Florida

From freshwater springs to coastal dives, to the island tropical waters of the Keys, Florida has a plethora of options for scuba diving. Dozens of shipwrecks along the coast add to the adventures.

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Crystal River is one of the best places in the world to see manatees, the gentle giants. The freshwater springs north of Tampa have more than 100 feet of visibility, and are packed with turtles and fish.
The springs serve as a warm water refuge for the manatees during the colder months, as water stays a relatively constant 72 degrees year round. Caverns along Crystal River allow more experienced divers to reach depths of 100 feet.
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The USS Oriskany, “The Mighty O,” was intentionally sunk in 2006. The ship is now the largest vessel ever sunk for an artificial reef. It lies upright off the coast of Pensacola in the Gulf Coast.
The tower of the Oriskany sits about 80 feet deep, and the flight deck at 145 feet. Varying depths make this a great dive for a variety of skill levels.
Conditions are usually clear and warm near the Gulf Stream. Red snapper, angelfish, mahi mahi, turtles, rays, and lobster all live in this reef environment.

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Key Largo is the northernmost of the Florida Keys. The key offers a coral reef state park, the country’s first underwater reserve. A national marine sanctuary is also a haven for divers. Strict conservation measures mean the marine life is incredibly abundant.
Depths range from 18 to 120 feet around the island. Clear and warm water are major draws. Unique coral formations, colorful tropical fish, and wrecks off the coast make Key Largo commonly known as the “Dive Capital of the World.”
Snapper, eels, Goliath Grouper, barracuda, nurse sharks, turtles and sponges all thrive in this environment.
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West Palm Beach is part of what’s known as the Treasure Coast, so named for Spanish shipwrecks nearby. The Gulf Stream flows closer to West Palm Beach than any other location in Florida. That means warm, clear water for scuba diving.
Because of the current here, drift diving is very popular, with a boat following the divers along as they explore coral reefs. Intentionally sunken ships nearby add to intrigue and marine life. The flow of the Gulf Stream as well as the linear nature of the coral reefs make drift diving fun, and relatively easy.
Sea turtles are in abundance, as multiple species life in the area. Lobster, barracuda, Goliath grouper, and hundreds of other species life here.

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