Whether it's freshwater or saltwater, SCUBA divers and snorkelers have plenty to choose from in Florida. Coral reefs, artificial reefs, and grass flats line Florida's Gulf and Atlantic bottoms, while caves, manatee, and seagrass wait just below the surface of many freshwater rivers, lakes, and sinks. Dive shops and snorkel tours offer every conceivable type of tour or trip, and newcomers to either sport will find plenty of options for seeing the Sunshine State's underwater side.
Rainbows of color and life explode just below the surface of the state's southern regions. Because coral reefs need sufficient sunlight and water that stays around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, they exist primarily in the shallow waters surrounding south Florida (West Palm Beach and points south.) Often compared to rain forests, coral reefs house an abundance of life. Federal and state laws prohibit physical contact and removal of coral or parts of the reef. As a result, south Florida waters contain vibrant reefs. Snorkelers and SCUBA divers alike can easily access several reefs from private boats and charter boat tours. Both John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Bahia Honda State Park offer SCUBA and snorkel trips to local reefs, including the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Looe Key Marine Sanctuary.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.6)
Key Largo, FL 33037
305-451-6300
PennekampPark.com
Bahia Honda State Park
36850 Overseas Highway (MM 37)
Big Pine Key, FL 33043
305-872-3210
BahiaHondaPark.com
Florida rivers, with some exception, have dark tints in the water from tannic acid (a result of the cypress trees and other vegetation), but Florida springs, fed from underground aquifers, bubble up crystal clear. Divers and snorkelers alike enjoy exploring the springs, and while some have caves reserved for more advanced SCUBA divers, others have "open" caves that take the form of shelfs or partially submerged "rooms" that everyone can explore. Manatee, turtle, and fish abound in these springs, which stay at a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year long.
All fresh water in Florida has two other creatures: alligators and snakes. Divers and snorkelers should expect to see these animals and give them a wide berth upon encountering them. Never dive or snorkel at night, do not explore holes, and refrain from petting baby alligators, as mama gator rarely strays far from her young.
While coral lives only in the southern parts of Florida, the state has almost 600 artificial reefs from the panhandle south to Key West. An artificial reef can start its life as an old boat or construction and demolition debris. Counties build reefs with the oversight and blessing of the state, and these reefs serve different purposes, including research, fishing, diving, and breeding. In time, the reefs look less like the original structure as coral and other sea life (depending on the water temperature and depth) grow attached to it. Divers can access most reefs and some reefs are shallow enough for snorkelers.
Pinellas County Artificial Reefs
Pinellas County, Florida
727-464-4000
pinellascounty.org/utilities/reef/
Saltwater grass flats look like dark spots in shallow water, but they're actually green groups of grass growing in the sand. These flats, easily snorkeled by all ages, reveal a thriving benthic community. Commonly seen creatures include sea urchins, crabs, clams, scallops, sand dollars, sea stars, and smaller fish. Don't look for sea grass flats where the beach has a lot of wave action; seek them out instead in saltwater bays or on the lee side of smaller islands. Some island boat trips, such as ones to Egmont Key, may point out such flats to passengers.
Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center
4737 Gulf Boulevard
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
727-367-4488
charterboatescape.com/egmont_key_fl_snorkeling_shell_island_florida.htm
Underwater caves and tunnels connect Florida's freshwater rivers, lakes, and springs. Cave diving in Florida attracts serious divers as well as curious divers. Florida also has several sinks, so named for the sinkholes that form these diving spots. Snorkelers can enjoy some of the sinks, such as Devil's Sink in Gainesville, although SCUBA divers can explore more of the sink. A word of caution: novice and solo divers should never attempt cave dives. Divers can and have died during cave dives. Divers who do feel qualified to dive Florida's caves should always consult with a local dive shop for information and carry proper equipment, including but not limited to adequate oxygen, a knife, line, and a light.
Devil's Sink
South of Gainesville, FL
Floridacaves.com/Devil's%20Sink.htm
wannadive.net/spot/North_America/USA/Florida/Central_FloridaSprings-_Ocala/Devil_s_Hole/index.html
