Scuba Diving Miami: Top Dive Spots
Miami is a diving hotspot for a reason. The city sits in several kinds of prime diving real estate all at once. Three large marine ecosystems all come together here in South Florida: The Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf. That means an amazing diversity of marine life. The Florida Reef Tract alone is home to over 6,000 species, and it’s the third largest barrier reef in the world.
Fort Lauderdale is just north of the city, and to the south is Key Biscayne, the top of the Florida Keys. Both destinations are just 45 minutes away from Miami International Airport, and the entire stretch of coastline between them is absolutely full of incredible dive opportunities.
Top Diving Spots in Miami
From fast currents that take drift divers soaring past coral reefs to all kinds of shipwrecks, Miami has it all. Here are some of the most exciting places to dive off of Miami Beach and the surrounding areas. Whether you have a ton of dive experience or you’re looking to learn, there’s something here for you.
Drift Diving at Miami Beach
South Florida is famous for its drift diving, because the conditions are perfect. The reef tract is long, and straight. The Atlantic current is swift, and around Miami, the warm Gulfstream current takes over and flows parallel to the shore. That gives you a huge, straight shot of fast-moving water, and it’s easy to float into the current and let it carry you along.
You may also want to check out Brewster Reef, just south of Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, for a vibrant, colorful drift dive.
Wreck Diving in Miami
Miami is also home to quite a few wreck diving sites, many of which were intentionally sunk as dive sites or for artificial reef development.
Belzona Barge
The shallowest wreck in the area is Belzona Barge. This 215-foot steel boat was originally sunk to a depth of 70 feet below the surface. However, a hurricane moved it to a new location at just 35 feet deep, and now it’s a great place for beginners to learn the ropes of wreck diving without adding the extra stress of deep diving on top of it.
Tortuga
Tortuga was sunk in 1995 for the filming of the movie Fair Game. This 165-foot steel ship sits at a depth of 115 feet, making it a bit of a deep dive. But for those who make the trek, you’ll be treated to an incredible array of coral, fish, and marine life that have taken up residence in the wreck. While the depth can be a moderate challenge, the openings are large enough that penetration isn’t too difficult for those new to wreck diving.
The Wreck Trek
There are actually a couple of clusters of wrecks called “The Wreck Trek” in the area. Off the Miami Beach Coast, at a depth of about 55 feet, you can find an 85-foot steel tug called the Patricia. About 50 feet away is the Miss Karline. You can also find a sunken police barge in the area.
There’s another Wreck Trek a short distance north of Miami, featuring the Jay Scutti, the Tracey, and the Merci Jesus. This 3-wreck drift dive ranges in depth from 45 to 72 feet, making it inviting for appropriately-trained open water divers. Depending on your plan and the current, you can easily hit at least two wrecks in one dive, and you may be able to checkout all three.
Reef Diving in Miami
All of Miami’s dive sites overlap some, and many of the best reef dives are also drift dives, or else they’re artificial reefs created by intentionally sinking ships or concrete blocks. The county has a robust artificial reef program, cooperating with anglers and others to help nurture the area’s wildlife. Here are some of the best reef dives.
South Florida Reef Tract
The South Florida Reef Tract is one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, extending from MIami all the way to Palm Beach. Just in the 23-mile stretch of reef along Fort Lauderdale there are over 100 reef and wreck dive sites. Southern sites like Mark’s Reef are easily reachable, and some, like the Nursery (named for its abundance of nurse sharks) are shallow enough that they can even be enjoyed by snorkelers.
Emerald Reef
Emerald Reef is a collection of three patch reefs just east of Key Biscayne. It’s a relatively shallow dive, but it’s also one of the most beautiful reefs in an area with plenty of competition for that title. The combination of gorgeous coral formations, fish, lobsters, and more at such an easy depth make it perfect for beginners, or as a relaxing second dive of the day.
Key Biscayne Artificial Reef
This 120-foot former freighter is one of the most popular artificial reefs in Miami. Originally used to haul bananas from Central America, it now sits at a depth of 55 feet and provides a home for coral, sharks, lobsters, and more.
Other Miami Diving Spots
Army Tanks
These two M-60 tanks were sunk in 1994, but they almost look like they’ve been underwater forever. Located 45 feet down, spiny oysters, sponges, and all types of coral have made a cozy home here, and these former weapons have become a welcoming habitat for all kinds of undersea creatures.
Neptune Memorial Reef
The Neptune Memorial Reef is unique in all the world. The largest artificial reef ever constructed, this site is more than just another place for coral to live. It’s also a place of remembrance for those who loved diving.
The sculptures and features here are inspired by an artistic interpretation of Atlantis, and among the gorgeous scenery, the cremated remains of many divers are laid to rest here. This unique burial ground operates within the guidelines, permitting, and certification of at least six different governing bodies, and is on a mission to transform over 16 acres of desolate ocean floor into a coral habitat. Family members of avid divers will actually become certified divers themselves, just to make the trek 40 feet down to visit and memorialize their loved ones.
Scuba Diving Certification in Miami
If you want to see all the cool things under Miami’s waters up close, you’ll need to move past snorkeling and get certified to dive. Basic scuba diver certifications come from a handful of governing bodies and are taught by certified scuba instructors, usually at dive shops.
Many of these programs have an e-learning portion that can be completed remotely. You can do this part at home, so that you spend more time in the water once you reach your destination.
From there you’ll spend some time learning the basics in a pool or other safe, enclosed area, before going out for a few dives in open water. You should expect to spend around three days taking the course.
Benefits to a Diving Certification in Miami
Getting your diving certification is a requirement in order to be allowed to dive in most places. It’s also important for safety’s sake. Some shops may offer discounts on gear or on future courses if you take classes with them, but the biggest benefit is the world that it opens up to you.
Your basic certification unlocks the door to the wider world of diving, letting you pursue dives all over the world, as well as learning opportunities to dive deeper, with more complex equipment, in more unique environments.
Where to Get a Diving Certification in Miami
Most diving certifications take place in training facilities or in dive shops that offer classes. In Miami itself, check out SCUBAPRO Platinum dealer Ocean Safari, located in the heart of the city. It’s centrally located, meaning it’s close to the airport, downtown, Key Biscayne, and South Beach. In addition to courses, they offer tank refills, gear sales, and diving expeditions.
If you’re headed north to nearby Fort Lauderdale, Brownie’s YachtDiver is another great SCUBAPRO Platinum Dealer, offering training and certifications, dive gear, tank refills, and submarine exploration.
Miami Dive shops
Because of Miami’s bustling beach tourism, there are plenty of dive shops where you can rent or purchase gear, as well as take training courses and earn your scuba certification. Visiting local dive shops is a great way to get the lay of the land from the people who know it best. You aren’t just learning about diving in general. You’re learning from people who can teach you the unique sights in the area firsthand.
Making local connections is also great because they can help you find the best gear for the water. The best people to learn from are the ones who swim in Miami’s waters all the time. And if you go out for a diving tour, or even an open water dive, you know you’re in good hands when you go local (and when you go with a trusted SCUBAPRO partner).
Explore Miami’s Waters
Miami is a great place to learn diving, and to explore. There’s a world-class barrier reef, and a constantly-growing collection of artificial reefs to serve as both habitats and dive sites. With the right gear, the right training, and the right partners showing you the best dive sites, Miami is a great destination for beginning divers, or for anyone who wants to see some of the best reefs in North America.