Copyright 2023 Scuba Diving. The massive minnow balls are definitely the biggest draw to this area, and are enough in themselves to make the dive worth checking out. Spearing Florida Keys fish can be relatively easy or very challenging, depending on what youre going after. The Panhandle is culturally and ecologically very distinct from the rest of the state. Topping off a dramatic wall, the sun-washed spurs and grooves ripple with light, and temperatures stay comfortably in the 80s. Plus, with depths from 6-25ft (2-8m), divers are granted even more time to explore the attractions here. The gorgeous location and variety of activities makes Ginnie Springs one of the top visited freshwater dive sites in Florida. Be sure to match your planned dive with your abilities. 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). This shallow wreck is a popular dive site for divers of all experience levels. With walls on both sides, these coral hallways twist about, with chance encounters at every turn. Tuna, wahoo, and other larger schooling fish are also often found along with smaller sharks and rays. Coral structures start anywhere from 35 feet all the way to the bottom at 115 feet of water on the oceanic side of the ledge. Sign up for Scuba Divings weekly email and never miss another story. Keith Tibbetts Wreck, formally known as the Russian Frigate (#356) 330-foot vessel that was sunk in September 1996 on Cayman Bracs north side. But a few dives are worth it to spend some time to explore every wreck. The Spiegel Grove is a top contender among the numerous artificial reefs in Florida. With crowd-pleasers like striated frogfish, stargazers, yellow garden eels, long-armed octopuses and sea robins, its no surprise Blue Heron has garnered rave reviews from critter experts Ned and Anna DeLoach and photo pro Alex Mustard. For those looking for a more unique snorkeling experience, the USS Strength Wreck is a must-visit spot. But the only spitting will be the archerfish picking off their prey on the brances above. North America Editor Walt Stearns dives into his back catalogue to give us some global destinations to add to our diving bucket list. Because of how recently these ships were scuttled, they tend to be in pretty good condition making the biggest draw of these wrecks are the wrecks themselves. But thats only one reason why Hog Heaven, off Palm Beach, is a divers favorite while scuba diving in Florida. There are sculptures off the coast of West Palm Beach and Hollywood Beach. Chronicled by many, and detailed by David Doubilet in National Geographic in 2007, this is a true bucket-list dive. After she sank, the Benwood was used as a practice bombing target and salvaged. All of the dive sites we visit are accessed by boat. The eight-day trip, offered in late June, is priced at $1,795 for a standard room. The rubble waller is made up of broken pieces from the fort along with miscellaneous vehicles and machinery, making for a series of eclectic and unlikely habitats for the resident fish. Dive sites consist of shallow reefs, deep reefs, drift dives, and wreck dives. If youre planning on diving in the Keys, expect to be dazzled every time you duck under the water. The Eagle is also significant because it was split in half by a hurricane, letting divers without any wreck experience get the chance to see inside the vessel without the risk of overhead cover. Feel free to charter the boat for your group if these sites appeal to your needs! The ledge rises from 10 to 15 feet from the bottom. An experienced and rushed diver can see everything in one dive. Trumpet fish can often be seen hiding amongst the gorgonians, and along the shore facing ledges, blennies and other small reef creatures are present in large numbers. Benwood Wreck- Ultimate Diving Guide 2022. Most Keys reef divers log a maximum depth of 20 to 30 feet. We gave our Dive Team one job: The hypnotic show becomes more apparent as we descend to a shallow dive site just 22 feet deep in Biscayne National Park. The Gulf Stream keeps the visibility high, and the ledge offers views of large pelagic fish you wouldnt normally see while diving. 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. Then go have that glass of wine. Depth: 80-95ft From oil rigs and bridges, to wrecks, reefs, statues and countless marine species, each days diving is sure to bring a new adventure. The sharks are big, curious and hungry, so close encounters are common (and, need we say, exhilarating). Ginnie Springs, less than two hours form St. Augustine, has been ranked as the worlds best shallow fresh water dive. 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. Other sites such as Devils Den, Blue Grotto, Troy, Manatee Springs, and Alexander Springs also hold the worlds high regard. As long as humans have been sailing the oceans, their ships have been sinking. 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. If youre planning an extended stay here you could easily book a couple boat dives from any of the local charters, and grab a few tanks so you can dive off the shore on your own. With nearly 1,350 miles of coastline making up the state ofFlorida, and an abundance of freshwater springs and lakes to explore, the Sunshine State doesnt skimp when it comes to places to dive. 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. Additionally, you can observe corals that have been outplanted as an effort to restore the Florida Reef Tract. More, The Benwood Aside from the tropical fish you would see anywhere else in the Gulf, spotted eagle rays and sharks are frequent visitors to the reef and to the shelf below. One of the final acts that triggered the Spanish-American War was the destruction of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor. Aside from having coastline on both the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic, the Florida Peninsula also supports some impressive chains of sand and coral islands, as well as one of the most productive freshwater aquifers in the world. USAT Liberty, Bali, Indonesia 4. But the spring-fed caverns near the city of Williston are routinely listed as some of the best places to dive in Florida. Go slow for encounters with seahorses, plenty of pike blennies, and flying gurnards. Scuba Diving may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Its also another one of those wrecks whose position has changed dramatically with the pushing of storm currents. This artificial reef is joined by a large section of pipe and the remains of a small lighthouse. 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. Game fish like wahoo, on the other hand, can be fast-moving targets. Devils Den, Floridas only underground prehistoric spring, is located in Williston, Florida. All content is copyright protected by either DIVEIN.com or respected copyright holders. Blue Heron Bridge is host to an abundance of tropical life in all stages of development. 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. Discover Flores Underwater - Book Now for Free Nitrox with Arenui Liveaboard! 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. The Cayman Salvager is heralded as one of the best wreck dives in the Key West area. Make It Happen Dickys Place, on Garove island, is accessible only by live-aboard. Read on for 16 dive sites that promise some of the best scuba diving in Florida for beginners and experienced divers alike. The site is radiant with natural light. With a constant temp of 72F (22C), a 3mm wetsuit is all thats needed to explore the 50ft (15m) spring and its multiple swim-throughs and air pockets. Surrounded by nearly 30 mooring balls, the reef is at most in 25-30 feet of water. The historical shipwrecks mentioned are shallow and very benign dives suitable for any certified diver. Places like Kings Spring are must-visit freshwater sites if youre scuba diving in Florida. While the vessel was being towed to deep water to be sunk as an artificial reef, it grounded and broke up in a storm before it could be refloated. She is the oldest shipwreck on the Shipwreck Trail, with the mystique of a Spanish treasure shipwreck to draw divers and snorkelers alike. Yet just a few feet lower, the sponges and corals erupt in colorful reef displays. Measuring ten stories high and nearly two football fields long, highlights of this structure include the crows nest, part of the smokestack, and a weather balloon hangar at the stern. Mangrove roots plunge beneath the surface where they meet with vibrant coral growth. Some of the deeper sites require mooring to submerged buoys. 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. This morning PADI Instructor Mike enjoyed teaching Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty with one student and Advanced Open Water Diver with another diver. The Benwood was built in England in 1910 and sunk in 1942 when it collided with another ship. 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. More, The Amesbury Three to five miles off the high-rise condos of Sarasota lie limestone ledges that provide an excellent structure for Gulf fish. Go Now Caesarea Diving, caesarea-diving.com, Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos, Mexico Sri Lankan conservationists group mobilizes and educates volunteers to address marine environment concerns in his home country. WebMarco Island is the perfect final stop for a road trip, where you can hang foot loose and fancy-free. With an estimated 10,000 visitors per year, it is by far the most popular underwater preserve in the state. Solid steel girders framed in verdant corals are enough to sway even the most jaded of divers. Imagine floating slowly toward a wreck through a cloud of dish sized moon jellies, and turning corners to be met with massive monochrome tarpon. MV FeBrina (walindi.com), out of Walindi Resort, includes the Witu islands and Dickys on its signature itineraries, visiting that region April through June and September through November. As you enter the successively darker chambers, your light may very well illuminate a dozen or more legs as your buddies float on the surface inside the large air pockets that top off each of the four. Key West diving also offers a great rarity for divers: a shallow wreck dive. When youre diving here be prepared for hidden surprises. 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. WebKey West, Florida - The Tile Wreck, and The USS Alligator. WebThe Florida Keys is home to the United States only living coral barrier reef, making it an ideal scuba diving destination. This site 150 miles south of Cozumel isnt your average wreck dive. Its best to leave these pieces of history where they are, for other divers to enjoy and for historians to document. Once you hit the beach, the sun-heated lava will take away any chill. Some of the wrecks are in as little as 25 ft of water. Wandering from dive site to dive site should feel like hopping between aquariums, take your time and enjoy the colors of every self-contained climate. Anhingas and other diving birds prowl the slow moving water for minnows and other opportunistic treats. As mentioned above, lobsters have been observed gathering in large numbers near the top of the 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. Each wreck has its own history, which sometimes includes being intentionally scuttled to create an artificial reef. Colorfully adorned with sponges and gorgonians, this site features a wealth of critters from seahorses to cuttlefish. Check out Jupiter Dive Center (jupiterdivecenter.com/) to explore the bridge as well as coral reefs, ridges, and wrecks in area. WebFlorida Springs are world renown for cave & cavern diving. 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. No Diving signs should be placed around all above ground pools. The Amesbury, locally known as Alexanders Wreck, was built as a U.S. Go Now Dive St. Vincent, divestvincent.com, Dry Tortugas National Park, Gulf of Mexico Maxing out at just over 20 feet during high tide, this site is divable only during slack tide. USS Kittiwake, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands 7. It boasts a history rich inartifacts and fossils, and even some with connections leading to the Smithsonian Institute. If free parking isnt available, pay to park at the adjacent Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. Its relatively calm and shallow waters harbor a wide variety of brightly colored blennies and small crustaceans. WebThe South East Florida Reef Tract extends from Miami northward to Palm Beach. Octopuses and urchins can often be found hiding in the pilings of the sanctuary. Before sinking, the ships hatches were opened and the holds pumped full of water to sink the ship. Florida is an incredibly unique and diverse landmass- between the everglades and the keys Florida is home to over 700 endemic vertebrate species, countless more spineless, and the largest number of endemic plants of anywhere in the States. The 911ft-long vessel now draws marine life and underwater photographers for its photogenic topography. 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. If youre looking to see some of the larger and more exciting tropical gulf life, the park supports populations of turtles, eagle rays, massive swarms of bait fish, black tip and hammerhead sharks, and hogfish. Although not confirmed, this shipwreck may be the North America, built in Bath, Maine, in 1833 and lost November 25, 1842, while carrying dry goods and furniture. On Monday, June 17th, the E/V Nautilus explored the wreck of German U-boat U-2513. The nine ships along this Shipwreck Trail have many tales to tell, from the stories of individuals who came before us to why they were here and their difficulties in navigating these waters. The goal of the project, sponsored by the Ocean Rescue Alliance and run by the 1000 Mermaid Artificial Reef Project is to promote eco-tourism and responsible diving. Its hard to say whichFlorida Keyhas thebestdiving. By submitting above, you agree to Scuba Diving's privacy policy. The most interesting thing about this site is how quiet and tranquil it can feel in comparison to busier, more traditional reefs. A second shipwreck has been uncovered in Daytona Beach Shores after the area suffered severe erosion during both hurricanes Ian and Nicole. Fins, hoods and danglies are all fair game for fun-loving sea lions that spin, somersault and playfully attack in the shallow waters at the islands edge. 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. In fact, theres no discernible vessel, just a scattered set of 300-year-old cannons, reduced from 40 to 24 as a result of salvaging and piracy. Its easier to talk about what you wont see at Dry Tortugas than what you will. Located 22 miles south of Pensacola is theUSS Oriskany. In addition to the great visibility, there are underwater caves to explore and prehistoric fossils to see. Go Now Xibalba Hotel, xibalbadivecenter.com, Stingray City, Grand Cayman The Trek includes Miss Patricia, an 85f (25.9m) tug, Miss Karlene, Bens Antenna reef (old radio towers), Billys Barge, limestone boulders, and more. Despite this, the crew assisted in rescuing the survivors of the Maine. 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. Excellent Shallow Shipwreck Diving In The Florida Keys is one reason why scuba divers flock to Key Largo. 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. Combining science, art, and tourism, the 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project & Gallery is an art exhibit and research location. The man-made structures display the full food chain from juvenile fish to the full-grown pelagic fish, so its a favorite spot for fishermen and divers alike. Minutes from the dock, this iconic dive is your chance to view Palaus famous limestone from the inside. Broward County is a hotspot for healthy, shallow reefs. There you can spend a whole dive puttering around searching out hidden treasures. It now sits upright in 115 ft (35 m) of water about 3.5 nautical miles (6 km) west of Looe Keys main dive sites. There are dives from the first and largest of the islands, Key Largo, running all the way down the island chain to Key West and the southernmost tip of the U.S. and west deeper into the Gulf on Dry Tortuga. And while all the elements combine to create a surreal scene, if you time your dive correctly, youll get an added bonus as the seascape is lit by intense shafts of light squeezing through the congestion above. Drift divers are in for a freshwater experience at Rainbow River, located 20 miles southwest of Ocala, in Dunnellon, Florida. Much of the popular dive spots are marked with mooring balls, and are relatively shallow and sheltered from inclement weather. The easy-to-access first chamber, partially illuminated by sunlight from outside the entrance, provides an introduction. Theres a ton of beachfront rental properties, and a strong shore diving presence in the community. At two miles in length and ranging in depth from 60 to 90 feet, this is a dive for people with some experience handling deep water and strong currents. With gangs of photogenic stingrays, no wonder this site is called The Worlds Best 12-Foot Dive. Go Now dive365cayman.com/specials, Champagne Reef, Dominica Today, the wreck is home to a variety of marine life, including schools of fish, octopuses, and even barracudas. Travel time to the dive sites is normally 30-45 minutes. wreck later in the dive in shallower water with a sandy bottom we were definitely on their patch and they were all around us, circling the wreck, crossing above, below and parallel to us, closer now especially when we were stationary doing a stop on the anchor chain. That's is how we pay ourselves. Konas stair-step entry guides divers immediately into the rutted undersea lavascape at famous Honaunau Bay, home to some of Hawaiis most extensive shallow-water coral reefs.