Florida offers an incredible range of warm-water diving and some special treats for both novices and already experienced divers. There are dive sites for all types of scuba divers. The dive destination has some excellent wrecks, among which is also one of the largest artificial reefs in the world, the USS Oriskany.
Scuba Dive Level
All Levels
Visibility
25 to 100 feet (8 to 30 meters)
Average Water Temperature
80
Wreck Diving
Stunning Reefs & Corals
Florida has dive sites with colorful marine life swimming in the mix of hard and soft corals. You can dive in rivers and even do some cavern and cave diving in sinkholes. Florida has a high number of large shark species, making it an excellent shark diving destination. And, of course, don't forget about the unique opportunity to swim with its adorable manatees.
The southernmost state in the United States, also known as the sunshine state, offers its visitors plenty to do above and below the surface. It entertains you with its thrilling attractions, presents beautiful nature, and blows your mind with its diverse underwater world. Its a perfect holiday destination for all types of tourists and there is always something to do. The warm climate and water temperatures are a suitable home for tropical fish. The variety of bodies of water brings much diversity to its marine life.
The best time to dive in Florida is from spring until autumn. The water temperatures during this period are the warmest and the visibility the best. The diving conditions are generally good all year round. However, during the winter months, you do need a thicker wetsuit.The water temperatures stay warmer further south, but be aware of the hurricane season from late summer to autumn.
Having a long coastline, biodiverse rivers, and plenty of lakes, Florida's marine life is very diverse. Divers can see both small and big marine life.It also has one of the highest shark populations in the world attracting shark diving enthusiasts from all around. You can even swim with manatees!
Here is a list of some of the marine animals you might spot when scuba diving in Florida:
You can find some of the best shark diving in the United States just here in Florida. There are many different shark species to see, from bull sharks to nurse sharks. Some divers have even been lucky enough to spot the great white shark during their dive. People can choose between various options to dive with sharks in Florida. Besides jumping in the water with your tank, you can also go shark cage diving or freediving. Shark encounters in shallow waters are also possible, and you don't even need to own a diving certification to experience this.
Here are some of the top dive sites and dive areas in Florida.
1. Blue Heron Bridge - Blue heron bridge is a world-class muck/macro dive. There is a large grouper aggregation during certain times of the year, and a lot of sharks in this area. From the surface, the bridge might not seem like an exciting dive site, but it is definitely a favorite of underwater photographers. It is even considered one of the best dive sites in the world.
2. Spiegel Grove Wreck - The Spiegel Grove, in Key Largo, is known as one of the world's top wreck dives. The bottom is at 134ft, the top at 60ft. It is incredibly huge at 510ft long and is diveable all year round. It often has large tarpon swimming around it, and in August, bull sharks sometimes visit. It also has lots of easy penetration points.
3. USS Oriskany - Another top shipwreck to dive in the world. The USS Oriskany is also known as the world's largest artificial reef. The shipwreck is also one of the very few aircraft carriers that can be explored by divers. It lays deep, and the conditions are often changing. Thus, it is more suitable for experienced divers.
4. Rainbow River - For a unique drift dive, head to Rainbow River to enjoy its diverse ecosystem and a chance to spot lots of turtles. It resembles an underwater garden with flowers, fallen trees, and rocks in all shapes and sizes and dive between the bubbling spring boils.
5. Williston Springs - Although the cenotes in Mexico offer some of the best cavern diving, these sinkholes in Florida grant a unique diving experience. In Ginnie Springs you can even do some proper cave diving. Blue Grotto and the Devils Den are other great places to explore the clear waters.
6. Hog Heaven - This is not your usual reef dive, as the artificial reef was accidentally placed upside down. That makes the dive site unique and would be a sin to miss when scuba diving in Florida. It is a shallow dive, which makes it also enjoyable for beginners.
7. Christ of the Abyss - As you can guess, the main highlight on this dive site is a bronze sculpture of Jesus Christ. The statue is 8ft (2.4m) tall and surrounded by beautiful coral that attracts plenty of marine life. The most beautiful moment is when the beam of sunlight comes through the water to create a halo around the statue.
8. Crystal River - This is the place to see lovable manatees. Only snorkeling and swimming with manatees is allowed here. Nevertheless, the Crystal River offers terrific spots for cavern diving. The manatees, though, remain the main attraction and something not to be missed.
9. Jupiter - All shark divers gather here for the annual migration of lemon sharks during the winter months. You can often spot them around wrecks going up all the way to West Palm Beach.
All major U.S. airlines have flights to Florida's main airports: Miami International Airport (MIA), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Tampa International Airport (TPA), and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The largest airport is Miami International (MIA).).
There are no dive liveaboards in Florida, but there are numerous dive centers and dive resorts in the area.
While not scuba diving, there are many exciting topside activities to do in Florida. The coastline does not have a shortage of beautiful beaches to relax and swim. There are over a thousand golf courses for golf enthusiasts. You can do endless shopping or go clubbing, visit museums, go hiking in the Everglades National Park or theme parks and attractions. For nature lovers, there are beautiful botanical gardens to go for a stroll.