Florida Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Underneath Florida's warm waters lies a visual paradise sure to dazzle any underwater enthusiast. Running parallel to the Florida Keys is America's only living coral reef. In 1990, The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary set aside some 2,800 square nautical miles of ocean stretching from Key West to The Dry Tortugas, making it the second largest sanctuary in the United States.

Within and around this delicate coral reef you will find many inhabitants: Angelfish, Parrot fish (known for its splendid color and parrot like mouth), spotted lobster, eel, brain coral, shrimp, barracuda, rays and sometimes even sharks. If you're a beginner don't worry too much about the larger marine life, just make sure you don't wear shiny metals in the water and stay close to your tour group.

Florida's coastlines are riddled with human artifacts and sunken ships. Between 1969 and 1980, Mel Fisher, one of the earliest pioneers in the dive industry, and his treasure salvors crew discovered treasures from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha just off the coasts of the Florida Keys. Another well known sunken artifact is the Bronze Statue of Christ in the underwater John Pennekamp state park.

Whether you're a die-hard scuba diver, a beginner or prefer to wear just a mask and snorkel, be prepared for a diving experience you won't forget.