Scuba Diving in Florida
General Info
Diving Info
When to Visit
Diving Conditions
The water temperatures in Florida range from 63° F/17° C - 73° F/23° C in January (the coldest month) to 84° F/29° C - 86° F/30° C in August (the warmest month). The Southern Coast and the Keys enjoy the warmest waters.
Types of Diving
Highlights
Wrecks
Florida offers some of the most interesting shipwrecks in the world. The two unmissable shipwrecks are the USS Vandenberg and the USS Spiegel Grove, which you can penetrate if you have experience with advanced wreck diving. The USS Oriskany – located south of Pensacola - is also a sight to see, being the largest artificial reef in the world. It’s actually nicknamed the Great Carrier Reef.
Reef
The Florida Reef is the only living coral barrier reef in continental U.S. and the third-largest (although this is up to debate) coral barrier reef system in the world. The reef tract starts near Miami and extends to the islands of Dry Tortugas. Patch reefs continue up to Palm Beach county. It encompasses over 45 species of stony corals, about 35 species of octocorals, and more than 70 species of marine sponges.
Marine Life
The state of Florida offers about 1,350 miles (2,172 km) of coastline and over 30,000 lakes. The diversity of marine life can be seen through the hundreds of native and non-native species. Florida is a perfect destination for observing dolphins, manatees, barracudas, groupers, yellowtail snappers, loggerhead sea turtles, stingrays, spiny lobster, nurse sharks, reef sharks, and hundreds of other species of fish. Each area has its own ecosystem, so it would be best to ask a guide what each region has to offer in terms of marine life.
Explore dive centers in the area
Riviera Beach
Winter Garden
Passionate About Diving?
Explore a comprehensive dive map, track your dives, upload your dive logs, connect with your dive buddies or other divers from around the world, and more.