Diving

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 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.

In recognition of World Oceans Day promoting ocean preservation, Key Largo’s Coral Restoration Foundation is hosting its annual Coralpalooza Saturday, June 4, featuring in-person reef diving spanning from Key Largo to Key West.

The 20th anniversary of the storied intentional sinking of a retired 510-foot Navy Landing Ship Dock to create an artificial reef 6 miles off Key Largo is to be marked May 15-17 in the Florida Keys.

In May 2002, a retired 510-foot Navy Landing Ship Dock named Spiegel Grove was sunk off Key Largo to become an artificial reef, providing sanctuary to hundreds of aquatic species. In mid-May 2022, divers and underwater enthusiasts are to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ship’s sinking with events including a dive to the wreck and a presentation on its heritage.

One of nature’s greatest wonders is a living coral barrier reef, and the Florida Keys island chain is home to the only one in the continental United States. The teeming backbone of marine life runs the length of the Keys about 5 miles offshore, and can engender memories that last a lifetime for visiting divers and snorkelers.