Diving

Among the Florida Keys’ dozens of shipwreck and artificial reef sites is a Lower Keys gem — the 210-foot Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck. Intentionally sunk Dec. 5, 1998, the vessel marks 25 years underwater in 2023.

Conservation-minded divers interested in aiding in reef restoration in the Florida Keys can join marine scientists during hands-on coral restoration dive trips. These ecotourism experiences enable Keys visitors to connect with the area’s underwater ecosystem and actively play a role in protecting coral reefs for future generations.

Divers should pack their pumpkin carving tools when they gear up for the 24th annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest set for Saturday, Oct. 29, in Key Largo waters.

To encourage safe and responsible diving in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, the official destination marketing organization for the Florida Keys & Key West, has released a “Dive Safely in the Florida Keys” video.

The Florida Keys are slated to be featured on the new recreational diving show, “Destination Dive,” set to premiere on Discovery Sunday, Sept. 4, at 7:30 a.m. ET/PT.

Divers can vie for prize money while helping preserve native reef fish populations during the 13th annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival. Scheduled Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 8-11, the fun and competitive event is sponsored by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation.

Divers and snorkelers can promote reef protection and explore the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef during a one-of-a-kind underwater concert scheduled Saturday, July 9.

On May 17, 2002, a retired 510-foot Navy Landing Ship Dock named Spiegel Grove was sunk off Key Largo to become the backbone of a new ecosystem 6 miles offshore, providing sanctuary to hundreds of aquatic species.