## Where to Find the Best Scuba Diving in Florida
Florida is a scuba diver’s paradise, with warm, clear waters and an abundance of marine life. From shallow reefs teeming with tropical fish to deep wrecks and underwater caves, there are dive sites for every skill level.
### The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are home to some of the best scuba diving in the world. The coral reefs here are vibrant and healthy, and the visibility is often excellent. Some of the most popular dive sites in the Keys include:
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: This park is home to a variety of coral reefs, including the Looe Key Reef, which is one of the largest and most diverse reefs in the Keys.
Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary: This sanctuary protects a vast area of coral reef and other marine habitats. There are dozens of dive sites within the sanctuary, including the Spiegel Grove Wreck, a 510-foot aircraft carrier that was sunk in 2002.
Islamorada: This village is known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” but it also offers some great scuba diving. There are several dive shops in Islamorada that can take you to a variety of dive sites, including the Alligator Reef Lighthouse and the Cheeca Rocks.
### South Florida
South Florida is another great place to go scuba diving. The waters here are warmer than in the Keys, and the visibility is often good. Some of the most popular dive sites in South Florida include:
Fort Lauderdale: This city is home to a number of artificial reefs, which are great for diving. Some of the most popular artificial reefs in Fort Lauderdale include the SS Copenhagen, the SS Montauk, and the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Reef.
Pompano Beach: This beach town is home to several dive shops that can take you to a variety of dive sites, including the Pompano Beach House Reef and the SS Suey Maru Wreck.
Miami: This city is not typically known for its scuba diving, but there are a few dive sites that are worth checking out. Some of the most popular dive sites in Miami include the Miami Beach Reef and the Biscayne National Park.
### The Panhandle
The Panhandle of Florida is not as well-known for its scuba diving as the Keys or South Florida, but there are still some great dive sites to be found here. Some of the most popular dive sites in the Panhandle include:
Pensacola: This city is home to several dive shops that can take you to a variety of dive sites, including the Pensacola Beach Pier and the Fort Pickens Reef.
Panama City Beach: This beach town is home to several artificial reefs, which are great for diving. Some of the most popular artificial reefs in Panama City Beach include the USS Oriskany and the Sea Lion Wreck.
Destin: This resort town is home to several dive shops that can take you to a variety of dive sites, including the Destin Jetties and the Henderson Beach Reef.
### Tips for Scuba Diving in Florida
Here are a few tips for scuba diving in Florida:
Get certified: Before you go scuba diving, it is important to get certified. There are several different scuba certification agencies, so do some research and find one that is right for you.
Choose the right dive site: There are many different dive sites in Florida, so it is important to choose one that is appropriate for your skill level. If you are a beginner, it is best to start with a shallow reef dive.
Plan your dive: Before you go diving, take some time to plan your dive. This includes deciding how deep you want to go, how long you want to stay down, and what kind of marine life you want to see.
Be safe: Scuba diving is a safe activity, but there are always risks involved. Be sure to follow all safety rules and regulations, and never dive alone.
With its warm, clear waters and abundance of marine life, Florida is a great place to go scuba diving. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, you are sure to find a dive site that is perfect for you.