander's Wreck. The majority of this wreck is intact and can be entered by a diver with enough skill and courage. WebIn the Florida Keys, much reef diving is shallow, easy diving. As mentioned above, lobsters have been observed gathering in large numbers near the top of the reef. Alligator Reef is a SPA, a Sanctuary Preservation Area in the Florida Keys. When you hear the words Prehistoric Sinkhole the first thing that comes to mind probably isnt that it would be a great place to dive. The shallow water can be a great opportunity for nitrox divers to get some serious bottom time. The pilings themselves attract all manner of larger fish from snappers to barracuda. Key Largo Reefs The Thunderbolt was intentionally sunk on March 6, 1986, as part of the Florida Keys Artificial Reef Association project. If youre planning on diving in the Keys, expect to be dazzled every time you duck under the water. Dive into the earth to experience an exhilarating adventure. But nestled among the highrises and the crowded beaches are a multitude of high-quality dive sites. All of the dive sites we visit are accessed by boat. Within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary lies a trail of historic shipwrecks, scattered along the coral reefs and buried in the sandy shallows a few miles off shore. Sign up to get the latest updates, offers and more. THE DIVE: One of Largo's most attractive wreck-reefs, the remains of the Benwood litter the shallows with sizeable structures including a nearly intact bow portion obscured by shiny curtains of reef fish. Go Now Tufi Dive Resort, tufidive.com, Critter Corner, St. Vincent The dive itself is great, but what makes this place special is its proximity to other good beginner dive sites. And while the statue is one of the most visited underwater sites in the world, the shallow depth, groove coral formations and chance encounters with eagle rays and stingrays are equally impressive. The springs near Williston offer a special glimpse into a prehistoric network of freshwater tunnels that run nearly the entire length of Florida. USAT Liberty, Bali, Indonesia 4. Rumors abound about the person responsible, but nothing has been confirmed. Although a Court of Inquiry was Because of the shallow working depth the divers had no diving time limitation leading to fourteen hour days seven days a week. If youre lucky you might even see a pair of spotted eagle rays floating along with the tide. If youre an underwater photographer with interest in using your macro lens, dont miss out on the hordes of shrimp, crabs, and other small examples of reef life. The exhibit has not reached its 1000 sculptures goal. Diving in the aquifers waters is more than just a novelty. Its a relatively easy wreck to enter with the proper training. Whether youre a novice diver who wants to see as much as they can while staying as close to the surface as possible, or a grizzled tech pro looking to explore insides of the largest artificial reef in the world, the Florida peninsula offers ample opportunities for every experience level. Grouper feasting on the bait balls have also been known to roll through the area.