I promise you will be amazed at the size and brilliant colors of our coral reefs. We have over 300 species of tropical fish that may decide to join you on your dive, along with playful dolphins and sometimes a huge sea turtle.
It is great fun to explore shipwrecks including Joe’s Tug that was purposely sunk to create an artificial reef. This tugboat now offers a home to tropical fish, anemone, and coral. Another artificial reef was created in 1985 by the sunken Cayman Salvager with its 180-foot steel body settled in 75 feet of water.
In 2009, the USNS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg was sunk to create an artificial reef in 140 feet of water, seven miles off Key West. To give you an idea of the size of this artificial reef, the Vandenberg website states that it is unlikely divers underwater will be able to see end to end because the ship is nearly two football fields long. The site instructs divers that it will take multiple dives to get a real sense of its scale. The Aquanaut, a 55-foot tugboat, was sunk in 1967 and is an amazing dive site to visit. Here you will see yellowtail snapper, lobster, crab, and shrimp.
Lobster season in Key West is August 6 - March 31. You can combine your diving adventure with delicious eating if you like! You must have a permit, and any local dive shop can help equip you with your tickle stick (to move the lobster out from under the rocks), measuring tool, net, and catch bag. Many local restaurants will cook your catch for you.
If you are not already certified as a diver, you have a few options. Many diving operators in Key West offer certification classes. It takes about 4 days of instruction and testing to be certified. Another option is the "resort course" that allows you to dive without certification when guided by an instructor. In this case, you have about 2 hours of instruction and pool time with an instructor in the morning and in the afternoon can go on a dive with the instructor.
Scuba diving is just one of the many water sports residents and visitors love in Key West. The living coral reefs are one of many unique natural wonders we enjoy here. I'm ready to assist you in finding your own piece of paradise in Key West. Just give me a call today. JimmyLane: 305-766-0585.