Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Florida

EPCOT Dive Quest is an exciting experience offered at the Living Seas at EPCOT Center Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL which gives you the chance to perform on our underwater stage- a 6 million gallon aquarium which houses over 65 different species of fish, sharks, turtles, and stingrays. The program, which lasts for about 2 ½ hours, begins with a backstage tour of the Living Seas- a functioning marine research facility. You will learn about marine wildlife conservation and Disney’s efforts all around the world to protect our oceans. After watching a short film about how the Living Seas was created, it is time for the ultimate dive. We provide all of the gear, while you supply all of the fun when you SCUBA dive in our main aquatic environment for 40 minutes. You’ll be part of the Disney show as you get to dive in a place that millions have visited but few have been able to go beneath its surface. All guests are given a T-shirt and a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program. Certified divers ages 10 and up are welcome. The cost is $140 per person (group rates available- other discounts may apply). This includes all gear, the dive, refreshments, a T-shirt, certificate, and a dive log stamp. Equipment includes mask, fins, tank, buoyancy compensator, regulator, weightbelt, and a 2.5 mm shorty wetsuit. Water temperature is in the mid-70s. Personal masks are acceptable. To make a reservation for Dive Quest, please call 407-WDW-TOUR (407-939-8687) In addition to Dive Quest, we also offer two programs for non-certified guests- Seas Aqua Tours and Dolphins in Depth. Aqua Tours involves surface-assisted-snorkeling in our main environment, while Dolphins in Depth involves in-depth information and interaction time with our two resident bottle-nosed dolphins.

Spring fed river, incredibly clear. In addition to abundant underwater wildlife, see springs bubbling into river (looks like bubbling sand). Easy snorkel since you get taken upriver in a boat and "float" down. Biology interest is based on both land and water creatures, especially birds and large freshwater fish. Week-end frequency based on holidays and summertime, otherwise not too bad in the early morning when the best animals are active. Very quiet setting, recommended to get there EARLY, 8am when the park opens, to beat any crowds and big dive classes (they arrive around 11:30 or 12 usually). Gentle current allows good introduction into handling your buoyancy on a drift dive. Gentle sloping landscape underwater, worst thing you'll run into is tall grass or a sunken log. In various spots the spring feeding the river bubbles up from the sand, and from small caves, which is quite interesting the first time someone experiences it (seeing the sand "boil," feeling the temperature differences). Large alligator gar and turtles may come by to say hello You can easily access the first entry point by going to the main gate for the park and hopping a boat, or simply taking the short trail down to the water's edge. The docks and walkways are brand new, either paved or wooden depending which you choose. Very easy access either way. Paved parking, small fee to enter park. From Orlando - Approximately 83 miles ( time 1 hour & 40 min) 1. Take I-4 East or West or Florida Turnpike North exit #77 2. Go North on the Florida Turnpike approximately 55 miles 3. Turnpike will turn to I-75 North 4. Take I-75 North for 10 miles to Hwy.484 exit # 341 turn left 5. Take Hwy. 484 West to Dunnellon Fl. Approximately 20 miles to Hwy 41 6. Go right , North 3 miles to SW 99th Place. Turn right at light go 1 mile cross RR track then go left after crossings, 1 mile on right is KP Hole County Park

Crystal River is a fresh water river complex fed by warm freshwater springs. It offers a variety of fish (mullets, catfish, tarpon, etc.) and many Manatees. I found the manatees were friendly and unintimidated by SCUBA. Sadly, all of the manatees I saw had suffered multiple prop injuries. If you do boat in manatee territory, please look out for them. This is an easy site to dive and offers a good environment for beginners. Maximum depth is around 40 feet. The water is in the mid 70s to low 80s year round and I was comfortable diving in a 3-mil skin. I know it can be shore-dived, but, I don't know a lot of the details of shore diving this site. I dove it from a small inflatable. I know it's in the North Western section of the Florida Peninsula, and, I believe it's a state park. Sorry I don't have more information. I only dove there once.

You must bring a flag and they don't allow scuba in the swim area in front of the lifeguard stand. If you go off the beach and to the east you can dive the little bridge, or you can dive to the west of the beach around the pylons under the larger portion. You can also go east an west around the anchored boats and find a couple little ones that have sunk. You are going to want to get in about an hour before high tide to get the most out of the slack tide. You can dive either East or West of the Park. Do not enter the boat lanes! As you go east on Blue Heron Blvd., you will go over the bridge and Phil Foster Park will be on your left. As you turn in stay to the left and you will park near the bridge. You will set up in the parking lot and go off the beach. Night diving is only permitted by boat, you cannot cross the beach after dark. Blue Heron Bridge is also known as Phil Foster Park.

Once a commercial dive operation site, Morrison Springs is now a Walton County recreation park. Bought by the State of Florida in 2004, it is now a no fee area. The dive area is an about 250 foot wide spring basin surrounded by a grove of cypress and other trees. Entry is sand gently sloped entry into the water. Water levels vary, but at approximately 18 to 25 feet, there is a training platform resting on the bottom of the basin. In the center of the basin, there is a funnel shaped entrance to the cavern area. A large tree trunk rests across this opening. Down the funnel is a small cavern room at about 35 feet and a large cavern room at about 50 feet. Depths can reach about 90 feet in the large cavern room. Water temps stay constant at about 65-68 degrees all year due to the spring. Facilities include bench areas, a bath house and restrooms, a covered picnic pavilion, a freshwater wash-down shower and some large floodlights. The area is also a popular launch place for local fishermen, who will launch boats in the same area as the divers. For this reason, a dive flag should be towed with the diver while in the dive basin. Caution should be noted anytime you surface as boaters don't always follow dive flag rules. As of October 2005, the county is meeting and planning upgrades to the facilities and also a separate boat launch area to separate divers and boaters. While this won't keep all boaters out of the basin, it will create a much safer dive environment. Nearest Dive Shop and Air Fills: Vortex Springs - http://www.vortexspring.com/ 10 miles away. Other sites that have information or pictures or maps.
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/springs/locator/Morrison.htm
http://underwaterflorida.homestead.com/morrison.html
http://www.floridacaves.com/morrison.htm
http://tfn.net/Springs/Morrison.htm Location: South of Ponce de Leon, Florida GPS coordinates N30.6578 W85.9056 Directions: Morrison Spring is south of the town of Ponce de Leon, Florida. Take I-10 and exit at Hwy 81 in Ponce de Leon. Go south on Florida Hwy 81. Turn left (east) on County Road 181. (look for a pavilion/shed in field with a Blue roof) Take CR-181 and turn right onto Morrison Springs Road. You will soon come to a fork in the road. Keep left and proceed to the spring. The road will dead end in the springs parking lot. Google Maps location: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=N30.6578+W85.9056&spn=0.048180,0.095645&t=h&iwloc=A&hl=en

Pompano Beach, located between Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach gives you the best of both worlds, small town charm with big city access. Pompano has some of the best diving in Florida. Pompano Beach is no longer diving's best kept secret! Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Pompano Beach is extremely popul;ar because of the close proximity of world class wreck and reef dives. The majority of the wreck dives on the Gold Coast are located just outside Hillsboro Inlet, Making Pompano Beach the "Wreck Capitol" of Florida.

There are two M60 Army Tanks placed in 15m deep by the DERM in June of 1994. It is an interesting dive, cos tanks are now an oasis of life... Off Miami Beach

Four diveable springs:The Ball Room, Little Devil, Devil's Eye, and Devil's ear This is a full service facility with something for everyone. Ginnie Spring has a wonderful cavern and is open to open water divers. There are a number of other dives at this with limited open water area and then a lot of cave. http://www.ginniespringsoutdoors.com/ Great campground and facilities. Northeast to High Springs city. 7300 NE Ginnie Springs Rd; High Springs, Florida 32643; 904 454-2202; M-Th 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. F-S 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sun 8.a.m. - 8 p.m. $24 per day to dive

You must bring a flag and they don't allow scuba in the swim area in front of the lifeguard stand. If you go off the beach and to the east you can dive the little bridge, or you can dive to the west of the beach around the pylons under the larger portion. You can also go east an west around the anchored boats and find a couple little ones that have sunk. You are going to want to get in about an hour before high tide to get the most out of the slack tide. As you go east on Blue Heron Blvd., you will go over the bridge and Phil Foster Park will be on your left. As you turn in stay to the left and you will park near the bridge. You will set up in the parking lot and go off the beach. Night diving is only permitted by boat, you cannot cross the beach after dark. Blue Heron Bridge is also known as Phil Foster Park.

40 fathoms deep, spring water, good viz. Platforms to take a break every 15 feet. 40 Fathom Grotto
9487 NW 115th Ave
Ocala, FL 34482
(352) 368-7974

If you plan to dive Key Largo, you'll find Mikes Wreck, or the now confirmed Hannah M. Bell, lying on Elbow Reef. Wreck. Once a mystery ship, this vessel rests near two other popular Florida Keys shipwrecks, the City of Washington and the Tonawanda The combination of Elbow Reef, along with three interesting wreck dives is why this is one of the best Florida Keys dive trips. With so many other wrecks nearby, crystal clear water, and an amazing coral reef to explore, this is scuba diving Florida Keys at it's best. When wreck diving the now confirmed Hannah M. Bell, you'll find her lying between buoy E2 and buoy E3. This position is only a few hundred feet from the Elbow Reef lighthouse which means night diving is possible. The Hannah M. Bell is also shallow at a maximum depth of 25 feet. This makes this Florida Keys wreck perfect for those interested in Florida Keys snorkeling or for those who want to learn to scuba dive.

The very best shore dive place on the East Coast I have ever dove at has been Lauderdale by the Sea. I only made it out to the first reef but it was incredible. That should be your first stop.

VORTEX Springs in Ponce De Leon FL. It is a natural spring and mostly around 70 degrees. It boasts Gin Clear vis! There is a cavern there and some swim throughs.

Recently( this February) I did a shore dive at the Destin Jetties in Destin, Florida. I went there because the boat dives were all canceled due to bad weather. Of course that meant there was bad weather at the jetties too but I was so determined to dive in the ocean that weekend. I spent about 12 mins fighting the currents in 6 foot water and went about 9 yards. It was freezing cold and I had about 5 ft of visibility. It was a terrible dive but the locals I talked to said that on good days it can be incredible. I plan to try it again this summer. You are at the mercy of the tides for peek diving conditions. Obviously when I dove that mercy was not available. There are jetties on both the east and west side of the pass - the east side is where people do most of their diving. To reach them, you'll want to get to Gulf Shore Drive and follow it past where it makes an "S" turn. At this point, be on watch for a gravel lane for public parking on the right side of the road. There will also be a single showerhead and a few signs that can be easy to miss marking the trail that leads out to the beach and the East Pass Jetties.

33 Million year old fossils in an incredible sink hole 5390 NE 180th Ave; Williston, Florida 32696; 352 528-3344;7 days 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; $27 per day to dive

Weeki Wachee can best be described as a fresh water spring with a theme park built around it. In between dives you can watch the mermaid show that takes place right there in the spring. Divers must be accompanied by local dive shops with permission to enter and dive. Located on US 19 in the heart of a very small town called Weeki Wachee. It's about an hour and a half north of Tampa, Fl.

Sink Hole, underwater air bell at 30', underwater lighting system 5390 NE 180th Ave; Williston, Florida 32696; 352 528-5770; 7 days 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; $27 per day to dive

The reef at this area consists of several smaller reefs that are parallel to shore. The description of these reefs is similar to Vero Beach but the topography of the outer most reef at Ft. Pierce is more dramatic. The reef can actually be seen from satellite imagery on the Google maps link below. Http://www.google.com/maps?q=Vero+Beach,+FL,+USA&ie=UTF8&ll=27.482823,-80.299201&spn=0.013877,0.022659&t=h&z=16&om=1 Patches of sand exist between the reefs and can be used as navigation aids. The first reef is a couple hundred yards from shore but the outer most reef that faces the ocean has the most fish life and structural variation. Another difference in diving Ft. Pierce as compared to Vero Beach is that parking is plentiful and the facilities are extremely clean and diver friendly including drying racks by the showers-- this is what your fees help pay for. Something to keep in mind diving this area is that it is near an inlet that leads to the intracoastal water way. As such, pay attention to weather and currents for visibility conditions and use a good diver down flag. Furthermore, this is a popular site for surfing for stay cautious during the ascent and surface swim. Ft. Pierce Inlet State Recreation area is located on A1A just before it heads west towards the mainland. A road from the gate house, this is a fee area, leads to several access points on the beach. The reef off the beach is a part of the larger reef that parallels the FL Treasure Coast all the way to just north of Miami - the name Treasure Coast derives from the numerous Spanish galleons that wrecked just offshore on this large reef system spilling their contents on and off the local beaches.

Near Lakeland

John Pennekamp is a 4.666666666666667-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Florida, USA East which is accessible from shore based on 3 ratings.

This is a beautiful wreck dive off the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale coast of Florida. It's worth diving because it is a recreational dive and contains plenty of coral and fish. Ancient Mariner is oned for your diving log. Sunk in 1991 as an artificial reef. In front of Hillsboro Beach. Ancient Mariner is also known as Nemesis.

Popular dive site for scuba and snorkeling. SW of Key West

Hens & Chicken Reef is also known as Hens'n Chicken.

"Visit one of North America's most prehistoric places, Devil's Den -- an underground spring inside a dry cave in central Florida. The remains of many extinct animals from the Pleistocene Age (2 million - 10,000 years ago) were discovered at Devil's Den, including the bones of early man, dating back to 75,000 B.C. The pleasant year-around temperature of 72 degrees in the Den allows comfortable diving, winter or summer. On cold winter mornings you can see steam, like smoke, rising from the cave's chimney. Hence, the early settlers called the place Devil's Den. You'll find open water and cavern diving at its best & will be fascinated by the rock formations with stalactites and 33 million year old fossil beds, truly a natural wonder." Source: http://www.devilsden.com Entrance fee is approx $27. Water temp is 72°F all year round. Norteast from Williston, on the road (Alt 27) to Bronson. Address: 5390 NE 180th Avenue, Williston, Florida 32696 Devils Den is also known as Devil's Den, Floridas Pre historic Spring.

The first tier of the Fort Lauderdale reef is located about 75-100 feet off shore. Lots of sea fans here, along with other coral growth. Juvenile nurse sharks seen here (I have the pics to prove it!) along with other juvenile fish. Max depth of the 1st reef is about 14 ft max, (average 10). This parking lot is right on the beach. All you have to do is gear up and walk across the beach in. All day parking is $6.00, and the lot has many freshwater showers. Also a picnic area with charcoal grills, and many restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance. A dive shop is located almost right near the entrance to the park on A1A. Lifeguard towers are dotted along the beach. Most lifeguards prefer if you dive during off peak hours (before 10AM and after 5PM). A dive flag is required by local law. This site is best accessed from the South Beach Park parking lot, located off A1A on Fort Lauderdale Beach. South Beach lot is right at the split (where A1A becomes one way), otherwise known as South Atlantic Blvd / Seabrease Blvd. To get there you can take SE 17th St, east to A1A, north to the parking lot, or you can take E Las Olas Blvd to A1A, south to the parking lot.

I snorkel the outside part of the jetty (the side facing AWAY from the inlet, towards the beach, and shielded from the tidal currents) all the time. It's an easy swim right off the beach, and drops off quickly to about 20-30 feet of water. Lots of hard corals on boulders on the deeper sections; some ledges; some rubble, etc on bottom. Depending on the season, barracuda, a few jacks and even occasional snook. Always parrotfish, blowfish, stonefish, schools of minnows and pinfish. Some caveats: its dangerous and illegal to swim on the inlet-side of the jetty; currents are very swift, the inlet is narrow, and there's a near-constant flow of yachts, cigarette boats, and day-boaters going through. Also, for max visibility, try to time your dive 3-4 hours after the incoming tide. That brings in fresh clear ocean water (visibility typically 20-30 feet) and leaves time for the tide to push back all the tea-colored water that comes out of the Intercostals Waterway on the outgoing tide. From I-95, exit at Atlantic Blvd (Pompano Beach) and drive east all the way to the coastal beach highway, A1A (about 3-4 miles). Turn left (north) up A1A about 2 miles; just past the traffic light at 14th Street is a small public beach park (at 16th Street), with metered parking, bathrooms + outdoor shower. From there, it's about a quarter-mile walk along the beach to the Inlet (you can't miss it because the Hillsboro lighthouse is on the other side).

Three Sisters Springs is a complex of three spring areas, with many vents and sand boils that help feed Kings Bay, the headwaters of the Crystal River. These springs also constitute one of the most important natural warm-water refuges for the endangered Florida manatee. The site entrance is blocked from boats. Fresh Water fish and turtles. Occasional manatees though diving in the area is limited when there are a high number of manatees present.

Alexander is a very calm spring of 80 meters wide. There are small caverns. The main one can be penetrated for about 10 ft (entrance at 23 feet). There is a lot of marine wildlife here and a chance you might even see an alligator! Alexander Spring is 17 miles NE of Deland in the Ocala National Forest. Travel W on SR 40 from Ocala. Turn right on CR 445A just before the town of Astor. Follow 445A past the sharp turn to the E. Watch signs to parking area.

1,260-acre coastal park; 110ft, 40ft viz, 60-80DegF; for more information, call St. Andrews State Park at (850) 233-5140
Park Fees: Admission Fee--$5.00 per vehicle; $1.00 for the following: Pedestrians, Bicyclists, extra Passengers, Passengers in vehicles with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit
Facilities: Picnic pavilions, bath-house, restrooms, beach chair rentals (in season), Park store with limited lunch food items for sale plus drinks, snacks and souvenirs. Beach on tidal pool with no waves and beach on main beach area where waves are located. Boat shuttle (fee charged) available to Shell Island (sand island) across channel from park. No facilities on Shell Island.
Dive Shop Concession on site: Jetty Dive Shop 850-233-0197 On site air fills when compressor is working. Some rental tanks, but limited availability. Nitrox usually not available.
Closest offsite Dive Shop: PC Dive Center at the corner of Front Beach Rd and Thomas Drive just outside the park at the first redlight.
Dive Rules: Follow Florida State dive laws. Dive flag required for diving anywhere outside the jetty tidal pool.
Best time to dive: At "high slack tide" Check local tide tables for time.
Dive Conditions: strong currents can exist due to incoming/outgoing tide. Best time for lowest current and best visibility is at high slack tide. Depths to 65 feet in main channel. Beware of boat traffic above and use a dive flag as required by law. Fishermen sometimes fish on jetty rocks, so beware of line entanglement or being hooked. Best to carry a cutting tool just in case.
Accommodations: Camping available at park or hotels/condos available outside park. Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM to sunset
Driving Directions: From Hwy 98 turn South on to Hwy 3031 (Thomas Drive) and follow it straight to Hwy 392 and turn left to enter into the gates of St. Andrews State Park. St. Andrews State Park is located approximately 3 miles east of Hwy 392.

Great shore dive!! Three series of ledges: 1st.100 yards off shore- 2nd 125 yards - 3rd 175 yards. You will see reef sharks and small fish. Free parking, clean showers and bathrooms! Many places to eat on rt. 1. DON'T FORGET to bring a dive flag! Safety first, diving second!! Fort Pierce! On I-95 exit #138 go east rt.164 {Indrio Rd} Turn right {south} on rt-1. Go over the first causeway bridge to A1A. Then go north about 2 miles. Pepper Park is on your right.

Thought you might Like to add this to your list of Shore dive sites in Florida This is a wild cave and can be a bit hairy as vis can range from 20 down to < 5 and 65' at the deepest spot I have found. Have Fun --Tim Not so easy to find if you don’t know exactly where it is. And since this winter my markers have been blown off by the storms. The site is listed at http://www.caveatlas.com/systems/system.asp?ID=37

There is a SCUBA destination in Lake Denton, Florida. This is where my wife and I completed our open water dives for our certification. The visibility is good and there are a lot of fish to see. It is a favorite of the locals and is busy on Saturday, but Sunday it's less crowded. There are lines on the bottom to help navigate. There are also a couple of sunken dinghies. Lake Denton, Florida

The bridge at Bahia Honda State Park on Bahia Honda Key is a shallow (8 - 11 feet) but a good dive. It's almost too shallow for scuba but the viz is not quite good enough for prime snorkeling. Pull a dive flag and stay out of the boat channels. There's are lots of fish in numbers and variety, crabs and lobster and small nurse sharks eating the crabs and lobster. Look closely around the bridge pilings and there is grass and soft corals on the bottom. Bahia State Park is on Hwy 1 in the Florida Keys. Exit into the park and follow the park roads around to the base of the bridge.

This is an easy beach dive and is especially well suited for beginners owing to ease of water entry and lack of strong currents. Depths are shallow, usually no more than 15 feet, and visibility is usually very good for this type of Gulf dive -- generally about 15 feet. Abundance of small marine life such as small reef fish, crabs, sheepshead, and snook (when they venture out from under the pier). Farther north of the pier (about a mile drive) is the "Molasses Reef" which is essentially the bowsprit of an old molasses steamer that sunk many years ago. All that is left is a small portion of the bow which sticks out of the flat surrounding sand. Not much as far as a "wreck" goes, but small reef fish seem to enjoy it. On the north end of Bradenton Beach near the fishing pier. Take either I-75 or US19 to Bradenton and follow signs for the beach. There is free parking along the beach front as long as you get there early enough.

I dove here in January 2002. I remember a large series of ledges inhabited by large numbers of fish. I really did not remember this as being as impressive as north Deerfield ledges were, but while I did not see any, I was told this is a good place to look for lobster. get off of the 95 at Hillsboro Blvd in Deerfield Beach. Go east to the A1A. Then go south on the A1A until you get to SE 5th Street. Once there go east for a short distance, then go S on S. Ocean way Follow this road, it will curve to the east. there will be parking at meters near the Cove Beach Club

We went there to test out dry suits through DUI. The manatee spring wasn't that fun but the other one right by it (in the same park) was neat, and had a lot of interesting things to look at. The visibility was shot that day since it was so crowded but it still was fun. 11650 N.W. 115th St., Chiefland, Florida 32626,Phone: 352-493-6072

The grotto is used for training, open water diving, and is available for private parties and special events. The Grotto walls are hour glass shaped loaded with solution tubes and other objects to look at. The bottom is dome shaped, and the edges average around 100 - 110 feet in Depth. with the deepest spot, about 155ft in a small opening against the north wall. There are four platforms, Three of them just under the end edge of the dock, and one in the middle of the sink. The three platforms are layered like steps, the first one is at 20ft.,the second at 45 ft. and the third at 60ft. Tied to the white barrel there is a line that runs down to a 100 foot platform which is used for Advance Open Water classes. The Platform sits next to two boats and lines run to an old VW van, and other interesting objects sitting on the bottom. There are several thermo clines, the mid-water temperature can get pretty cold between 40 and 80 feet , however the bottom temperature usually stays in the low 70's. The water is tannic all year, and visibility can really fluctuate with the algae bloom. Cost is usually around 10- $20 for divers depending on visibility. Located one mile North from the intersection of SR 52 and US Hwy 19. Tower Drive is directly across the street from the Castriota Chevy Dealership. Hudson Grotto is on the left side of Tower Drive, just across the street from Scuba West dive shop.

This is one of the best, if not the best shore dive anywhere within a hundred miles of here. The water is usually more clear than nearby sites, and the variety, and number of fish and coral is pretty much unmatched. I have seen French, and Blue Angelfish, Parrotfish, Moray Eels, Porgy, Puffers, Damsels, and a whole lot I could not identify. Some of the ledges there get up to six feet, and are quite impressive. There is less hard corals here than at Vista park, but more sponges and similar numbers of soft coral. From the I-95 get off at Palm Beach Lakes blvd in west palm beach. Go east until Dixie highway(US1) then go south until Quadrille (also called Royal Poinciana in places) go east on this across the intercoastal. Then go north on N County Road, take a quick right onto Sunset avenue. At the end of this road there is two hour parking, park there and swim directly out, there are a few reefs that go as deep as 25 feet.

This is a real nice dive spot. The reef is huge, I spent two hours there and saw less than a quarter of what is there. The coral life is amazing, soft corals, many several feet tall are everywhere Big heads of hard coral some three or more feet tall are not uncommon. In some areas I saw stag horn corals carpeting the ground. While the fish were not as dense as at gulf stream park, they were much more diverse, I saw almost everything I have seen in south Florida, Angelfish, Damsels, wrasses, parrotfish, a small nurse shark, a small stingray, and a whole lot I could not identify. This is seriously one of the best reefs I have seen this close to shore. From I-95 get off on Oakland Park Blvd in Fort Lauderdale follow that east to the A1A. Go south along the A1A until 27th street. Go east on 27th. Then turn left (north) on Atlantic and drive about two blocks, Vista park parking will be on the right. There are cheap meters, 25cents an hour as of Jan 2004. Get into the water anywhere along the beach, the reef starts just after the Buoys

Dania Beach is a 4.1-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Florida, USA East which is accessible from shore based on 10 ratings.

Dive 2 hours before high slack tide (2 hours is all you get). BEST TALK TO THE LOCALS. VERY DANGEROUS PLACE. If it's done during tarpoon season, if the tide don't get you, the great whites will! Never actually dove it, because I didn't know the tide tables, and it's better I didn't! School of over 300 Great Whites off shore (found out later from the dive shop). It's not as great as when the dock was used years ago, but fish still school there. It's about 40' deep, and not for the beginner. -- Mad Marl Go to the end of the island of Boca Grande. Park in public parking. Follow the beach around the point. Find Phosphate Dock (you can't miss it!)

West Palm Beach is a 4.25-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Florida, USA East which is accessible from shore based on 4 ratings.

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is formerly known as John U. Lloyd Beach Park. If conditions are not great, don't even bother visibility is bad here compared to some nearby areas. When I went I could not even see my feet in waist deep water. I swam out anyway, and at about 500 yards out I at least could see bottom, and visibility was around 20 feet. I was looking for a famed ledge that follows the edge of the reef, and I have heard is about 6 feet. I never found it because of poor visibility. What I did find was an endless stretch of reef much like vista park. There were many soft corals, and fish of all kinds, including a few large grouper, butterfly fish, doctor fish, porgy, and a bunch of other fish from I-95 get off on Griffin Road in the Ft. Lauderdale area. Go east until US1 then go South until Dania Beach Blvd (here you should start seeing signs directing you to the park) go east on Dania Beach until you see a sign telling you to turn right to get into the park. After passing a gate to get into the park, where they make you pay five dollars, park in the first lot on the right. Follow the boardwalk to the ocean. The reef starts a long ways out, something like 500 yards.

For divers of all levels. This is a commercially operated dive site. Entrance fee is $27. Only certified cave divers can reach 140'. Southeast of Ocala. Paradise Springs is a private place. Follow U.S. 27 south to Williston

80' Spring with a moderate outflow. About 60' of rock wall to explore on the way down and up. Also a cypress flat out to the Suwannee River Very easy to enter. There are two entry points from the dock.

Sunk in 1940 after it was washed ashore in a storm sits the Regina. Local divers also know this wreck as the Molasses barge. I dove this site which is very convenient due to the fact that it is a shore dive across the street from a dive shop. You must cross a street and about 100yds of sand. Once you hit the water, it is about a 100yd swim to the floating milk bottle in 18 feet of water that marks the spot. When I dove this wreck about 6 months ago, the only structure was about a 15 foot section of the bow that Jets out of the sand. There are a few ropes attached that a large amount of Sea Horses have made what I've heard to be a permanent residence. Also seen were Conchs, Sand Dollars, Wrasses, Jellyfish and a large school of Spade Fish which was the highlight for me. Visibility on the first dive in the early AM was aprox 10 to 15feet. The second dive was only about 5 feet visibility in the late morning. This is the perfect beginner shore dive due to the shallow water and location of the Dive Shop. Directly across the street from the SeaTrek Dive Shop at Bradenton Beach and approximately 100 yards of shore sits the remains of the 247 foot tanker Regina.

Spring, cavern and cave diving 35 miles North of Orlando

The wreck is very broken up and scattered with most of the large remains (stern section) about fifty feet north and about 100 feet out from the southwest buoy. The bow is towards the north. The water depth varies from 15 to 20 feet based. Different parts of the wreck are visible at different times due to storms and currents either depositing or removing sand from the area. Visibility is highly dependant on the prevailing wind direction and strength. The following website has some good photos of the wreck http://www.seatrekdivers.com/photogallery/photo_regina.htm This wreck accessible by shore is a part of the Florida State Underwater Archaeological Preserve. It is located off of Bradenton Beach just across from the street (Gulf Drive) from Seatrek Divers shop. The address is 105 7th St N. Bradenton Beach, FL 34217. To get to the site head towards the Bradenton Beach portion of Anna Maria Island via Gulf Drive. There is no local parking at the site devoted to the beach. One will have to drop off gear and find a parking spot close by. Depending on the day and time limited parking may be available around the building that the dive shop is in. Seatrek has successfully lobbied the local country government to place buoys off the wreck to aid in navigation. Unfortunately the county dropped the buoys in the wrong place so the diver will have to navigate in a direction off the buoys. (I am not an employee or being paid by Seatreck. They really are just across the street from the dive site)

This dive site has an amazing number of fish in it. Damsels, Parrotfish, doctor fish, barracuda, and a single nurse shark. I spent almost all my time on the ledge right on the shore, which made poor visibility, but it was still a good dive. Just follow one of the ledges for a while and you will see as many tropical fish as anywhere. If you start on I-95 get off on Woolbright Road and go east until you get to A1A turn right, and go about 0.5 miles until you see gulf stream park on the left. It will be about a quarter mile south of Nomad Surf Shop. From the lifeguard tower go south about a hundred feet, and enter there. There is a shallow ledge in about three feet of water, as well as an artificial reef about 150 feet out

Santa Rosa Island, jetties off Fort Pickens. This is a favorite shore dive for me...when the current is not too bad. Lots of shells about 30 feet outside the jetties.

This site is known to yield fossilized sharks' teeth. Poor visibility, esp when the water's a little choppy. I have found upwards of 60 teeth in a one-hour dive. (Pics of them on my page.) Teeth ranged from serrated (white sharks) to lanceolate (sand sharks). Many different sizes. This site has been reported to yield teeth in excess of 4" diameter !!! Local dive guides available, but you won't need them. Stay at exactly 19'-21', and you'll find plenty. BEWARE of boats: use a dive buoy. Public parking at the municipal lot. Hump your gear to the water's edge. Go straight out +/- 100 yards from the lifeguard tower.

The program is approximately 90-minutes and includes an educational presentation about sharks and a 30-minute dive in the Shark Bay exhibit. The divers will exit the shark cage with an Aquarium dive master and position themselves on the bottom of the exhibit in front of the exhibit window for optimal viewing of the sharks. Family and friends will be able to view the divers during all phases of the dive from the Sea Hunt gallery. The Shark Bay Exhibit at The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida. http://www.flaquarium.org/html/l2/l2_explore_dive.html From I-275 Southbound - Coming from North Tampa & Ocala Areas Take Exit 45A (OLD 26) Downtown East (Jefferson Street) Continue straight on Jefferson to Twiggs Left on Twiggs to Channelside Drive Right on Channelside Drive to Washington Street Left on Washington Street to Aquarium Parking

Daytona Beach is a 4.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Florida, USA East which is accessible from shore based on 2 ratings.

Stern is almost over the third reef at deep maximum of 65 feet (19 Meters ) and I am guessing that this wreck is went down about four years ago. Some penetration to wreck is possible with proper training, some fishes on wreck like smalls Hog fish, jakes, barracudas and tropical fish but nothing spectacular. I just dove this wreck for the first time on October of 2002 after find out from looking the scanning done by Broward county, before that I never heard about this wreck. I Named Mystery Barge because I could not find any information about it. It looks like a working barge that we see inside of inter costals I estimate the size is 100 feet by 40 feet. Good dive to perform a combination of wreck and drift dive. If anybody has any information about this wreck please let me know i will be glade to post in this site. Almost a mile offshore inside the third reef line about 300 yards south-east of Ancient Mariner Wreck.

Mainly for snorkelers. Just up the road from Ginnie Springs.

Flat-topped reef with mooring ball.

"The name honors the U.S. Navy schooner Alligator, part of the U. S. Navy Anti-Piracy Squadron that had recently been established in Key West, which went aground at this location in 1822. The Alligator was blown up after removing as much as possible from it to prevent it from being used by pirates. Countless vessels have also sunk here on the reef's jagged coral. This lighthouse cost $185,000 to build at that time. To support the tower, a 2,000 lb (900 kg) hammer was used to drive the 12" (300 mm) iron pilings ten feet (3 m) into the coral." Source: wikipedia.org "Alligator Reef is a small bank reef with some transitional reef features. It is located between the shallow reefs of the Upper Keys and the deeper, drowned reefs of the Middle Keys, and lies approximately 3.5 nautical miles (7km) southeast of Upper Matecumbe Key." It has a lighthouse that it is visible from the highway between Mile Markers 77 and 80, in a good visibility day." Source: floridakeys.noaa.gov

Short boat ride out just out of Pt. Everglades and to the South. There are 29 mooring buoys to pick up. recommend picking up one of the first few

Of the five places I dived in Jan 2003 this was second only to breakers. It was easy to find the reef, clear, calm, and full of life. I saw angelfish, juvenile blue tangs, small grouper, doctor fish, triggerfish, schools of baitfish, a stingray, etc. I would not be surprised if lobster were in some of the ledges, but I did not see any, so maybe that is wishful thinking. from I 95 get off on Hillsboro Blvd in Deerfield beach. Go east until you get toA1A. Go north on A1A. The road might turn some, but continue on A1A until you get to the "Welcome to the city of Boca Raton" sign this is a good place to drop off your gear, there are parking meters about 400 yards south of here. Get into the beach using the access at the end of 7th street. Anywhere near this access is alright to get into the water. The reef starts between 150, and ends about 500feet off of the shore. It is hard to miss, and is pretty large.

Dania Erojacks Reef is a 4.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Florida, Fort Lauderdale which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.

The Flower Gardens are located 4,5 nautical miles S of the Palm Beach Inlet.

Crystal River. East side of King's Bay.

Many people come here to dive and snorkel because of the large manatee population that migrate up into the warm natural spring fed waters that remain a constant 72 degrees all year round. During the winter months, Crystal River boasts the largest manatee population and is the only place in the world that you can swim with the manatees during our manatee tours. South of King's Bay, Crystal River.

I have been told there is pier debris straight out from worth avenue, I did not find this, not surprising since I went here on a stormy day. However I did find a series of ledges following the shore, about 200 yards out. These were inhabited by the usual cast of characters, damsels, doctor fish, triggerfish, etc. Closer to the shore There were huge schools Barracuda-like fish. When I swam past the ledges I found a reef containing mostly soft corals, with some large orange sponges as well. This is at the end of worth street in Lake Worth Florida. You can get here by exiting the 95 at Okeechobee Blvd then go east This road will dead-end into US1, take a left here, then an immediate right onto the bridge (lakeview avenue). Follow this road until the A1A then go south on A1A five blocks to worth avenue. There are meters along the ocean, a dollar an hour. To enter, go straight east from the dead-end of worth avenue. you can see the reef as a dark patch in the water.

Spanish Rocks Reef is unique in that it is one of the very rare saltwater shore dives on the west coast of Florida. This dive site consists of limestone ledges that vary in height off the bottom from about a foot to about five feet high in certain locations. Life on the ledges are sponges, tunicates, lots of sea weed, and some corals (hard coral, sea fans, gorgonians). Various tropical fish live on an around the ledges with turtles and nurse sharks spotted on occasion. Average depth is from 15 to 20 feet based on tides. Visibility is highly dependant upon prevailing wind direction and strength. This dive site located off of Bradenton Beach, FL on Anna Maria Island. To get to this location find the beach access point on Gulf Drive North and 33rd Street. 33rd Street is only 50 to 100 feet long and serves as the parking lot for the local beach access. A way to get there from the mainland is to take SR 64 (Manatee Ave.) to Gulf Drive North and then go south about a quarter mile. If you keep going south along gulf drive for about another 1.5 miles you will get to the other Brandenton Beach shore dive site the Wreck of the Regina (aka Sugar Barge). The 33rd St. Gulf Drive N. beach access is marked by a small blue green sign to the west. From the Beach access point find the reef by walking south along the beach six houses and then head out from there due west for a couple hundred yards. You have to go past the sandy bottom area. If the visibility is poor it can be easy to miss. The ledges then heads towards the west away from shore at an angle.

Hollywood Beach is a 3.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Florida, USA East which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.

From the beach, get about 100 yards from the right side of the pier and go straight out for about another 100 yds. Commercial Pier Reef is also known as Anglins Pier Reef.

4.5 miles east of Key Biscayne Biscayne wreck is also known as Banana Freighter.

Popular dive spot. Most reef formations are with long fingers of coral, sand and coral-filled canyons in between. SW of Key West

The Neptune Memorial Reef project is the largest man made reef ever conceived and provides an extraordinary living resting place for the departed, an environmental and ecological masterpiece, a superb laboratory for marine biologists, students, researchers and ecologists, and an aesthetically exquisite, world-class destination for visitors from all walks of life. 3.25 miles of the east of Key Biscayne, FL.

You don't have to go far from the boat to see a large variety of animals of all sizes. Located in the National Marine Sanctuary, it is a protected reef, so no worries about tangles with spears or hooks; and very large game fish abound! Weekends do bring in a fair amount of divers, but there is enough to see in all directions so crowding can be avoided. Located less than 20 minutes from the Spiegel Grove wreck.

Only used for scuba instruction... Damned! See and not much to see at all. http://www.floridastateparks.org/deleonsprings for entrance fees. W of the town DeLeon Springs, 9 miles N of DeLand on US 17.

Remains of 3 coal barges sunk as an artificial reef approximately 5 miles south east of Pensacola Pass. Depths range 45-60' . This large site is an area favorite for shell collecting and training new divers, and is home to an impressive array of marine life including resident sea turtles 1.8 miles off the beach, in 50 feet of water Three Coal Barges is also known as Coal Barges.

This is an advanced dive. Do not take this lightly. Do not screw it up for the rest of us. Getting to the nest was often as hard as the dive. It was best to go with someone who had been there several times before since the hunting roads can become an incredible maze. This is an extremely advanced dive due to the distance from help and the depths found here. If you have never seen the Little River well pipe, done the Peacock Grand Traverse, and hit the Hinkle restriction, all on on a swim dive, then you probably should not be diving here. There is no open water, cavern, intro, nor apprentice to cave level of diving conducted here unless under the control of an instructor. With a team of 3-4 divers using HIDs and scooters, one can really just start to get an idea of the size of this place. Access is gained through the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area. The access is about 10 miles north of the Hwy 50/Hwy 19 intersection. There are some good directions with pictures at this site: http://www.ezscuba.com/eagle's_nest.htm When you dive there, please make sure to leave a copy of either your annual pass or the stub you got after paying at the ranger on the vehicle dashboard so that law enforcement may check it while you are in the water. Please also leave a copy of your cave certification card as well as you would at Peacock and be sure to sign the log book. If you want to see the waypoints, you can see the track here. Although the words overlap, the first point after the entrance is the first Y-split, soon followed by the second Y-split and then the crossroads. Eagle's Nest is a large cave system on Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area property about the woods near Weeki Wachee. Access is now available for the general public. The good news is that a good road has been provided all the way to the sink and a wooden deck and staircase have been installed for easy access. The bad news is that the sink is now 12 miles from the current access even though it is less than a mile from the closest paved road. If you use a Garmin GPA with Mapsource, then you can import this Mapsource track, or click here to see how the track appears. The state has put in a lot of time and effort to improve the road and build a dock and ramp system to enable divers to have easy access. This is a great deal. The price to dive here is $3 a day or you may purchase an annual Wildlife Management Area pass for $26.50 at local hunting supply stores or even Wal-Mart. Eagle's Nest is also known as Lost Sink.

The Doc de Milly is a steel freighter built in 1949. It was sunk in 1987 (military target). Length: 287' Relief: 50' Lies on the Edge of the Gulf stream, so the current can be hit or miss. Also a popular fishing spot, so carry a knife and be aware of lines and hooks. 0.25 mile E of the Pacific Reef Lighthouse. Doc de Milly is also known as Doc de Mille, Nuvio Rio.

Jolly Jacks is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Florida, Palm Beach which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

This dive site is in the Sanctuary Preservation Area. 4 nm offshore of Marathon. 3.5 miles SE of Key Colony Beach.

Northern end of the canyon, crawling with life!

Two angels statues were sunk here. Located south of Deerfield Beach

This is a great snorkeling site as well as a good dive site. Because of the current leaving Bear Cut it's best to dive this site at high slack tide. The visibility changes dramatically with the tides. The high tide ensures that clear water is coming in rather then the murky water leaving Biscayne bay. There are an abundance of rays, giant puffers and lobster that live there. There is a monument and plaque in the center of the wreck. At Low tide, the top of the Wreck is only 4 feet below the water. There is a lot of boat traffic in this area. The Half Moon is a 154 foot long Steel Racing yacht in about 10 feet of water that sank in 1930. It is located due east of Bear Cut (the channel between Virginia Key and Key Biscayne) about 1 mile. There is a lone red channel marker just to the south of the dive site and there are two mooring buoys at the site. One at the bow and one at the stern. Half Moon Wreck is also known as Half Moon Underwater Preserve.