Where to Go For the Best Florida Scuba Diving

Florida is one of the greatest spots in the UnitedCrystal River
States for scuba diving. The waters are full of marineIn this area, manatees are the main attraction for
life and interesting diving items such as ship wrecks.divers but you must ask permission from the local
Scuba diving spots are many and include fresh waterranges and government concerning diving with them
dives for caves and caverns. Many sea vessels havebecause they are an endangered species and they
been purposefully sunk in areas to create artificialare protected by the State.
reefs.They congregate in herds in the warm waters from
Pennekamp Park and the Florida Keys National MarineNovember through April and can reach an average 10
Sanctuary are popular places to dive. Trips to the USSfeet in length and 1,000 pounds.
Spiegel Grove and USCG cutters Bibb and DuaneDivers can experience dozens of freshwater springs
provide great underwater viewsthat boil from the underground. This unusual mix of Gulf
Also the USS Spiegel Grove which is a 510 ft. landingwaters creates a marine environment that is nothing
ship dock lying upright in 140ft of water. Much of theshort of fantastic. You are also likely to find tarpon,
wreck lies between 70ft and 100ft.snapper and large mouth bass and garfish.
The US Coast Guard Cutters Bibb and Duane are 327Diving in Crystal River is very adventurous and not at
ft. Treasury Class cutters in the Florida diving area.all that deep. There are caves for exploration in this
The dives are serviced by local dive operators witharea but the wild life is not that varied.
regular day trips, sometimes up to twice a dayFlorida Keys Diving
depending on weather conditions.This area is a chain of islands that have many
Pensacolashipwrecks and some great coral reefs It is also the
Pensacola, Florida diving spots consist mainly ofonly living coral reef in the Continental US which one
wrecks of sea vessels. They range from smaller tugcan access from many of the small islands around the
boats to naval aircraft carriers. There is even an oil rigFlorida Keys.
or two in some areas all within short distances of land.Scuba diving operators are many and have any
All of the diving areas in Florida require the use ofnumber of dive spots for you to choose from. Visitors
diving operators as you cannot get to the areas fromfrom out of state usually head for the beach or the
land entry points.Florida scuba diving spots when they arrive.