Scuba Diving Florida [Guide]: Top Dive Sites

Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and diverse wildlife. But did you know that it's also a top destination for scuba diving? With over 1,000 miles of coastline and countless dive sites to explore, Florida has become a hot spot for divers from all around the world.

Florida's Unique Geography

One of the main reasons why Florida is such a popular diving location is due to its unique geography. The state is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, providing a wide variety of dive sites that cater to different preferences and skill levels. From shallow reefs to deep wrecks, Florida has it all.

Florida's dive sites are easily accessible from major cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West, making it convenient for travelers to plan a diving trip. Many dive operators also offer packages that include accommodation and transportation, making it easier for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the Florida diving experience.

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are known for stunning beaches, a vibrant nightlife, and diverse marine life. However, what truly sets the Florida Keys apart from other beach destinations are its world-class diving opportunities.

Best Time to Dive in the Florida Keys

Another reason why the Florida Keys is a diver's paradise are the ideal diving conditions. The water temperature ranges from 70 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it comfortable for divers to explore the underwater world at any time.

In addition, visibility is excellent in most dive sites, often exceeding 100 feet. This gives divers a clear view of the stunning coral formations and marine life without any obstructions.

Upper Keys

The Upper Keys of Florida are a popular destination for scuba divers, and for good reason. With its crystal clear waters and abundance of marine life, it's no wonder that this area is known as one of the best spots for scuba diving in the world. Some of the main attractions in this area include the USS Spiegel Grove, John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park, and Molasses Reef.

• USS Spiegel Grove: This former Navy ship was intentionally sunk in 2002 to create an artificial reef and has since become a must-see dive site for experienced divers. With its massive size at over 500 feet long and multiple levels to explore, the USS Spiegel Grove offers a one-of-a-kind diving experience that is not to be missed.
• John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park: This state park is the first underwater park in the United States and boasts an impressive variety of coral reefs, sea fans, and colorful fish. With its shallow waters and easy access from shore, this park is a great option for beginner divers or those who prefer snorkeling.
• Molasses Reef: Located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Molasses Reef is a popular spot for both scuba diving and snorkeling. Its vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life, including sea turtles, eagle rays, and nurse sharks, make it a must-visit site for any underwater enthusiast.

Middle Keys

The Middle Keys have warm waters year-round, making it another can’t-miss destination for scuba diving during any season. The water temperature ranges from 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, providing comfortable conditions for divers. The visibility in the Middle Keys is exceptional, often reaching up to 100 feet. This makes it easier for divers to spot marine life and appreciate the beautiful underwater landscape.

• Sombrero Reef is known for its vibrant and diverse marine life, including colorful coral formations, tropical fish, and even sea turtles. This reef is suitable for all levels of divers, from beginners to advanced.
• The Thunderbolt wreck is a 188-foot-long ship that was intentionally sunk in 1986 to create an artificial reef. It now serves as a thriving habitat for various fish species, including goliath groupers and barracudas. Divers can also explore the interior of the ship, making it an exciting and unique dive site.

Lower Keys

The Lower Keys are known for their impressive collection of shipwrecks that have turned into artificial reefs. These underwater structures not only offer an exciting dive but also attract a plethora of marine life.

The Lower Keys also boast some of the healthiest and most vibrant coral reefs in North America. These underwater ecosystems are not only beautiful but also support a thriving marine life population.

Exploring Looe Key

Located just five miles off the coast of Big Pine Key, Looe Key is a well-known diving spot in the Lower Keys. Its main attraction is the Looe Key Reef, which is home to over 150 species of fish and numerous coral species. Some popular sites for scuba diving at Looe Key include:

• The Adolphus Busch Sr.: This 210-foot-long shipwreck was intentionally sunk in 1998 and now lies in about 110 feet of water. It has since become a popular site for advanced divers to explore.
• Shark's Lair: As the name suggests, this dive site is known for its frequent shark sightings, including reef sharks and nurse sharks. This shallow dive is great for all levels of divers.
• The Valley: This site features a deep valley that is home to large schools of fish and various types of coral. It's also a popular spot for night dives, where you can spot nocturnal marine life such as octopus and lobsters.

South Florida

Located on the southeastern tip of the United States, South Florida encompasses the area from Miami to Key West. The region is home to a diverse array of underwater landscapes, ranging from vibrant coral reefs to massive shipwrecks. This diversity makes it an ideal location for divers of all levels, whether you're a beginner looking to complete your open water certification or an experienced diver seeking to explore deeper depths.

One of the factors that makes scuba diving in South Florida so unparalleled is its proximity to the Gulf Stream. This powerful current brings warm, nutrient-rich water from the Caribbean to the coast of Florida, creating a vibrant ecosystem that attracts a wide variety of marine life. From colorful tropical fish to majestic sea turtles and even the occasional encounter with a gentle manatee, divers are sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring these waters.

Best Time to Dive in South Florida

But it's not just the abundant marine life that makes South Florida a top dive destination. The region also boasts excellent visibility, with an average of 50 to 70 feet year-round. This means divers can fully immerse themselves in the underwater world and spot even the tiniest creatures hiding among the corals and wrecks.

When is the best time to dive in South Florida? While diving is possible year-round due to its warm climate, the best time to visit is typically between November and May. During these months, the water visibility is at its peak, and there is less chance of encountering strong currents or storms that can affect diving conditions.

Jupiter-West Palm Beach Area

The Jupiter-West Palm Beach area is located in the southern part of Florida and is known for its beautiful beaches and diverse marine life. This region has many interesting features that attract tourists from all over the world, making it a popular destination for beach lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Blue Heron Bridge

One of the main attractions in the Jupiter-West Palm Beach area is the Blue Heron Bridge. This bridge is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, offering visitors an opportunity to see a wide variety of marine life up close. Here are some quick facts about the Blue Heron Bridge:

• Located at Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach.
• Known as one of the world's best shore dives.
• Popular for its abundance of marine life, including seahorses, octopuses, and various species of fish.
• Perfect for both beginners and experienced divers due to its shallow depth (15 feet).

Shark Diving Season

If you're an adrenaline junkie looking for a thrilling experience, then shark diving is something you should definitely try in the Jupiter-West Palm Beach area. Here's some information about shark diving season in this region:

• Takes place from December to March.
• The best spot for shark diving is off the coast of Jupiter, specifically around Shark Canyon and Tiger Beach.
• Visitors can encounter various species of sharks, including lemon sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerhead sharks.

Goliath Grouper Season (July to Early October)

Another popular activity in the Jupiter-West Palm Beach area is diving with goliath groupers. These massive fish can weigh up to 800 pounds and are a sight to behold underwater. Here's what you need to know about goliath grouper season:

• Takes place from July to early October.
• The best spot for diving with goliath groupers is around shipwrecks and artificial reefs in the area.
• Visitors may also encounter other marine creatures, such as barracudas, turtles, and schools of fish, during this season.

Greater Fort Lauderdale Area

There are numerous reasons why the Greater Fort Lauderdale area is a top choice for diving enthusiasts. Here are just a few:

• Warm Waters: With an average water temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit, divers can enjoy comfortable dives all year long.
• Variety of Dive Sites: The region offers a wide range of dive sites, from shallow reefs to deep wrecks, making it suitable for divers of all levels.
• Abundant Marine Life: The Greater Fort Lauderdale area is home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and even sharks. This makes for an exciting and memorable diving experience.
• Accessible Locations: The dive sites in the area are easily accessible by boat or shore, making it convenient for divers to explore and discover new dive spots.
• Clear Visibility: The crystal-clear waters in the area provide excellent visibility, allowing divers to fully appreciate the stunning underwater landscapes and marine life.

The Wreck Trek of Fort Lauderdale

The Wreck Trek is a popular diving spot in Fort Lauderdale that features several artificial reefs created by intentionally sinking ships. Here are some quick facts about the Wreck Trek:

• Consists of 16 shipwrecks that were sunk between 1985 and 2016.
• Ranges in depth from 15 to 130 feet.
• Vessel types include cargo ships, tugboats, military vessels, and even a Boeing 727 airplane.
• Home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, eels, and tropical fish.
• Can be explored by scuba diving or snorkeling.
• Popular among both novice and experienced divers.

Miami

One must-visit destination for scuba divers in Miami is the Neptune Memorial Reef. This underwater cemetery is home to the largest man-made reef in the world and serves as a special, one-of-a-kind resting place for those who loved the ocean.

• The Neptune Memorial Reef is located three miles east of Key Biscayne, at a depth of 40 feet.
• This reef is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even sharks.
• The Neptune Memorial Reef features several artistic sculptures and structures, including a 16-foot-tall lion statue that serves as the entrance to the site.
• The reef was created as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials. It provides a final resting place for cremated remains and also serves as a thriving marine habitat.

Central Florida

South Florida's location along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico makes it a perfect spot for diving. The warm, tropical waters are home to an abundance of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, and various species of fish. With over 1,700 shipwrecks scattered across the region, South Florida also offers some of the most exciting wreck diving experiences in the world.

In addition to its diverse underwater landscape, South Florida is also unique for its accessibility. Many of the top diving spots are easily accessible by boat or shore entry, making it convenient for divers of all levels. The region's mild water temperatures and calm ocean conditions also make it a comfortable and safe diving destination

Best Time to Dive in Central Florida

The warm and clear waters of Central Florida's lakes and springs make it an ideal location for diving all year long. Winter months see some of the best visibility, with water temperatures averaging around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This time of year, the lack of algae and other aquatic growth allows for excellent views of underwater formations and marine life.

One of the most exciting dive experiences in Central Florida is the chance to swim with manatees. These gentle giants migrate to the area's springs and rivers during the colder months, making it a top destination for snorkelers and scuba divers alike. Manatee season typically runs from November through February, giving visitors plenty of time to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Devil's Den

Located in Williston, Florida, Devil's Den is a prehistoric underground spring that offers an unforgettable diving experience. It features a 60-foot deep natural pool surrounded by limestone walls and filled with crystal clear water. Divers can explore the underwater cave system and encounter various fossils embedded in the rocks. The constant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit makes it an ideal year-round diving spot.

• A unique geological formation.
• Ideal for all levels of divers.
• Home to various marine life including turtles, catfish, and eels.

Crystal River

Crystal River is a small town situated on the Gulf Coast of Florida and is known as the "Home of the Manatees." It is the only place in the world where visitors can legally swim and interact with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Divers can also explore the many crystal clear springs, underwater caves, and rivers that are abundant in this area.

• A must-see spot for manatee encounters.
• Offers a variety of diving experiences, such as drift dives and cave dives.
• Known for its picturesque underwater landscapes and diverse marine life.

Ginnie Springs

Located in High Springs, Florida, Ginnie Springs is a well-known dive spot due to its beautiful underwater caves and freshwater springs. It offers over 30 different dive sites with varying depths and levels of difficulty, making it suitable for divers of all skill levels. Divers can also take advantage of the on-site campground and spend the whole weekend exploring the underwater wonders of Ginnie Springs.

• Multiple dive sites to choose from.
• Abundant with colorful fish and plant life.
• Offers a range of activities such as cave diving, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.

Florida Panhandle and Gulf Coast

Located on the northern coast of Florida, the panhandle region is bordered by Alabama to the west and Georgia to the north. This area is famous for its sugar-white beaches, emerald green waters, and abundance of marine life. The coastline stretches for over 200 miles and is home to various unique dive sites. This area is filled with wreck diving and the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail guides divers through the area ripe with exploration.

Best Time to Dive in the Florida Panhandle

The Florida Panhandle and Gulf Coast also have a specific diving season, which starts in mid-May and ends in September. During this time, the water is at its warmest and visibility is at its best. If you prefer diving during the off-season, from October to March, it's important to note that water temperatures can drop to 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so you’ll need a drysuit for comfort.

The Florida Panhandle and Gulf Coast are known for their abundance of sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish like angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. These species can be found year-round, but during the summer months you may also encounter migrating whale sharks and manta rays.

Pensacola

Pensacola, Florida is known as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation" due to its rich history in the field. It is also a prime location for scuba diving enthusiasts, with its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life.

• USS Oriskany - The USS Oriskany, nicknamed the "Mighty O," is a retired aircraft carrier that was intentionally sunk in 2006 to create an artificial reef. It has since become a top diving destination due to its size and abundant marine life.
• USS Massachusetts - The shipwreck of the USS Massachusetts, a WWII-era battleship, is another popular dive site in Pensacola. It sits in relatively shallow waters, making it accessible for both beginner and advanced divers.
• Pensacola Bay Bridge - The Pensacola Bay Bridge spans over the bay and offers some excellent diving opportunities as well. Its large concrete columns are covered in colorful corals and sponges, providing a rich and vibrant underwater landscape for divers to explore.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach, Florida is one of the top destinations for scuba diving in the United States. With its crystal clear waters, diverse marine life, and numerous shipwrecks to explore, it's no wonder why this coastal city has become a hot spot for scuba enthusiasts.

St. Andrews Jetties

St. Andrews Jetties, located at the entrance of St. Andrews Bay, is a must-see diving location in Panama City Beach.

• The jetties are home to various species of fish such as snappers, grunts, and grouper.
• Divers can also spot sea turtles, eagle rays, and even the occasional shark at St. Andrews Jetties.
• The currents here are generally mild, making it a suitable diving spot for beginners as well as experienced divers.
• The waters are typically clear with good visibility, allowing for optimal viewing of the marine life and underwater structures.
• St. Andrews Jetties is also known for its many shipwrecks, which offer a unique and exciting diving experience.
• Some of the notable shipwrecks at St. Andrews Jetties include the USS Strength and the El Dorado, both of which are accessible to divers.
• The jetties themselves also make for an interesting dive site, with their large boulders and crevices that serve as shelter for various marine creatures.

Destin

Overall, Destin offers the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation, making it a must-visit destination for any type of scuba diving. The Miss Louise Wreck is another spot on the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail.

Miss Louise Wreck

One of the main attractions for scuba divers is the Miss Louise Wreck, which rests at a depth of 90 feet.

• The Miss Louise was originally a shrimp trawler that sank in 1974 after hitting a reef.
• It was later bought by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef.
• The wreck is now home to a variety of fish, such as snapper, grouper, and amberjack, as well as sea turtles and other marine creatures.
• The Miss Louise Wreck is also known for its vibrant coral growth, making it a visually stunning dive site.
• With its relatively shallow depth and clear visibility, the Miss Louise Wreck is suitable for both beginner and experienced divers.
• This wreck dive offers opportunities for underwater photography, as well as the chance to explore different areas of the ship, including the wheelhouse and engine room.
• The Miss Louise Wreck is located in close proximity to other popular dive sites in Destin, such as the East Pass Jetties and the Red Sea Wreck.

Find Your Favorite Florida Diving Location

Florida is truly a diver's paradise. With its warm and clear waters, diverse marine life, and numerous diving sites to choose from, it offers an unforgettable experience for scuba divers of all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced diver, there is something for everyone in Florida.

The state's accessibility and convenience make it a top choice for diving enthusiasts. With its many airports and well-maintained highways, getting to Florida is easy and hassle-free. In addition, the state has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious, making it suitable for all types of travelers. Furthermore, with its year-round warm weather, Florida allows divers to explore its underwater wonders at any time of the year.

More Scuba Diving Locations in the U.S.

If you're looking for more scuba diving locations in the U.S. we have you covered with these supplemental guides.

• Best Places to Scuba Dive in the U.S.
• Top U.S. Freshwater & Lake Scuba Diving Locations