Florida diving is unlike any other. With two unique coastlines and hundreds of natural springs dotting the state, the panhandle offers something for every type of diver.

Florida is home to the third-largest barrier reef in the world, the Florida Keys Reef Tract. Summers in Florida bring humidity and clear waters while the Gulf Stream brings colder waters in the winter.

The Sunshine State can be divided into many distinct regions for diving. The Florida Keys, a chain of islands off the southern tip of Florida, is a popular spot for divers since it stretches over 120 miles of the coast. 

What To Expect

Diving – Key Largo, Florida

Key Largo, the self-proclaimed "Dive Capital of the World," is renowned for its shallow, vibrant coral reefs, iconic shipwrecks, and clear, warm waters within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It is famously home to the USS Spiegel Grove, the Christ of the Abyss statue, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. 

Key Largo diving highlights include:

• Renowned Wrecks: Beyond the 510-foot Spiegel Grove, popular wreck dives include the USCG Duane and the SS Benwood.
• Vibrant Reefs: Molasses Reef is famous for its high visibility, large numbers of fish, and stunning coral formations, along with Carysfort Reef.
• Iconic Landmarks: The Christ of the Abyss statue is a must-see, shallow, underwater statue popular with both divers and snorkelers.
• Diverse Marine Life: Divers often spot massive Goliath groupers, reef sharks, turtles, and spotted eagle rays.
• Accessibility: With shallow, protected, and calm waters, Key Largo offers excellent conditions for beginners and snorkelers, while still providing deeper, technical wreck dives for experts.

Be on the lookout for:

• Lemon shark 

• Tiger shark 

• Bull shark

• Stingray barbs

• Ship Wrecks

• Seahorses

• Crabs

• Flounder

• Spotted eagle rays

• Turtles (seasonally)

Recommended Specialty Courses

• Search & Recovery (for effective fossil hunting techniques)

• Perfect Buoyancy (to stay controlled in low-viz environments)

• Shark Ecology

• Nitrox (for longer bottom time during repetitive dives)

• Boat Diving

Conservation Efforts

Marine Protection Guidelines:

Key Conservation Rules and Best Practices

• Buoyancy and Reef Care: Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid touching coral reefs, which are fragile and easily killed. Never stand or walk on coral; if stabilization is needed, use only dead rock.
• Marine Life Protection: Do not touch, chase, feed, or ride marine life, as this causes stress and alters natural behaviors. Keep a respectful distance, particularly with threatened species protected by laws like the Endangered Species Act.
• Gear Management: Secure all gauges and octopus regulators to prevent them from dangling and causing entanglement or damaging coral.
• No Collection/Removal: Do not take, break, or disturb shells, rocks, or artifacts. These are part of the ecosystem or protected historical sites.
• Waste Management: Carry away any trash found. Avoid wearing gloves to reduce the temptation to touch things.
• Use Moorings: Boats should use permanent mooring buoys instead of anchoring on corals or seagrass.
• Choose Responsible Operators: Select dive operators that prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as reef-safe sunscreen, banning gloves, and conducting education briefings.
• Regulatory Compliance: Abide by local regulations within national marine sanctuaries, which often require permits for specific activities.