With tropical fish, coral reefs, and plenty of shipwrecks to boot, Florida is fantastic destination for scuba diving. Whether you’re a first-time or experienced diver, there are multiple dive spots in this southernmost U.S. state that can meet your skillset. From Ginnie Springs’ magical caverns to the crystal-clear waters of Rainbow Springs State Park, here are the nine best places to go diving in Florida. by Allison Ramirez (tripsavvy.com)
Florida is a year-round diving destination. Thanks to its subtropical climate, the water is warm and the visibility is often up to 30 m. In winter you might need a heavier wetsuit but the more south you go, the warmer the climate is. Info by rove.me
Florida is a year-round diving destination. Thanks to its subtropical climate, the water is warm and the visibility is often up to 30 m. In winter you might need a heavier wetsuit but the more south you go, the warmer the climate is. Info by rove.me
In Florida, marine life around the coast and inside its many waterways is plentiful. There are tiny sea creatures like shrimp, and very large sea mammals like the manatee. Some animals, like the sea turtle, have been around Florida’s coast for hundreds of thousands of years. Others, like the lionfish, are not native to Florida and have a negative impact on its other native species and environment. Info by campliveoakfl.com
Grab a map of Florida and you’ll see why there are as many diving opportunities as there are ‘gators in the ‘glades. And, many of the best snorkeling spots in Florida are within a few hours’ drive from just about anywhere in the state.
You could dive from places at the top of the state to the bottom of the Florida Keys — and every place in between.
Dive sites info by Greg Johnston (Visitflorida.com) & Allison Ramirez (tripsavvy.com)
FOR SNORKELING
Whether you are a beginner or expert, you’ll agree that some of the best snorkeling in North America is found on the coral islands some 70 miles west of Key West. Under the massive ramparts of Fort Jefferson and lying on a carpet of brilliant white sand is a myriad of colorful tropical fish and living coral.
The shallow waters make this area perfect for first time snorkelers. You’ll see lots of colorful corals, several varieties of tropical fish, starfish, queen conchs and much more in this protected marine sanctuary. A great addition to your snorkel experience is a side trip to the Windjammer wreck. This 261-foot Schooner wreck, located just off Loggerhead Key, is divided into two main wreckage fields.
TO SEE MANATEES
This is a sea cow heaven. But leave your spurs behind; only fins are welcome here. The area is a major draw for manatees, which congregate in herds in the warm waters from November through April. This protected and endangered species can reach an average 10 feet in length and 1,000 pounds.
Only snorkeling is allowed in the posted manatee areas and harassing or chasing them is strictly prohibited. In fact, it’s some of the best snorkeling in Florida, especially for wildlife lovers. Divers can experience dozens of freshwater springs that boil from the underground aquifer. The salty mix of Gulf waters create a marine environment that is nothing short of spectacular. You are also just as likely to find tarpon, snapper and redfish as you are to see large mouth bass and garfish.
TO EXPERIENCE NATURAL SPRINGS
This natural phenomenon is kind of like diving in a big bottle of spring water. Put a face mask on and you’d swear the fish are floating in air. The 72 degree freshwater spring is nestled on a 200-acre forest setting, is near the town of High Springs. It features campsites, a country store and bath facilities.
There are seven springs that flow into the tannin-dyed Santa Fe River, which is an endless source of fun when lazily floating on tubes above divers exploring the caverns below.
TO CAVE DIVE
DEVIL’S DEN: Near the small town of Williston, this fern-draped sinkhole offers a unique geological setting and was actually once thought by early settlers to be the den of hell, as steam rising from the warm waters in winter does bear resemblance to its name. Divers know better, as do snorkelers who enter the open steps from this window above to enjoy the underground basin 60 feet below. The water’s depths range around 50 feet but the cave systems are closed to divers.
BLUE GROTTO: Just about a stone’s throw from the Devil’s Den is the Blue Grotto, a large clear-water cavern. Open to divers of all skill levels, the maximum depth you can reach is 100 feet. A highlight to this site is the compressed air-supplied bell at 30 feet. You can enter and take the regulator out of your mouth mid-dive and talk to your buddy. This area is known as having some of the best scuba diving in Florida.
TO DIVE WITH SEA TURTLES
Gulf Stream-powered drift diving is the name of the game. The fast moving corridor of water brings a unique blend of excellent visibility, beautiful corals and a rich life source of marine estuaries that provide a breeding ground for marine life. Drifting effortlessly over mile after mile of spectacular coral reef and clouds of fish is like visiting an underwater zoo..
TO FIND SHARK TEETH
Who would have thought that the beautiful beaches of this town were the favorite hangout for the toothy prehistoric choppers many eons ago? The ancient riverbed about a mile off Venice Beach is known as the
“Shark Tooth Capital of the World.”
TO SEE ARTIFICIAL REEFS
An aggressive artificial reef program has sent dozens of wrecks to the seafloor, including three retired oil platforms called Tenneco Towers. The rigs are covered in corals and sponges and populated with schools of fish. Many of these wrecks are lined up stern to bow and stretch for miles. Miami’s “Wreck Trek” is a cluster of sites that can be dived in a single tank – two if you want to see more. Sites include a 85-foot steel tug, two M60 tanks, the 110-foot Billy’s Barge, Ben’s Antenna Reef and dozens of 100-foot plus freighters.
TO SEE THE LIVING REEF
Just off of Big Pine Key are the fabulous reefs of Looe Key. This 5.5-square-mile National Marine Sanctuary is a protected underwater ecosystem. It is an undersea oasis reminiscent of big reef structures found throughout the Bahamas; and was named after the HMS Looe, a British Man O’ War that ran aground in 1744.
“Shark Tooth Capital of the World.”
TO EXPLORE BIG WRECKS
The colorful reefs and mind-numbing profusion of fish in Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is reason enough to pack up the family wagon and head south. But if you are looking for some really big wrecks, the 510-foot Spiegel Grove at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary may be the main attraction. Two other great wrecks not to be missed are the former Coast Guard cutters Bibb and Duane. Toothy fish like barracuda and oceanic jacks have made these sites their home base. You can see why this is known by many as the best scuba diving in Florida.
TO DIVE IN A CLEAR RIVER
At Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, Florida, the springs are rumored to be more than 10,000 years old and have exceptional healing properties. Made up of many vents, the springs here provide 400 to 600 million gallons of crystalline water per day. If you’re here to dive, you’ll be happy to explore the clear waters of the 5.7-mile-long Rainbow River, where you’ll find seagrass, various aquatic plants, sea turtles, and other freshwater marine life.
Flights to Florida’s major airports (Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Jacksonville) are served by all major U.S. carriers, including Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Miami and Orlando are also served by European carriers,
including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways. Info by worldtravelguide.net