Wave surges can bounce you into shallow coral stands causing damage to the delicate organisms and leaving you with nasty, slow-healing cuts. The Shipwrecks of the Florida Keys The reef is structured in a series of ledges and crevices stretching from the sand to a couple stories from the bottom. But thats only one reason why Hog Heaven, off Palm Beach, is a divers favorite while scuba diving in Florida. If youre around be sure to check out Blue Heron Bridge! Key West diving also offers a great rarity for divers: a shallow wreck dive. The Amesbury was built for military combat and is better known in Key West as Alexander's Wreck. This artificial reef is joined by a large section of pipe and the remains of a small lighthouse. This tugboat was originally destined to be sunk off Miami. The famed Molasses Reef also lies within the sanctuarys boundaries. More, The City of Washington Twin Ledges is another Lauderdale reef with incredibly good health when you consider where its located. Keep an eye out for wide varieties of turtles, box turtles, massive snapping turtles. Diving With Turtles: Everything You Need to Know (Where, How & Common Species), The Best Places for Scuba Diving in Mexico, Best Scuba Holiday Destinations for Beginners. And dont be surprised to find an octopus or two patrolling the sand. Parrot fish and sergeant major swim circles around coral encrusted passageways. Also worth noting are the schools of tuna, mahi, marlin, and sailfish one might see swimming out in the open ocean from the top of the ledge. North America Editor Walt Stearns dives into his back catalogue to give us some global destinations to add to our diving bucket list. With walls on both sides, these coral hallways twist about, with chance encounters at every turn. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Duane lies upright on a sandy bottom in 120 feet of water one mile south of Molasses Reef off Key Largo. [What You Need to Know], Great dive site for all skill levels, and snorkel accessible, Drive-up parking and easy-entry to the water, Renowned opportunity for macro photography, Opportunity for experienced wreck divers to explore compartments, Coral-covered cable pulley near the front of the boat is locally renowned, Depth and currents make this for divers with some experience, Unique dive opportunity in the middle of Florida, Drift dive through a river in easy currents, Good dive for beginners and experienced divers alike, 12 Ships were scuttled off of the Florida Panhandle specifically for dive-related artificial reefs, Difficulty ranges from shallow novice dives to deep and technical excursions, Created in an effort to increase habitat options and generate tourism following the Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010, Ancient limestone aquifers provide a truly spectacular diving experience, Great place to do some unique diving for beginners, Uncommonly clear water is accommodating for snorkelers, Good wreck dive for open water divers with a little bit of experience, Artificial reef made up of an interesting variety of objects, Located close to a couple more wrecks for a multi-dive day, One of the best artificial reefs in the Florida area, Good dive for advanced divers who feel comfortable with some depth, Among the highest quality reefs in the gulf of mexico, Wide variety of diving opportunities for all skill levels, Unique opportunity to dive in a historic area, Dramatic coral shelf hosts a wide variety of life, Wreck is at a depth of 70-115 feet, experience is necessary, Awesome coral coverage on the majority of the wreck, Interesting view into the split compartments of the ship, Among the best beginner dive sites in Florida, Close to a number of other good beginner reefs. Spanish Anchor is a great place to get close to the coral. Afternoon 2-tank dive trips cater to our certified divers who want to explore the shallow reefs and wrecks of Key Largo in the Upper Keys National Sanctuary. Here are more sites perfect for that two-hour dive: Tufi Resort House Reef, Papua New Guinea The out and back nature of diving jetties makes this ideal terrain to practice basicunderwater navigation, and the abundance of smaller organisms here is enough to keep anyones attention. Meeting the Wreck. Here you go, now you should be all set for your next dive trip to Florida. Best shallow shipwreck of Florida Keys Review of Benwood wreck Reviewed August 19, 2014 If you are there mainly for the shipwreck you will not see much because there is not much left of the ship. 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. Its easier to talk about what you wont see at Dry Tortugas than what you will. Shallow 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. Drifting along, youll always be within spitting distance of the surface. WebBest of all, many wrecks are in shallow enough water to free dive. A slight descent through a shallow tunnel leads to an inner lagoon whose reflective qualities inspired the sites name. 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 depth of the wreck and its proximity to Gulf Stream currents can make this a challenging dive, and is best left for divers with some experience. The wreck is covered with a nice layer of Broward county corals, and hosts a surprisingly dynamic variety of reef life. Wreck Dive: U-2513 Revealed Our reefs are all teaming with fish life. In 2006, the sunken aircraft carrier, nicknamed the Great Carrier Reef, was purposely sunk in 200ft (60m) of water. Make It Happen CoCo Views (cocoviewresort.com) high-season rate (January through June) for a seven-night stay in an oceanfront room runs $1,349, which includes meals and four boat dives a day. 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. Bottom times can easily run over an hour, with a maximum depth of 25ft (8m), and visibility at an impressive 200ft (60m). If you listened to the briefing you probably left the macro lens on the boat and wont be able to shoot these little critters the star of this show has teeth larger than the biggest of these miniature crabs. Known for its wide white sand beaches, seagrass dune habitats, and wide brackish estuaries, here the natural beauty of the Gulf of Mexico is shown in its best light. Finding a sharks tooth is a perk of this site, as are the turtles, otters and bubbling spring beds. To Explore Historic Wrecks: Pensacola , Destin and Panama City. On this shallow reef dive, in addition to the abundant fish, you may see spiny lobsters, nurse sharks, groupers, eels, and even sea turtles. The easy-to-access first chamber, partially illuminated by sunlight from outside the entrance, provides an introduction. 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. The quality of the coral here has been compared to that of more tropical areas, and definitely is at the top of the class for the Lauderdale area. DIVEIN.com was founded in 2009 by the two brothers Torben and Nicolai. Another thing to note is the ease of access to most of these sites. Most Keys reef divers log a maximum depth of 20 to 30 feet. CoCo View Resort House Reef 1 Bahamas Life on the Bahia Mar. In honor of Earth Day, here's a roundup of marine animals that help us fight climate change and help the entire planet. WebShipwrecks dot the coastline all over the lower keys. Watch the other divers as they head out. Make It Happen Jacks Diving Locker (jacksdivinglocker.com) can give you a map (for a self-guided dive) or include it as part of a multiple-dive boat trip. Benwood wreck: Decent shallow wreck dive - See 303 traveler reviews, 37 candid photos, and great deals for Key Largo, FL, at Tripadvisor. In addition to creating a unique dive site in Florida, the gallery gives juvenile corals somewhere to settle and helps restore the Florida Reef. The dives in and around this park range from beginner snorkeling on shallow reefs to advanced drift dives on the edge of the Gulf Stream in 100 feet or more of water with currents in excess of two knots. But nestled among the highrises and the crowded beaches are a multitude of high-quality dive sites. Make It Happen Bilikiki Cruises (bilikiki.com), with both the Bilikiki and Spirit of the Solomons, regularly visits Mirror Pond. Under a bridge may not seem like the ideal place for an abundance of marine life. Its one of the most productive sources of freshwater in the world. Go Now Adelaide Scuba, adelaidescuba.com.au, Endymion Reef, Turks and Caicos WebFlorida Springs are world renown for cave & cavern diving. Tank PM Shallow Reef/Wreck Dive Trip Barracuda, baitfish, and other groups of fish both large and small inhabit the uncluttered wreckage. Sign up for Scuba Divings weekly email and never miss another story. Fujikawa Maru, Truk Lagoon, Micronesia Depth: 5 35 m Micronesia is one of the most popular liveaboard wreck diving destinations and the Fujikawa in Truk Lagoon is a great place to start. But what an amazing set of cannons it is. Two thousand years ago, King Herod built the city of Caesarea; today you can dive its ruins. There are some great shallow wrecks for novice divers to enjoy at top liveaboard destinations around the world. When completed, the statue park will have 88 tons of sculptors lying at 45 feet on Coral Lok plugs which foster the growth of corals. Whether its just a stop along your dive trip, or the focal point of your adventure, the Panhandle is not to be missed. Called the Lembeh Strait of Florida by its legions of fans, this site provides a wealth of critters seldom seen in U.S. waters. 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. Discover Flores Underwater - Book Now for Free Nitrox with Arenui Liveaboard! Key largo has over 100 dives sites. A few minutes ago, your buddy gave the surface signal despite the fact that youre only 10 minutes into your dive. Plus, with depths from 6-25ft (2-8m), divers are granted even more time to explore the attractions here. The hypnotic show becomes more apparent as we descend to a shallow dive site just 22 feet deep in Biscayne National Park. While there are options for any skill level essentially across the state, what youll see and the conditions you can expect vary widely from the Gulf to the Atlantic. When you enter one of these sinkholes, you enter an area that has remained geologically unchanged for milenia.No matter what your experience with cave diving, you can creep around ancient stone pillars and watch catfish and bluegill scatter from the unfamiliar glare of your dive light. Invertebrates like octopus blend into the rubble, alongside cleverly disguised stone fish and seahorses. The Captain Dan wreck is one of Floridas coolest wreck dives. Florida has always been known for its bustling tourism industry, and there are no exceptions to this in the dive world. best shipwrecks to scuba dive Pick a destination or scroll down to read the entire list: 1. Phil Foster Park, Riviera Beach. There are three different crystal clear dives sites at Ginnie Springs: The Ginnie Ballroom, The Devils Spring System, and Santa Fe River. Florida The site is another good opportunity for beginners to get multiple boat dives, and is part of the widely praised Molasses Reef. Riviera Beach, just north of the West Palm Beach airport, is home to one of Floridas diving treasures, Blue Heron Bridge. Make It Happen Los Islotes is currently visited as part of an extended Baja Nature itinerary by the Solmar V (solmarv.com). Aqua Cat is the Ultimate Luxury Liveaboard 8 Day/7 Night All Inclusive to the Exuma Cays, Bahamas Voted #1 Liveaboard in the World, Best Crew, Best Accommodations, Best, Under the jungle floor along the Yucatan Peninsula, thousands of limestone sinkholes and flooded cave systems--called Cenotes--await adventurous divers who don't mind. On the night of December 19, 1985, while waiting to be sunk as an artificial reef next to the Alexander Barge, the Eagle broke from her moorings. The reef itself is down around 35 feet at the deepest. 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. WebDives are geared to satisfy both the beginner and the advanced diver. When you think of Florida, you probably imagine crowded beaches and the routine bustle of Miami nightlife. Many consider the Duane to be the perfect wreck dive. Keep an eye out, even in the shallows, for turtles, octopuses and eels. 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. With more than 20 statues since 2020, watching this dive site grow will be uplifting and beautiful as it lies in waters that attract larger fish like barracuda and rays. The 911ft-long vessel now draws marine life and underwater photographers for its photogenic topography. Keep a lookout for hawksbill turtles munching on the corals covering the wreck. Once you hit the beach, the sun-heated lava will take away any chill. Though it seems like a rather unlikely dive site, situated along the Palm Beach intercoastal waterway and nearly underneath an overpass, this aquatic park routinely makes best of lists for the whole United States. These are some of the best dive sites for beginners in Florida: See more great Dive sites in our FloridaDive Guide. Barracuda Reef is a healthy ecosystem surprisingly close to the crowded beaches near Fort Lauderdale. 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. A PADI Worldwide Company. The pilings themselves attract all manner of larger fish from snappers to barracuda. But the only spitting will be the archerfish picking off their prey on the brances above. On Earth Day, lets celebrate the oceans climate heroes. Please help protect the sites on the Shipwreck Trail, and all the sanctuarys maritime heritage resources, so that they may be enjoyed by future generations. Dont be surprised if you get a bump or two as the sharks maneuver among you and your buddies for a bite of fish. The USS Oriskany (CV/CVA-34) also known as The Great Carrier Reef is a 904ft long US Navy aircraft carrier. But, you can also find anything here youd be able to see in the surrounding areas. One step, two steps youre in. Find the best and most popular Dive Sites in Florida. Look out for sunken shopping carts, two mini wrecks and three hammerhead shark statues. WebThese wrecks combined with our fantastic artificial reefs makes Key Largo the Wreck Diving Capital of the Florida Keys. Additionally, you can observe corals that have been outplanted as an effort to restore the Florida Reef Tract. This site also features a 75 foot tugboat wreck that attracts larger ocean life. PADI Instructor Thomas had a most pleasurable time as dive guide to our WebWreck diving is also available. Diving Most Keys reef divers log a maximum depth of 20 to 30 feet. SS Yongala, Great Barrier Reef, Australia 2. It is also where John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located, the countrys first undersea park. Or drifting next to manatees down a crystalline freshwater river? The El Infante and San Jose were a pair of galleons that went down close to each in shallow water. For those looking for a more unique snorkeling experience, the USS Strength Wreck is a must-visit spot. Unlimited shore diving is included in the package. Dive There are a lot of extraordinary places to dive in Florida. Benwood wreck: Decent shallow wreck dive - See 303 traveler reviews, 37 candid photos, and great deals for Key Largo, FL, at Tripadvisor. Best Scuba Diving in Florida Dive sites consist of shallow reefs, deep reefs, drift dives, and wreck dives. This World War II-era ship was intentionally sunk off the coast of Panama City in 1993 to create an artificial reef. Running southwest off of the southernmost point of Florida south of Miami are the Florida Keys. Its a flourishing patch reef mixed with eelgrasses hosting a healthy assortment of juvenile reef fish, all in under 30 feet. Or floating across sand dollar and seastar gardens as massive bait balls of glass minnows swirl in the emerald waters. Situated in theFlorida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the spur-and-groove reef is home to 600+ species of corals and critters. While its hard to live up to the coral quality of the Keys, there are some truly spectacular opportunities for diving around Miami. 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. As always, huge groupers love to hide in shipwrecks. Why? Plus, divers can go tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and camping during their surface intervals. The Benwood is shallow wreck dive that is popular with novice divers. Shallowest Shipwrecks 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. Shore dives are not really an option in the Florida Keys because the water is too shallow. USS Oriskany, Florida, Go Now Caesarea Diving, caesarea-diving.com, Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos, Mexico From pristine, shallow coral reefs to epic wreck dives, the Keys offers something for every level of diver.There are plenty of shallow dives sites that can be enjoyed by both snorkelers and divers and each year thousands of divers flock Florida Keys has some of the best Shallow Wrecks in Key Largo to enjoy while Scuba Diving. Shipwreck uncovered in Daytona Beach Shores being investigated Spanish Anchor would also make a great site to try for anight dive, with octopus and spider crabs being common as the sun goes down. The wreck itself rises from the sandy bottom dramatically, with the bow jutting up at the highest point. These 5 shallow shipwrecks have become homes for numerous sea animals as well as destinations for divers drawn to history. Located 22 miles south of Pensacola is theUSS Oriskany. Shallow Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Florida John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, off of Key Largo, is an attraction for snorkelers and divers due to colorful reefs and offers plenty of the best scuba diving in the Florida Keys. This 15-foot site fizzes like a bottle of New Years Eve bubbly, caused by a venting thermal fumarole on the ocean floor. Popping from one chamber to the next, divers progress deeper into the cave system to experience the Zen-like tranquility of waters completely cut off from current or sunlight, and filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. 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. Instead it was accidentally driven beneath the waves where it currently rests. The water temperature in Florida can vary seasonally from 69F to 86F. shallow wreck dive Travel time to the dive sites is normally 30-45 minutes. Hidden underneath the wreck youll see spiny lobster poking their antennae inquisitively out toward you. Scuba Diving may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. If the season is right, you can even bag a couple spiny lobster on your way back to shore. Action continues throughout the day, so its all a matter of enjoying the first two-hour dive, popping up for a water break and tank change, then heading back down again. A second shipwreck has been uncovered in Daytona Beach Shores after the area suffered severe erosion during both hurricanes Ian and Nicole. Drift divers are in for a freshwater experience at Rainbow River, located 20 miles southwest of Ocala, in Dunnellon, Florida. Make it Happen Dreamtime Dive Resort (dreamtimediving.com) in Mahahual, Costa Maya, offers a full-day charter (two- and three-tank trips) to Chinchorro Banks. Shallow Meeting the Wreck. Depth: 80-95ft The Duane sits upright on the sandy bottom at 120 feet offering nearly 70 feet of relief. Joe Patti Memorial Reef. Diving Get 5 two-tank boat dives, but pay for only 3, with every 6-day unlimited tank package. Browse information and trips on PADI Travel and contact a PADI Dive Shop to start your next adventure. Massive goliath groupers hover in open compartments. Dive boats often visit the shallow wreck, which is popular with local scuba divers and snorkelers. Key Largo reefs and wrecks along with the cleanest and clearest water of the Florida Keys are a fish watchers Dream dive destination. She lies in 14 feet of water in the sand and grass flats north of Delta Shoals, just east of Sombrero Key Light. As a good buddy you join him in ascending, reconciled to missing out on the remaining 50 minutes of your dive. The corals are open and healthy, the fish active. Sri Lankan conservationists group mobilizes and educates volunteers to address marine environment concerns in his home country. More, The Thunderbolt WebKey Largo dubs itself the Dive Capital of the World , and yes, it is home to some of the most renown dive sites in the Florida Keys. Grouper feasting on the bait balls have also been known to roll through the area. Cable Crossing Shallow diving offers two immediate benefits. The Adelaide Baker She is the oldest shipwreck on the Shipwreck Trail, with the mystique of a Spanish treasure shipwreck to draw divers and snorkelers alike. These 5 shallow shipwrecks have become homes for numerous sea animals as well as destinations for divers drawn to history. A halocline, caused by the mixing of salt and fresh water, produces an eerie underwater effect complemented by the ethereal dancing of light on the ceiling as divers surface into the cavernous air pocket. Excellent Shallow Shipwreck Diving In The Florida Keys is one reason why scuba divers flock to Key Largo. Best of all, many wrecks are in shallow enough water to free dive. If youre a cave diver who wants to explore the networks, check out Ginnie Springs, if youre a new diver and to approximate the cave experience, check out Devils Den. Rumors abound about the person responsible, but nothing has been confirmed. Diving If you go on a day when the seas are calm, youll be greeted with excellent visibility on colorful splashes of reef. Enjoy a shore divers paradise in the best way at Bonaire's #1 dive resort! What are the best places to Dive in Florida? Toothy fish like barracuda and oceanic jacks have made these sites their home base. The late local Captain Rick Smith mapped a Wreck Trek, a string of sites with a depth of about 45ft (13.7m) to 60ft (18.3m). Barracuda Reef is one of the better trafficked and more easily accessible boat dives available right off of the shore. WebNavy divers were sent from Key West to study and report on the wreck. We conducted a survey of the wreck to examine its condition and then created a photomosaic map of the entire site. Often seen floating on the surface, or lazing on an underwater shelf, is the resident saltwater crocodile. Theres a ton of beachfront rental properties, and a strong shore diving presence in the community. The site is a great option for people looking to avoid the crowds, and an awesome novelty dive when the minnows are in full season. Timed correctly, you can get in 90 to 120 minutes of diving, depending upon conditions and your air consumption (which, at these depths, is likely not an issue). Florida In this guide, weve collected our 20 favorite dive sites from across the Sunshine State and compiled them here. After a long military career, she was converted to be a transport. Make It Happen Phil Foster Park provides parking and a convenient entry point for day diving, so call up your buddy and head over (after checking tide tables). An all-day excursion, including lunch and beverages, is $250 per person. The Amesbury was decommissioned and slated to become an artificial reef. The Miami area is famous for its high-class restaurants, cultural arts attractions, and being a high-class metropolitan area with some attitude. If youre lucky you might even see a pair of spotted eagle rays floating along with the tide. Go Now Buddy Dive Dominica, www.buddydivedominica.com, Edithburgh Jetty, Australia Its hard to compile a comprehensive list of the best dive sites in Florida, because that depends so much on what youre looking for. Eventually, this will like be home to schools of fish, which will bring with them octopus, eels and the full splendor of reef fish typical of these waters. Having seen Key Largo Dive Sites The dive itself is great, but what makes this place special is its proximity to other good beginner dive sites. Excellent Shallow Shipwreck Diving In
