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Diving in the Florida Keys Wreck-diving has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many of the Keys wrecks are Spanish galleons and Civil War Wrecks, while others have been created by citizens concerned about the survival of the natural reef. Serving as artificial reefs, the wrecks provide a much needed rest for the natural reef. Proving to be excellent night dive-sites as well, it is easy to see why wreck-diving has attracted such a crowd.
The year round temperatures climates of the Florida Keys make diving year round enjoyable. Water temperatures are kept comfortable by the Gulf Stream and the water is rarely below 70 degrees in the winter. To go reef diving, wreck diving, or snorkeling, you can have a pro from a local dive shop take you out or take your own boat. Maps which locate dive sites, nautical charts and any equipment you may need can be rented or purchased almost anywhere in the Keys. |
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With
the longest living reef in the Western Hemisphere, the Florida Keys truly
are a diver's paradise. Here you'll find more than 500 wrecks to explore,
the world's first underwater hotel, more dive shops per square mile than
anywhere else in the world, and crystal clear waters with visibility up
to 120 feet. The Keys' entire coastal area has been declared a National
Marine Sanctuary to protect the abundant marine life that is so prevalent
here. Whether diving of snorkeling, the variety of corals such as stag,
elkhorn, brain, tree, and sea fans along with more than 600 varieties
of fish create an underwater experience like no other.
Snorkeling,
the family sport of the 90's, costs less than the price of tickets to
an amusement park and allows the whole family to enjoy the beauty of a
living coral reef. It is said "If you can swim, you can snorkel".
With this in mind, snorkeling becomes a great way to observe living coral
and more than 500 species of tropical fish. Key Largo boasts John Pennekamp
State Park. With its large shallow water bank reef, the park has become
one of the worlds premier snorkeling destinations.