The Florida Keys are a popular dive destination for both experienced divers and those just getting started. With a variety of dive sites and excellent visibility, the Florida Keys are perfect for anyone looking to explore the ocean depths. In this post, we will provide you with everything you need to know about diving in the Florida Keys, from the basics of diving equipment to tips on diving etiquette. We will also provide you with a list of the best dive sites in the Keys, so you can choose the dive site that is right for you. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, we hope this post will help you plan the perfect diving trip to the Florida Keys!
Every year thousands of people from across the globe head to the Florida Keys to take advantage of the great snorkel and scuba experiences that await them. The area is known for its handful of shipwrecks, amazing coral reefs, and overall breathtaking tropical ambiance.
In fact, since diving became a popular recreational sport the Florida Keys have been at the center of the diving world offering some of the best dive destinations to amateurs and pros alike. The following is a list of some of the best dives for those traveling to the Florida Keys this spring or summer.
The Florida Keys are located in the southernmost part of the United States and are made up of over 1,000 islands. The keys are a great place to dive, snorkel, and swim.
There are various ways to get to the Florida Keys. You can fly into Miami, Orlando, or Fort Lauderdale and take a rental car to the Keys. You can also take a cruise ship to the Keys.
There are many hotels in the Keys and you can choose whichever one is the best fit for your needs. Some hotels have their own dive shops and you can dive, snorkel, and swim right from the hotel.
There are also many restaurants in the Keys and you can find anything you want to eat. The Keys are a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
Search for 17th Century Treasure
Adventure-hungry certified divers can work alongside professional treasure salvage experts excavating the wrecksite of the 1622 Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha during weeklong summer sessions. Believed to be the richest Spanish galleon shipwreck ever discovered, the Atocha sank in 1622 approximately 35 miles southwest of Key West. Approximately $450 million of the vessel’s treasure as well as a significant portion of its structure were discovered in 1985 by the late shipwreck salvor Mel Fisher.
Crews led by Fisher’s family continue to search for the ship’s sterncastle and the gold and silver bars and coins that are listed on the Atocha’s manifest but remain undiscovered. The Atocha Dive Adventure gives recreational divers a rare chance to be part of the historic search.
The weeklong adventure includes training in commercial treasure salvage techniques, behind-the-scenes tours of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and laboratories where Atocha artifacts are conserved, and two full days of diving the site alongside salvage experts seeking the galleon’s sterncastle.
Any participating diver who discovers gold, silver or artifacts will be awarded a previously conserved Atocha piece of equal value, up to $3,000, from the Fisher family’s private collection.
Discover the Sunken Christ of the Deep in the World’s First Underwater Park
The Florida Keys have long set the world standard of marine conservation and ecological concern. The continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, the third largest barrier reef in the world, parallels the 126-mile chain of the Florida Keys. The extraordinary reef ecosystem, much like a tropical rain forest, supports a unique diversity of plants and animals.
To protect a portion of the reef, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was dedicated in 1960 as America’s first underwater preserve. The park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles.
One of the park’s most popular dive sites is the nine-foot bronze statue of Jesus Christ that rests in 20 feet of water.
The Florida Keys are an amazing diving destination
The water is crystal clear and the reefs are untouched. The diving is amazing and the site selection is perfect.
The Florida Keys offer three dive sites that are perfect for diving beginners. These sites are the Dry Tortugas, the Key Largo Banks, and the Islamorada Banks.
The Dry Tortugas are the perfect dive site for diving beginners. The site is small and there are no big waves so beginners can dive without fear. The Dry Tortugas offer great snorkeling as well.
The Key Largo Banks are the second dive site in the Florida Keys. The site is large and there are many great dive sites. The Key Largo Banks offer amazing diving for advanced divers.
The Islamorada Banks are the third dive site in the Florida Keys. The site is large and there are many great dive sites. The Islamorada Banks offer great diving for experienced divers.
If you’re considering a trip to the Florida Keys, now is the time to make your plans. The weather is mild and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and boating. The Keys are also known for their shopping and dining. From quaint little shops to high-end restaurants, there’s something for everyone.
Planning a trip to the Keys is easy. All you need is a little information and a map. The information you need includes the dates of your trip, your destination, and the time of year. You’ll also need to know the driving time and the type of transportation you’ll be using.
Once you have all of the information, the planning really begins. You’ll want to think about what you’ll need to pack. Will you be staying in one place or will you be visiting different Keys? You’ll want to think about what activities you’ll want to do and what clothes you’ll need.
Finally, think about how you’ll finance your trip. The Keys are a great place to visit but they’re not cheap. If you’re planning on staying in one place, there are often discounts available. If you’re traveling to different Keys, you’ll likely want to book your flights and car rentals in advance.
So, there you have it. A complete guide to planning a trip to the Florida Keys. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your tenth, this guide will help you make the trip easier and more enjoyable.
We hope you enjoyed our blog post about diving in the Florida Keys. Diving in the Keys can be an amazing experience, and with the right preparations, it can be even more fun. Make sure to read our post carefully before taking the plunge, and we are sure that you will have an amazing time diving in the Keys!
