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Florida Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Underneath Florida's warm waters lies a visual paradise
sure to dazzle any underwater enthusiast. Running parallel to the Florida
Keys is America's only living coral reef. In 1990, The Florida
Keys National Marine Sanctuary set aside some 2,800 square nautical
miles of ocean stretching from Key West to The Dry Tortugas, making
it the second largest sanctuary in the United States.
Within and around this delicate coral reef you will find
many inhabitants: Angelfish, Parrot fish (known for its splendid color
and parrot like mouth), spotted lobster, eel, brain coral, shrimp, barracuda,
rays and sometimes even sharks. If you're a beginner don't worry too
much about the larger marine life, just make sure you don't wear shiny
metals in the water and stay close to your tour group.
Florida's coastlines are riddled with human artifacts
and sunken ships. Between 1969 and 1980, Mel
Fisher, one of the earliest pioneers in the dive industry, and his
treasure salvors crew discovered treasures from the Nuestra Señora
de Atocha just off the coasts of the Florida Keys. Another well known
sunken artifact is the Bronze Statue of Christ in the underwater John
Pennekamp state park.
Whether you're a die-hard scuba diver, a beginner or
prefer to wear just a mask and snorkel, be prepared for a diving experience
you won't forget.
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