Florida Keys Diving
Unpolluted coastline with clear waters, natural and artificial reefs are the ideal location for Florida keys diving, with warm waters from the Gulf Stream and the mid-Atlantic. The predominant sub-tropical environment of the Key chain, affects the mangrove islands, salt-marsh estuaries, and the whole barrier island system running from Key Largo to Key West. If you are looking for the best diving in the Northern Hemisphere, there is no doubt that you will find it either at Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, or Key West, a fact that Floridians are proud of. Florida keys diving is primarily suggested as a morning activity and divers are advised to bring a full wet suit during autumn, winter, and early spring. The Florida Keys waters are warm at the surface all year round, but divers who will be submerged for more than an hour should take this preventative measure as winter approaches.THE UPPER KEYS
Key Largo and IslamoradaSalt-water divers and common divers will enjoy the Upper Keys more than any other because it is in this region where most diving facilities are located, hence the most visited by watersports enthusiasts. The Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary extends protection offshore, farther than the state's limit, providing environmental safeguards to the area. Key Largo is also home to John Pennekamp State Park, an exuberant and pristine artificial natural reef in this area, protected by the National Marine Sanctuary. The Upper Keys encompass the Key Largo Dry Rocks, French Reefs, Molasses, Grecian Rocks, and other core dive reefs scattered along the 20-mile long segment. This region is the most popular diving destination in the entire state of Florida. During the 1960s, all the efforts to attract divers to the Upper Keys were focused on the John Pennekamp State Park, which later came under the supervision of the National Marine Sanctuary, added in 1975 by the Secretary of Commerce. However, the National Marine Sanctuary is supervised and managed by NOAA since 1984, committed to reduce reef abuse by means of a system designed to eliminate anchors, the Mooring Buoys.
Florida Keys Divers will find unforgettable moments at the Carysfort Reef, one of the northernmost points of the Upper Florida Keys. Key Largo Dry Rocks has a special attraction - the Christ of the Deep, a statue standing approximately in 25 feet of water, similar to the Christ of the Andes in South America. The Elbow is a tower of Elkhorn coral and numerous lobsters and wreckage dating from the Civil War. This is the favorite diving setting for international photographers.
Coral Reef You'll See on Florida Keys Diving Trips THE MIDDLE KEYS
Marathon and surrounding KeysThe heart of the Florida Keys is Marathon, an island surrounded by numerous small Keys that together build up the Middle Keys, where diving is an extension of the adventure left behind in Islamorada. Marathon is 80 miles from the mainland and is the second largest key after Key West, located 50 miles to the south. However, most of the Middle Keys are developing, contrary to the Lower Keys that preserve some of its original wilderness. Connected to the mainland and Key West by a small domestic airport, divers can take a quick jump to the region and explore diving and snorkeling opportunities in Marathon and the surrounding Middle Keys. Long Key State Park provides oceanfront camping facilities and Australian pines not common in the Florida Keys. From here, divers can come close to good beaches and fishing opportunities, including barracuda, bonefish, and tarpon.
There are several places for diving around this area, starting from Zane Grey Creek and continuing to Coffins Patch and Key Colony Beach where huge corals, staghorn, and ledges invite exploring the waters where lobsters and French grunts are commonly seen.
Just about one mile southwest MM 20, divers will find the wrecked Thunderbolt, a 200-feet steel vessel. This ship was deliberately sunk as part of an artificial reef started in 1986, and sits 75 feet deep from the surface.
Ahead from MM 20, Delta Shoals is located near Sombrero Light, running from east to west for about one half mile. Divers will find here a genuine old wreck, including one called "Ivory Wreck" after the discovery of elephant tusks inside. Sombrero Reef is the ultimate diving destination in Marathon and the Middle Keys and an access point to the world's largest natural reef. Sombrero has a 30 feet depth but its bottom is scalloped with high coral cliffs and sand ravines.
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THE LOWER KEYS
Big Pine Key and Key WestExtending from Bahia Honda Key to Boca Chica Key, the Lower Florida Keys are excellent diving and snorkeling destinations, encompassing, among others, the Bahia Honda State Park, and the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. Located 6 miles south of Big Pine Key, this Sanctuary spans about 5.3 square miles of federal waters, providing some of the finest fish and coral collection outside the Upper Florida Keys. Rich in flora and fauna, you can approach diving locations directly, or engage in a kayaking day trip through the mangroves across the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. Florida Keys diving, snorkeling or kayaking at Bahia Honda State Park requires reservations in high season and you can rent your diving gear directly here through the park concession. Bath Tower and Sugarloaf Key are places where few people go diving, a fact that allows you to explore in the most purist style. Thousands of colorful tropical fish are seen along the Lower Florida Keys. Coral and sea life is abundant inside these waters where you can join the available charters of this region to enjoy a four-hour diving and snorkeling trip, sailing aboard glass bottom boats. At the Looe Key Resort, you will find trips aboard a catamaran that take you directly towards two different coral reef locations. Most charter services, boat rentals, and tour operators can provide you with the gear and instruction you need for diving in the zone.
At Key West, divers will find a private non-profit organization called Reef relief, operating since 1988 and helping people to get the most of their diving experience at this island. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean offer exciting underwater places such as Western Sambo Reef, with depths ranging from 30 to over 100 feet, which is a popular diving destination for shelling.
There is also the Easter and Middle Sambo separated by a sand desert and a few miles south the Boca Chica Channel with depths below 40 feet, a fact that makes it easy for the observation of coral without leaving your boat. The Shallow Reef area is 15 to 30 feet depth, also called Nine Foot Stake, which is more likely used as a testing ground for the U.S. Navy. Going south of Key West, you will find Sand Key, a great place for diving, scuba, and snorkeling.
Wherever you go, the Florida Keys offer different spots and settings to guarantee an unforgettable diving experience.
Branson Key West Dolphin Swim