The Florida Keys are a chain of islands located off the southern coast of Florida and are widely regarded as one of the best dive destinations in the United States. With its warm waters, diverse marine life, and abundance of shipwrecks, the Florida Keys offer a unique and exciting diving experience for divers of all levels. Here are the 10 best places to dive in the Florida Keys:
- The Spiegel Grove: This former navy landing ship dock is one of the largest artificial reefs in the world and is now a popular dive site. With its easy entry and exit points, the Spiegel Grove is a great place to see a variety of marine life, including barracuda, groupers, and snappers.
- The Duane: The Duane is a former coast guard cutter that was sunk as an artificial reef in 1987. This shipwreck is now home to a variety of marine life, including barracuda, yellowtail snapper, and a number of species of colorful reef fish.
- The Thunderbolt: The Thunderbolt is a former cable laying ship that was sunk as an artificial reef in 1986. This shipwreck is now a popular dive site, with its abundant marine life, including schools of snapper, grouper, and barracuda.
- The Eagle: The Eagle is a former coast guard cutter that was sunk as an artificial reef in 1985. This shipwreck is now home to a variety of marine life, including schools of snapper, grouper, and barracuda.
- The Bibb: The Bibb is a former coast guard cutter that was sunk as an artificial reef in 1987. This shipwreck is now a popular dive site, with its abundant marine life, including schools of snapper, grouper, and barracuda.
- The Adolphus Busch Sr.: This former steamship was sunk as an artificial reef in 1998 and is now home to a variety of marine life, including schools of snapper, grouper, and barracuda.
- The Benwood: The Benwood is a former minesweeper that was sunk as an artificial reef in 1985. This shipwreck is now a popular dive site, with its abundant marine life, including schools of snapper, grouper, and barracuda.
- The Nine Mile Bank: This shallow reef is located about nine miles from Key Largo and is home to a variety of marine life, including schools of snapper, grouper, and barracuda.
- The Elbow: The Elbow is a shallow reef located about five miles from Key Largo and is home to a variety of marine life, including schools of snapper, grouper, and barracuda.
- The Christ of the Deep: This bronze statue of Jesus Christ is located in the waters off Key Largo and is one of the most famous dive sites in the Florida Keys. The statue, which was placed in the water in 1965, is a popular spot for both divers and snorkelers.
In conclusion, the Florida Keys offer a diverse and exciting diving experience for divers of all levels. Whether you’re interested in shipwrecks, artificial reefs, or shallow reefs, the Florida Keys have something to offer for everyone. With its warm waters, diverse marine life, and abundance of dive sites, the Florida Keys are truly a dive paradise.