Looking for a thrilling adventure to take on? Scuba diving may just be what you’re looking for. With Florida’s warm, clear waters and diverse sea creatures, it’s no surprise that it’s a prime destination for scuba diving. However, if you’re a beginner, it can be overwhelming to choose the best spot. Don’t worry, we have got you covered. This article will guide you through the best scuba diving locations in Florida, perfect for beginners like you.
The Florida Keys: A Diver’s Paradise
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a great spot for beginners. It offers clear and shallow waters, ideal for taking your first dive. Moreover, it’s the only living coral reef in the continental United States, which means you’ll see an array of marine life such as spiny lobsters, stingrays, and colorful reef fish.
Christ of the Abyss
If you’re looking for a unique experience, scuba diving to Christ of the Abyss is a must-try. It’s a 8.5-foot bronze statue of Christ submerged in the ocean. The statue is located in Key Largo, and it’s an opportunity to take postcard-worthy underwater photos. It’s also important to note that this dive spot is for certified divers.
West Palm Beach: A Thrilling Adventure
Blue Heron Bridge
The Blue Heron Bridge is a hidden gem located in Riviera Beach, West Palm Beach. It’s perfect for beginners since the waters are calm and shallow, and you don’t have to dive too deep to see its thriving sea life. You can spot sea horses, octopuses, and manatees. This diving spot has a unique feature of man-made structures which make the underwater scenery even more interesting.
RMS Mohawk Wreck
The RMS Mohawk Wreck in West Palm Beach will take you on an exciting diving adventure. As a beginner, you can explore the shallower parts of the shipwreck, which is home to different species such as parrotfish and barracudas. As you progress in your diving skills, you can explore deeper parts of the wreck where you’ll see the engine room and bridge.
Key West: A Diverse Marine Life Haven
Joe’s Tug
Joe’s Tug is a submerged tugboat that sits at 65 feet deep in the waters of Key West. This dive spot is ideal for beginners because it has easy access to the shallow part of the vessel where you can see tropical fish and eels. Meanwhile, experienced divers can venture to the deeper parts of the tug, where they can spot schools of tarpon and sharks.
Sand Key Lighthouse
The Sand Key Lighthouse in Key West provides an incredible experience for beginner divers. The lighthouse has been in place since 1853, and it sits in 55 feet deep waters. You can witness colorful coral formations, nurse sharks, and schools of fish. Moreover, the visibility underwater is excellent, which makes it a photographer’s paradise.
Florida is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a scuba diving adventure. The best scuba diving spots for beginners are scattered all over the state, in the Florida Keys, West Palm Beach, and Key West. Whether you’re into shipwrecks or marine life, there’s something for everyone. The key is to choose the right spot that matches your skill level and interests. Your scuba diving journey awaits you, so don’t hesitate to take the plunge.