 The Florida Keys reefs and its beautiful, incredible underwater habitat have been discovered, not by the Spanish Conquistadors, as you might believe, but by scuba divers. Since SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving became a main stream sport in the early 60's, the word got out, and the Florida Keys became the best diving/snorkeling in the world. Since the establishment of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo on December 10th, 1960,
protecting over 180 square miles of pristine reef forever and the establishment of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary the entire keys reef tract of some
2700 square miles receives continued protection for all to enjoy.
The Florida Keys is the third largest barrier reef system in the world providing us with the best shallow reef diving/snorkeling (surface to 30') to the beautiful drop off of our outer reef ledges (30' to 120') offering the best in diving/snorkeling from the
beginner to the professional.
In surveys done over the past 18 years by R.E.E.F. (Reef Environmental Educational Foundation) there are over 400 species of reef fish and a myriad of corals, more than anywhere else in the Bahamas or northern Caribbean.
All of this in the continental United States linked by U.S. Highway 1 and 37 bridges (don't forget Key Largo's new bridge) less than an hours drive from Miami International Airport. Here you will find the world's most professional dive operators that insure you will have a wonderful diving/snorkeling experience with state of the art dive vessels, equipment and training. So hurry down to America's Caribbean and enjoy the most beautiful underwater paradise in the world, right here in the U.S.A., the 'islands you can drive to'. See you underwater!
Written by Capt. Spencer Slate |
