Get ready to jump ship and explore the wonderful world of the ocean’s marine ecosystem six miles off the coast of North America. The Florida Keys is home to the continental US’s only living coral barrier reef. In this system, there are over 6,000 reefs that extend from Miami to Dry Tortuga National Park, just off the coast of Key West. The vast array of colorful fish, shipwrecks, and naturally formed corals have allowed those water adventure enthusiasts to venture down to explore the depths under the sea.
Know Before You Go
Many reef systems are threatened daily by the destruction of physical damage or misuse of handling worldwide. The US has implemented and established the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to help protect these fragile ecosystems. The sanctuary provides an area to restore and preserve beautiful marine life while also educating the public on proper etiquette on diving and boating through various programs.
Practicing safe habits to protect the reefs: Use reef-safe sunscreen, look but don’t touch the reefs, anchor away from the coral, and clean up unwanted lines after fishing.
If you’re an experienced diver heading down to the keys is an ideal getaway for you! Just make sure to follow the proper etiquette when taking your boat out for the day by using the Mooring Buoys instead of anchors to avoid damage to the coral reefs. If you’re heading out as part of a tour, get ready to have the time of your life!
Top five spots to snorkel or dive in the Keys
- Key Largo – Ideal destination for beginners and experienced divers and snorkelers. Explore shipwrecks and famous shallow reefs for observing colorful fish and corals.
- Islamorada Keys- Explore a plethora of marine life and shipwrecks. You might even catch a group of nurse sharks.
- Marathon- Visit the shipwreck attractions, coral, marine life, including barracudas and angelfish.
- Big Pine & Lower Keys – great for advanced divers that can explore the corals left from the shipwrecked vessel along with the incredible sea life.
- Key West- Perfect destination for snorkelers, first-timers, and experienced divers. The water is calmer, but you still get to experience wrecks and marine life.
First-Timers
If you are new to diving below the sea, this is a perfect spot to start your first dive! Many dive businesses offer dive instructions and schools for those who have never experienced scuba diving life. Once you have passed the certification training over 3 to 5 days, you will be able to start having some fun adventures in the open waters with plenty of memories to take home with you.
Not enough time to get certified? Not a problem! Although you may not get to explore the depths of the ocean floor, there are alternative options for exploring the coral reefs. Swallow waters allow snorkelers to get a great vantage point of the diverse fish and corals or extend your depths a little further and take a guided SNUBA tour, allowing you to see the marine life inches away!
Differences between SNUBA and Scuba Diving
SNUBA the tanks float on top of the water where a hose is connected, allowing you to go to the desired depth to explore the ocean’s marine life. SNUBA is perfect for first-timers since you do not need to be certified to enjoy this water activity as a part of a guided tour. The certified guide will briefly give safety instructions, and then you will be on your way.
In scuba diving, you must go through multiple classes and get certified to know precisely how to use your diving equipment, along with the breathing regulator, and monitor your levels to prevent critical issues. The tank floats on top of your back as you dive to your desired depths, usually 100 feet under the sea, and you must be mindful of your oxygen levels, and meters traveled.
Experienced Divers
Experienced divers who are entirely certified get ready to suit up and dive below, visiting the shipwrecks that have become encrusted in coral formations and where marine life thrives. As experienced divers, it’s a must to head over to Key Largo. Key Largo, described as the Diving Capital of the World, delivers divers some of the best memories by observing shallow reefs to shipwreck scenes. Also, don’t forget to visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and explore the coral reefs, seabeds, and mangroves, bringing visitors a unique experience.
Marine Life Adventures
While spending time in the Florida Keys, there are some additional activities and adventures that visitors can experience throughout the 120-mile chain of islands. If swimming and observing dolphins up close and personal has been on your bucket list, now is the time to check that off by visiting Dolphin Plus in Key Largo or Dolphin Connection in Duck Key. Visit the Turtle Hospital on Marathon and become educated and observe these beautiful creatures in rehabilitation. Another thing to explore is the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounter located in Marathon. Here guests will become immersed in feeding and interacting with sharks, string rays, and even the diverse array of fish in the coral reef tank.
Those who don’t necessarily like getting into the water but still want to view below the ocean’s surface participate in the Key Largo Princess Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise. This excursion lets people view the beautiful scenery above and below the surface as the boat makes its way through the molasses reef in Key Largo, where people can view the coral reef and marine life below.
Overall Thoughts
The Florida Keys is an ideal getaway to explore the depths of the marine life and coral barrier reef. Even if you’re a first-timer, experienced diver, or just like staying above the water’s surface, there is so much to explore with the US’s only living coral reef system. For those ready to take the plunge and visit this area of the world, I highly suggest booking your accommodations well in advance to ensure your ideal getaway spot!
