Scuba Diving Trips in Florida

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Specialties

There are a variety of specialties available to complete on the Florida trips including:

Florida

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. The Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach areas feature many sunken ships while the Gulf Coast is known for its abundant marine life.

What To Expect

Scuba Diving

There are no standard expectations for diving in Florida because every site is so different. There are over 40 coral species and 650 fish species that line the coast along with hundreds of sunken ships and artificial reefs.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and the adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, cover approximately 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps. The park extends 3 miles into the Atlantic Ocean and is approximately 25 miles in length. These areas were established to protect and preserve a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental United States.

Be on the lookout for: 

  • Sea turtles 
  • Nurse sharks 
  • Angelfish 
  • Moray eels 
  • Eagle rays 
  • Grouper 
  • Reef sharks 
  • Manta rays 
  • Octopus 

Recommended Specialty Courses

  • Spearfishing
  • Perfect buoyancy
  • Boat diving

Conservation Efforts

REEF

Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is an international marine conservation organization that implements hands-on programs to involve local communities in conservation-focused activities. REEF is based in Key Largo, Florida, with remote staff in Illinois, California, and Washington. Its mission is to protect biodiversity and ocean life by actively engaging and inspiring the public through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community. Read about REEF’s conservation efforts here.

Florida

Rainbow Reef Dive Center

Rainbow Reef Dive Center has customized dive fleets designed to accommodate everything from small groups up to 36 divers. All with maximum comfort and personal service in mind.

 

Marina Del Mar Resort

Located in Key Largo, Marina Del Mar Resort is in the ideal location and has all the amenities you need to feel at home. Enjoy the outdoor pool and jacuzzi or have a bite to eat at Skippers Dockside just along the way.

 

Florida

Florida Keys

The Florida Keys offers majestic wreck dives, vibrant coral reefs and a dazzling array of sea life. The Molasses Reef, Spiegel Grove and the USCGC Duane in Key Largo are some of the most popular dive sites.

 

Florida

 

Florida Springs

Florida has over 700 natural springs spread across the state. Devil’s Den and the Blue Grotto are two of the most popular. Devil’s Den is home to ancient rock formations and fossil beds dating back millions of years. Its collapsed cave roof opens up to allow streams of light to pierce through the water’s surface. The Blue Grotto is the largest clear water cavern in Florida. A compressed air-supplied bell at 30 feet allows you to take out your regulator mid-dive and chat with your dive buddy.

 

Florida

 

Jupiter

Jupiter, Florida is perfect for year-long diving. A portion of the world’s third-largest barrier reef runs along the coast and is home to a bountiful array of tropical fish. Its beaches also host one of the densest sea turtle nesting populations in the nation.

 

Florida

 

West Palm Beach

The Palm Beaches offer world-class drift diving along Florida’s Treasure Coast year-round. Because the gulf stream comes the closest to shore in these areas, it offers some of the largest reef ledges in the region to drift dive. The ledges are home to some of the most beautiful and unique species of corals, tropical fish, invertebrates and crustaceans.

 

Florida

Culture

The people of the Florida coasts are friendly and laid-back. With an abundance of wildlife, beautiful coral reefs and water sports, it’s easy to see why people want to live in and visit Florida.
Florida

Everglades National Park

Head an hour north of Key Largo for a visit to Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park is full of water, wildlife and wonder. The park is one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, with 1.5 million acres of tropical and subtropical habitat. Hike and bike on the trails or take an airboat tour on the water to see the variety of plants and animals that can be found here. Be on the lookout for panthers, alligators, manatees and more! 

Florida

Spiegel Grove Shipwreck

For diving enthusiasts, be sure to check out the USS Spiegel Grove dive site. The USS Spiegel Grove is a retired naval ship that was sunk to create an artificial reef. While diving on the reef, there are chances of encountering large grouper, tropical reef fishes and sometimes even sharks! 

Florida

Manatees

Manatees, also known as “sea cows”, are gentle giants that love to graze on seagrass. Kayak through mangrove-lined waterways at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, for a chance to see manatees, juvenile fish and a variety of birds.  

Traveler Photos

Know Before You Go

Dive Insurance

Dive insurance is required on all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN dive insurance.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not required but is highly recommended for all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN trip insurance.

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