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.