Coral Reef Scuba Diving In Paradise

When most people think of coral reef scuba diving, they tend to think of Australia, but you can actually have the same incredible experience closer to home if you live in the United States. Located at the southern tip of the state of Florida, Key West is home to the only living coral reef in American waters. If you're ready for a tropical adventure, head to this vacation destination for a reef diving adventure that will also provide you with warm waters, gorgeous beaches, swaying palms, and all the amenities you might want in a paradise like this.

Many companies in the area provide Key West scuba diving packages that include everything you'll need for an experience to remember. Rental gear, fresh water showers, photo tables, restrooms, and more are all available on custom charters that are much more budget friendly than you might think. Certified divers with at least one dive in the last three years are prepped and ready to go on a diving expedition here. If you're not certified, taking a resort course can quickly provide you with the training you'll need for many of the area's scuba diving opportunities, including dives where you'll experience some of the most stunning corals in the world.

Corals And More

The experience you'll have scuba diving here is amazing as you witness life under the sea. The brilliant colors and immense size of the living coral reef will astound you. While exploring, you'll suddenly notice you're being accompanied by exotic sea creatures like friendly dolphins, breathtaking sharks, remarkable red snapper, large schools of tropical fish, and even an occasional giant sea turtle -- you'll be stunned by their size, majestic appearance, and grace in the water. With over 300 species of different tropical fish, you're sure to see more varieties than you ever thought possible.

You might even witness some incredible animals on land as you pass them by while heading out to the ocean on your charter. There are seventeen federally listed and protected species on the islands, including the key deer, silver rice rat, and great white heron. You'll also hold your breath as you witness the thunderous and remarkable takeoff of seabird colonies.

Reefs And Shipwrecks

A Key West scuba diving adventure isn't complete without adding in a shipwreck dive within the reef. The waters of the Florida Keys are home to numerous shipwrecks that are a favorite for underwater explorers and photographers. Joe's Tug is a tugboat purposely sunk in the area to create an artificial reef that is home to coral, anemone, and vivid tropical fish. The Cayman Salvager is a 180' shipwreck 75' deep in the water. The Aquanaut is a 55' tugboat that lies 75' deep that sank in 1967. Here you will find yellowtail snapper, lobster, crab, and shrimp.

Speaking Of Lobsters

While most people think of the Maine lobster with enormous claws when they think of lobsters, Key West scuba diving can introduce you to the local spiny lobster, savored for its delicious tail. Locals and tourists alike participate in a lobster catch each year. Armed with gloves, a net, dive flag, catch bag, tickle stick, and underwater measuring tools, you can catch your quota of lobster while underwater as long as you have a permit. You simply tease a lobster from under rocks and then scoop it up in a catch bag as it moves along the ocean floor.

There is so much to do in this vacation destination that makes this area as delicious as it is beautiful and remarkable. You can relax and have a thrilling adventure all while getting a great tan and having experiences that lead to fish stories you can tell back home.