The Florida Keys is home to the United States’ only living coral barrier reef, making it an ideal scuba diving destination. From pristine, shallow coral reefs to epic wreck dives, the Keys offers something for every level of diver.
Is Key Largo or Key West better for diving?
When it comes to snorkeling and diving, Key West has some great diving, but the snorkeling and diving around Key Largo surpass the opportunities around the southernmost Key by far. The reefs around both islands are incredibly healthy, beautiful, and mostly easy to access.
What is the best time to scuba dive in the Florida Keys?
When to Go. The Keys are essentially open for diving year-round, however the winter season does bring with it lower water temperatures — they range from the mid 70s to the mid 80s throughout the year — plus choppier seas and the possibility of lower visibility.
Is Key Largo good for scuba diving?
Key Largo is a dream dive destination where well-preserved natural coral reefs lie only a few miles from the shore – shallow reefs for snorkelers and deeper coral-encrusted wrecks for experienced divers. A perfect paradise for both divers and snorkelers.
Is there good scuba diving in the Florida Keys? – Related Questions
Are there saltwater crocodiles in Key Largo?
— For years, American crocodiles have be seen lounging, mouths agape, on boat ramps in the Key Largo neighborhood of Stillwright Point.
Where is the most beautiful place to scuba dive?
Best Scuba Diving in the World: 10 Top Locations
- Great Blue Hole, Belize.
- Barracuda Point, Sipadan Island.
- Maaya Thila – South Ari Atoll, Maldives.
- Richelieu Rock, Thailand.
- Santa Rosa Wall, Cozumel.
- SS Thistlegorm Wreck, Egyptian Red Sea.
- SS Yongala Wreck – Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
- 1000 Steps, Bonaire.
What is the golden rule of scuba diving?
1. Never hold your breath. This is undoubtedly by far the most crucial of all safety rules for diving because failure to adhere could result in fatality. If you hold your breath underwater at the depths at which scuba divers reach then the fluctuating pressure of air in your lungs can rupture the lung walls.
What should you never do while scuba diving?
Never hold your breath while ascending. Your ascent should be slow and your breathing should be normal. Never panic under water. If you become confused or afraid during a dive, stop, try to relax, and think through the problem.
At what age should you stop scuba diving?
After all, according to certifying agencies like PADI, SSI or other scuba diving organizations, there is only one scuba diving age restriction. You can begin to dive when you are 8 years old, and there is no maximum age. That’s right!
Why is Key Largo the dive capital of the world?
Key Largo, Florida is known as the scuba diving capital of the world. This is because there is a very large amount of dive sites easily accessible to divers. The Florida Keys is located along the 3rd largest barrier reef in the world.
Do you need a wetsuit to dive in Key Largo?
Water temperature is around 70-75F. Full 3mm wetsuits required for SCUBA diving, Maybe a hood on the colder days.
Do you need a wetsuit in Key Largo?
Exposure Suit – You’ll want to wear a full wetsuit in winter, and at least a skin or shorty the rest of the year. The temps are typical for this part of the Caribbean: mid- 70Fs in winter, mid 80Fs in summer. The exposure suit you decide to pack depends on the season and your susceptibility to the cold.
How deep is the coral reef in Key Largo?
Dazzling French Reef, also in the Key Largo area, offers depths from 15-40 feet. Divers swim through cliffs and canyons, gullies and archways to see large groupers and moray eels.
Are there crocodiles at John Pennekamp?
You will definitely see saltwater crocodiles during your visit.
Are there sharks in John Pennekamp?
There are sharks in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The most common shark seen is the docile nurse shark, which poses no threat to humans.
Are there alligators on Key Largo?
The answer is yes, there are definitely alligators in the Florida Keys. What is this? The type of alligator present in the swamps, ponds, rivers, and lakes of the Keys is the common American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). People often confuse alligators with crocodiles, but there are both in the Florida Keys.
What month are alligators most active in Florida?
From April to June, gators all across Florida will be more active with the start of the mating season. During these months, you are much more likely to see alligators. In fact, you might even spot one in your backyard or the pond across the street.
What island is infested with alligators?
Ramree Island (Burmese: ရမ်းဗြဲကျွန်း; also spelled Yanbye Island) is an island off the coast of Rakhine State, Myanmar (Burma).
Are there sharks near Key Largo?
We see a number of different types of sharks in Key Largo, mainly Reef Sharks, Nurse sharks and some Bull sharks. There are however visitors to our shores that are a little larger. Great Whites are known to move up and down the east coast of the US from Maine to Key West.