Explore some of Florida's coral reefs..due to a combination of
warm waters, nutrients from the Gulf Stream and the fact that there
is little or no polution in these waters, the reefs and the sealife
that inhabit them have flourished...if you love the sea you must
visit the reefs....whether you go diving or take a boat!
The sanctuary attracts divers of all levels from around
the world as its beauty is unsurpassed. This, the shallowest reef
on the third of South Florida's three reef systems, starts at only
40 ft with an angled drop-off to 58 ft. With a moderate current
you will see much sealife including moray eels, rays, turtles and
an array of tropical fish. This is a magnificent dive for amateur
and expert alike.
Fink's Grouper Hole is the famous shark dive capital of
Florida. Diving here , you are guaranteed an encounter with nurse
sharks. There are other sharks to see at this wonderful reef and
the sealife is abundant. Ideal for divers of all levels, if you
are a beginner and a bit of a thrill seeker this dive is a must.
Pompano drop-off is the perfect spot for diving or snorkeling,
this popular Florida location is well known for its fantastic marine
life. The current here is minimal making this an ideal diving spot
for beginners. An added bonus for all who dive here is the copenhagen
wreck with its swarms of resident fish, this wreck has been
an inhabitant of these tranquil waters since it ran aground in May
1899.
Alligator Reef named after the wreck of the Alligator, a
nineteenth century ship, is located near Islamorada, Florida. The
wreck is an archaeological site, replete with timbers, ballast stones.
You will find the reef by locating the Alligator Reef Lighthouse,
built in 1873. Alligator's waters are known for great barracudas,
lobster holes, as well as damselfish, puffer fish and yellow stingrays,
and of course elkhorn coral.
The ancient mariner is part of the reef rejuvination program
taking place in parts of South Florida. This project hopes to create
a diver-safe, living underwater ecosystem. Cutter found its final
resting place in June of 1991. Depths on this wreck range from 45
to 72 ft., and there are three other wrecks in the area. The wreckage
has become home to barracuda, jacks and other tropical and schooling
fish.
Looe Key is located in the lower sweep of the Keys, and
was named after a famous naval wreck. The key earned its name after
the British frigate H.M.S. Looe sunk there in 1744, leaving ballast
stones that exquisitely haunt the area, this is now a National Maritime
Sanctuary. The reef and its shallow waters are abundant with beautiful
seagrass beds and sand flats. Reef life is abundant and includes
barracudas, spiny lobsters, crabs.
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