A nine-night signature itinerary is $3,795. Get 5 two-tank boat dives, but pay for only 3, with every 6-day unlimited tank package. Conditions on the Shipwreck Trail sites vary from easy dives in shallow water to deeper dives of l00 feet or more where swift currents may be encountered. The Panhandle is also the home of the Shipwreck Trail mentioned earlier in the guide, as well as the celebrated USS Oriskany. 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. Key West diving also offers a great rarity for divers: a shallow wreck dive. Explore the breathtaking dive sites of Bonaire with this incredible travel deal! Anhingas and other diving birds prowl the slow moving water for minnows and other opportunistic treats. A path through the sea grass leads to a chain that guides divers into the depths of the CoCo View house reef, affectionately known as the front yard. You can follow the chain, but if you choose the path less traveled, staying parallel to shore once you spot the chain, youll find the rewards are plentiful. As you drift by the craggy coral heads protruding from the bottom, look for lobsters and morays nestled in the cracks and crevices. Enjoy a shore divers paradise in the best way at Bonaire's #1 dive resort! Photographers head to the pilings for encounters with seahorses, octopuses, batfish and rays. If the season is right, you can even bag a couple spiny lobster on your way back to shore. As a good buddy you join him in ascending, reconciled to missing out on the remaining 50 minutes of your dive. 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project & Gallery, How to Hold Your Breath Longer Underwater, 5 Easy Ways To Support Marine Life Conservation, Scuba Diving Magazine Editors Recall Why They Learned to Dive, 10 Tips for Traveling Solo on a Scuba Vacation, Make a Statement by Carrying a PADI AWARE Certification Card, 8 Things You Should Never Do Immediately After Diving, 8 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Balloon Releases and Sky Lanterns. Minutes from the dock, this iconic dive is your chance to view Palaus famous limestone from the inside. More, The City of Washington Written by Scuba Instructors ~ DIVEIN.coms Complete Guide to: Florida is an incredibly diverse state when it comes to scuba diving. As you move from patch to patch, you can search the grasses and smaller rocks for brightly colored juvenile reef fish. Parrot fish and sergeant major swim circles around coral encrusted passageways. The major features of this ship, locally known as the Conrad and believed to be the Adelaide Baker, are scattered over a square quarter-mile area. All of the dive sites we visit are accessed by boat. Florida has always been known for its bustling tourism industry, and there are no exceptions to this in the dive world. 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. 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). Riviera Beach, just north of the West Palm Beach airport, is home to one of Floridas diving treasures, Blue Heron Bridge. Among waving gardens of eelgrass and bleached limbs of trees youll find all manner of freshwater fish ranging in size from smallish bluegill to looming and toothed alligator gar. Saltwater crocodile Its relatively shallow and very easy to access and with the exception of tidal restrictions diving here is as easy as parking the car. The USS Oriskany (CV/CVA-34) also known as The Great Carrier Reef is a 904ft long US Navy aircraft carrier. To Explore Historic Wrecks: Pensacola , Destin and Panama City. The Benwood was built in England in 1910 and sunk in 1942 when it collided with another ship. The ships were selected for the diversity of their make, and for the diversity of sea life they would attract in their own respect. 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. A few minutes ago, your buddy gave the surface signal despite the fact that youre only 10 minutes into your dive. Spiny lobsters, turtles, green moray eels and the usual cast of reef fish are residents of the area. Spiny lobsters, moray eels, and purple urchins like to live underneath the shelves hovering above the sea floor. 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. Sri Lankan conservationists group mobilizes and educates volunteers to address marine environment concerns in his home country. While its hard to live up to the coral quality of the Keys, there are some truly spectacular opportunities for diving around Miami. Massive goliath groupers hover in open compartments. Copyright 2023 Scuba Diving. Dry Tortugas National Park is a cluster of islands in the Gulf of Mexico 70 miles from Key West. Additionally, you can observe corals that have been outplanted as an effort to restore the Florida Reef Tract. And while the statue is one of the most visited underwater sites in the world, the shallow depth, groove coral formations and chance encounters with eagle rays and stingrays are equally impressive. Colorfully adorned with sponges and gorgonians, this site features a wealth of critters from seahorses to cuttlefish. The wreck is covered with a nice layer of Broward county corals, and hosts a surprisingly dynamic variety of reef life. The dive was in water considerably more shallow than we are used to operating in, so light and murky conditions posed a unique challenge. 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. Many consider the Duane to be the perfect wreck dive. When you think of Florida, you probably imagine crowded beaches and the routine bustle of Miami nightlife. Claire Metz. 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. If dive sites were judged purely by diversity, Ten Fathom Ledge would be at the top of this list. The hypnotic show becomes more apparent as we descend to a shallow dive site just 22 feet deep in Biscayne National Park. WebHowever, for many visiting scuba divers, the strong appeal of visiting Key West is for its wreck diving. Bottom times can easily run over an hour, with a maximum depth of 25ft (8m), and visibility at an impressive 200ft (60m). Benwood Wreck- Ultimate Diving Guide 2022. Read on for 16 dive sites that promise some of the best scuba diving in Florida for beginners and experienced divers alike. Benwood wreck: Decent shallow wreck dive - See 303 traveler reviews, 37 candid photos, and great deals for Key Largo, FL, at Tripadvisor. Invertebrates like octopus blend into the rubble, alongside cleverly disguised stone fish and seahorses. WebThe South East Florida Reef Tract extends from Miami northward to Palm Beach. The trip will include the use of air tanks, weights, and weight belts. Three to five miles off the high-rise condos of Sarasota lie limestone ledges that provide an excellent structure for Gulf fish. 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. Go Now Dive St. Vincent, divestvincent.com, Dry Tortugas National Park, Gulf of Mexico The corals are open and healthy, the fish active. Or poking your head through a collapsed section of cave wall, and staring into a few million years of prehistory? A slight descent through a shallow tunnel leads to an inner lagoon whose reflective qualities inspired the sites name. 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. Jellyfish are in the area seasonally, so be sure to cover up and watch beware when relevant. The Amesbury was built for military combat and is better known in Key West as Alexander's Wreck. Spearing Florida Keys fish can be relatively easy or very challenging, depending on what youre going after. Cuarenta Canones (40 Cannons) But the only spitting will be the archerfish picking off their prey on the brances above. WebBest of all, many wrecks are in shallow enough water to free dive. Conditions can be breezy from November through April, and none of these wrecks have protection from the prevailing winds. Its one of the most productive sources of freshwater in the world. And while you might be tempted to have a glass of wine and just stay topside listening to expat Dicky Doyles colorful tales of life in PNG, this small site merits multiple tanks. However, Blue Heron Bridge, located off Riviera Beach, is the prime location for all of the smallest of treasures and some of the best diving in Florida. This site 150 miles south of Cozumel isnt your average wreck 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. Watch the other divers as they head out. Protected from the brunt of ocean currents by the horseshoe-shaped remains of a volcanic caldera, the sloping profile of this shallow, isolated bay provides varied habitats for an array of critters. The Panhandle is culturally and ecologically very distinct from the rest of the state. Cruises begin at $2,849 for a seven-day itinerary. Dont be surprised if you get a bump or two as the sharks maneuver among you and your buddies for a bite of fish. On one head alone, a large colony of Paguritta coral crabs has taken over former wormholes. 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. Seasoned wreck divers can penetrate the ships cavernous hold. The pilings themselves attract all manner of larger fish from snappers to barracuda. But nestled among the highrises and the crowded beaches are a multitude of high-quality dive sites. A hurricane destroyed the entire fleet after they left Havana with additional passengers and cargo. Go Now Buddy Dive Dominica, www.buddydivedominica.com, Edithburgh Jetty, Australia Toothy fish like barracuda and oceanic jacks have made these sites their home base. The overall feel of the area is a little more laid back than southern Florida, geographically its basically part of Georgia so you wont miss out on the southern hospitality. WebFlorida Springs are world renown for cave & cavern diving. In 1733, a fleet of 21 vessels left Mexico loaded with cargo bound for Europe. Make It Happen Los Islotes is currently visited as part of an extended Baja Nature itinerary by the Solmar V (solmarv.com). The Trek includes Miss Patricia, an 85f (25.9m) tug, Miss Karlene, Bens Antenna reef (old radio towers), Billys Barge, limestone boulders, and more. Its also another one of those wrecks whose position has changed dramatically with the pushing of storm currents. Your boat comes with fresh drinking water and ice. There are over 70 wrecks to dive off the southern coast of Florida, and some are close enough so divers can see multiple wrecks in a single dive. 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. Collectively, they make up South Floridas largest artificial reef. In honor of Earth Day, here's a roundup of marine animals that help us fight climate change and help the entire planet. Swim-throughs, coral-encrusted pillars, plentiful reef fish and passing pelagics (including bull sharks) provide unrivaled photo opportunities for adventurers diving in Florida. Go Now Adelaide Scuba, adelaidescuba.com.au, Endymion Reef, Turks and Caicos A merchant freighter, the Benwood was carrying cargo between Tampa, Florida and Norfolk, Virginia. Reef fish of all varieties are common here, make sure to check inside of barrel sponges for slow-moving boxfish hiding from the current. On most dives, you can expect to see barracuda cruising the decks and several large goliath grouper milling about. Optimal diving conditions are June through August. The dive itself is great, but what makes this place special is its proximity to other good beginner dive sites. Make It Happen Dickys Place, on Garove island, is accessible only by live-aboard. Mangrove roots plunge beneath the surface where they meet with vibrant coral growth. 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. There are sculptures off the coast of West Palm Beach and Hollywood Beach. The ships range in size from small tugboats, to coal freighters, to the truly massive USS Orinsky aircraft carrier that has its own section later in the guide. Hammerhead Reef is often touted as one of the finest places in the Miami area todrift dive. 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. During winter (Nov-Apr), hundreds ofmanateesmigrate from the Gulf of Mexico to seek warmth in the balmy 72F (22C) springs, and guided snorkel trips are the only lawful way to swim up close and personal with these playful-but-protected creatures. Joe Patti Memorial Reef. She lies in 14 feet of water in the sand and grass flats north of Delta Shoals, just east of Sombrero Key Light. You can see why this is known by many as the best scuba diving in Florida. If youre around be sure to check out Blue Heron Bridge! Ocean depths from the shoreline to the reef rarely reach 20 feet. This dive site takes its name from the large, 17th century anchor situated among the reef. The signature wreck of the Lower Keys is a 210-ft (64-m) coastal freighter sunk intentionally on Dec. 5, 1998. This 15-foot site fizzes like a bottle of New Years Eve bubbly, caused by a venting thermal fumarole on the ocean floor. Topping off a dramatic wall, the sun-washed spurs and grooves ripple with light, and temperatures stay comfortably in the 80s. Named for the cargo it was carrying when it sank in Key West, the Tile Wreck is in extremely shallow water, resting only 5-15 feet below the surface so you can reach down and touch it. Aside from housing the unfinished maritime fortress Fort Jefferson, the park holds 104 acres of preserved tropical savanna and marine sanctuaries. 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. While proper dive training is essential to enjoying these wrecks safely, they are all located at depths that novice and experienced divers alike can feel comfortable with. WebShallow Dive Pelagic Drift Dive Blue Heron Bridge Its impossible to talk about diving in Florida without mentioning Blue Heron Bridge. 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. Ginnie Springs also offers opportunities for real cave diving if you have the proper training. Drifting along, youll always be within spitting distance of the surface. The rather straightforward layout of the reef makes it easy to navigate and thus is a good option for novice divers looking to practice moving around a reef without a guide. Not too far away lies a navy ship known as the USS Alligator. Then something strange happens: As you move from the gray of the depths to the shallows and begin your safety stop, you forget the tirade youd been preparing. There are now approximately ninety artificial reefs, including, ships, concrete modules, offshore oil platforms, and more. WebThe wreck is a short boat ride from The Cayman Salvage Master, and the relatively shallow depth (19 metres/65 feet) make Joes Tug a popular second/afternoon dive. Feel free to charter the boat for your group if these sites appeal to your needs! 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. The most prominent feature of this reef is a 15 foot tall reef ledge which rises dramatically from the sandy floor below. Divemasters will tell you thats a sign youve ventured too close to their topside harem, but its often a temptation thats impossible to resist. In addition to the great visibility, there are underwater caves to explore and prehistoric fossils to see. If you want a truly unique dive experience that emphasizes a diverse ecosystem in an atypical diving environment, Rainbow River may be the place youre looking for. SS Copenhagen, a 19th Century British cargo steamer, struck a reef in 25 feet of water off present-day Lauderdale-By-The-Sea on May 26, 1900. Travel time to the dive sites is normally 30-45 minutes. In 2006, the sunken aircraft carrier, nicknamed the Great Carrier Reef, was purposely sunk in 200ft (60m) of water. The greater Miami area is for those looking for a place where they can have maximum accessibility and the freedom to dive on their own time without compromising on culture and nightlife. Skim over the glistening waters on a boat ride to Keewaydin Island and watch as dolphins playfully chase the surf. Under a bridge may not seem like the ideal place for an abundance of marine life. Naval destroyer escort in 1943 and was later converted to a high-speed transport vessel. In 25 feet of water east of Key Largo, the remains of the City of Washington lie on Elbow Reef. Its hard to compile a comprehensive list of the best dive sites in Florida, because that depends so much on what youre looking for. Much of the popular dive spots are marked with mooring balls, and are relatively shallow and sheltered from inclement weather. The water temperature in Florida can vary seasonally from 69F to 86F. Greater Ft. Lauderdale accounts for 23 miles in the middle of the tract and the largest number of dive sites, with over 100 reef and wreck sites. The ledge rises from 10 to 15 feet from the bottom. Florida, for Second Class Dive School, which is 70 training days long. Key Largo reefs and wrecks along with the cleanest and clearest water of the Florida Keys are a fish watchers Dream dive destination. Advanced Dive, Offshore DIve, Wreck Diving. In addition to the more obvious shrimpfish that bob up and down among the grasses, youll find a bounty of pipefish, ghost pipefish, seahorses, razorfish, anemonefish, eels and crazy crustaceans of great variety, to name just a few. And if thats not enough, there are also turtles, eels, sharks, and a touch of history at sites like The Winch and Spanish Anchor. But the real draw to Crystal River (90 mins north of Tampa) comes in the form of 10ft-long gentle giants. But, you can also find anything here youd be able to see in the surrounding areas. WebThis shallow wreck is a popular dive site for divers of all experience levels. Its impossible to talk about diving in Florida without mentioning Blue Heron Bridge. Ninety-seven percent of South Floridas 200-square-mile With an estimated 10,000 visitors per year, it is by far the most popular underwater preserve in the state. Today, the wreck is home to a variety of marine life, including schools of fish, octopuses, and even barracudas. It wouldnt be a stretch to call Emerald Reef one of the best beginner dive sites in Florida. It boasts a history rich inartifacts and fossils, and even some with connections leading to the Smithsonian Institute. Unlimited shore diving is included in the package. The jungle overhangs the lagoon, adding to its otherworldly nature. WebHistory. Sites like Dickys Place in Papua New Guinea (10 feet) or Two Steps in Hawaii (20 feet) along with 18 others offer hours of diving pleasure at safety-stop depths. Though the area lacks the diversity and the dynamic quality of the coral reefs to the south, Panhandle waters have just as wide an array of different fish and invertebrate species as the rest of the state. Fish, birds, and turtles are as common here as in marine environments, but thats where the familiarity stops. The gorgeous location and variety of activities makes Ginnie Springs one of the top visited freshwater dive sites in Florida. From shallow coral gardens, to steep wall dives and deep technical wrecks, theres more than a little bit of everything. Over 50% of diving accidents involve the use of alcohol. Crystal clear waters and easy access also make this destination a great choice for beginners. 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. Make It Happen Arenui the Boutique Live-aboard (thearenui.com) runs trips to Raja Ampat. When diving, remember to control your buoyancy, since shipwreck structures can be as fragile as the marine life they support. Two thousand years ago, King Herod built the city of Caesarea; today you can dive its ruins. With a hard bottom of 20 feet, crystal-clear waters and 340 sunny days a year, youre almost guaranteed prime viewing conditions as the vividly striped tiger sharks hit the site. More, The Duane WebWithin Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary lies a trail of historic shipwrecks, scattered along the coral reefs and buried in the sandy shallows a few miles off shore. Diving in the aquifers waters is more than just a novelty. Sri Lankan conservationists group mobilizes and educates volunteers to address marine environment concerns in his home country. 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. Our reefs are all teaming with fish life. This is how we pay ourselves. 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. Imagine floating slowly toward a wreck through a cloud of dish sized moon jellies, and turning corners to be met with massive monochrome tarpon. Visitors are encouraged to explore the sites along the trail. 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. And when you have the right product, youre a little bit happier which affects the people around you! 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. The El Infante and San Jose were a pair of galleons that went down close to each in shallow water. With every 6-day unlimited tank package, enjoy 5 boat dives for the price of 3 - a. From oil rigs and bridges, to wrecks, reefs, statues and countless marine species, each days diving is sure to bring a new adventure. The dive begins at a shallow entrance home to a variety of hard and soft corals bursting with scores of reef denizens from cuttlefish to bumphead parrotfish to pygmy seahorses. 2 Cayman Islands Wall To Wall Diving Pleasure. This shallow wreck is a popular dive site for divers of all experience levels. This 180ft barge is an artificial reef that accidentally landed upside down. On the good side however there is so much marine life around this ship that will not be disappointed. If youre claustrophobic and dont like the idea of enclosed spaces, Blue Grotto is probably your best bet. The Amesbury was decommissioned and slated to become an artificial reef. Grouper feasting on the bait balls have also been known to roll through the area. The famous 8.5ft (2.6m), 4000-pound bronze sculpture of Jesus Christ stands in 25ft (7m) of water and makes for great photo ops. There you can spend a whole dive puttering around searching out hidden treasures. It does not make the product pricier for you. You're grouchy. This impressive ship sits 6 miles (9.6km) off the shore of Key Largo. With the bow resting on its port side in 85 feet of water and stern (still upright) in 60 feet, the wreck is the Bracs most coveted dive site. At this theater, be prepared for a lot of action as the chum and bait box lures the tigers in. Sign up to get the latest updates, offers and more. Its in Key Largos Marine Sanctuary and near French reef, just off the coast of Key Largo in the Florida Keys. Most Keys reef divers log a maximum depth of 20 to 30 feet. The Oriskany saw significant combat service in both the Korean and Viet Nam wars. Meeting the Wreck. Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn. Three are within recreational limits (60-130ft/18-40m), while two are reserved for technical divers (around 200ft/60m deep). Meandering among the fingers of lava that flow down-slope, youll be treated to a unique seascape rich in life and surprises. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Here you go, now you should be all set for your next dive trip to Florida. Barracuda Reef is a great place for checking out lobsters, eels, and crabs. Though encrusted with growth, many of the cannons details remain clear, including knobs on the breeches of several. We gave our Dive Team one job: The Amesbury was built for military combat and is better known in Key West as Alexander's Wreck. WebPompano means great wreck diving at Sea Hunt Scuba. The most interesting thing about this site is how quiet and tranquil it can feel in comparison to busier, more traditional reefs. Cable Crossing 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. Dive sites consist of shallow reefs, deep reefs, drift dives, and wreck dives. Shallow diving offers two immediate benefits. WebThe Florida Keys is home to the United States only living coral barrier reef, making it an ideal scuba diving destination. USS Kittiwake, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands 7. Experience the ultimate luxury diving in Flores with Arenui Boutique Liveaboard - Book now for Free Nitrox! When you hear the words Prehistoric Sinkhole the first thing that comes to mind probably isnt that it would be a great place to dive. 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. Or floating across sand dollar and seastar gardens as massive bait balls of glass minnows swirl in the emerald waters. Two other great wrecks not to be missed are the former Coast Guard cutters Bibb and Duane. Shallow diving offers two immediate benefits. Hunter is a PADI-certified Dive Instructor with as keen an interest in words as technical prowess. Spearing Florida Keys fish can be relatively easy or very challenging, depending on what youre going after. Hidden tunnels and grottoes await the adventurous diver. Youll see big clutches of spiny lobster sheltered under shelves, sponges holding cowfish and boxfish, and the occasional eel lurking in crevices. 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. 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. It is the largest artificial reef in the world and an unmissable experience when scuba diving in Florida. While proper dive training is essential to enjoying these wrecks safely, they are all located at depths that novice and experienced divers alike can feel comfortable with.