Diving
News releases regarding Florida Keys diving and the Vandenberg Artificial Reef project. Vandenberg photos and video can be found in the Digital Media Assets section of this Web site.
19 April 2022
Dive Community to Mark 20th ‘Sink Anniversary’ of Key Largo’s Spiegel Grove
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.
30 March 2022
Shallow Keys Reefs Mean Bright Scenery and Bonus Bottom Time
In the Florida Keys, much reef diving is shallow and easily navigable. The only living coral reef in the continental United States lies just a few kicks from the surface in waters as shallow as 5 feet and often only as deep as 50 feet.
18 February 2022
Coral Reef Protection Tips for Responsible Divers
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.
21 December 2021
Keys Video Advisory - Santa Claus Spotted Diving in the Florida Keys
A scuba diving Santa Claus was spotted Monday in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary enjoying some relaxation with an elfish helper before the upcoming holidays.
18 November 2021
Islamorada’s I.CARE: A Community-based Approach to Reef Restoration
Coral reefs are considered the rainforests of the oceans, supporting marine life, protecting shorelines and providing food and economic benefits to humans. Along with thousands of the world’s ocean advocates, recreational divers interested in volunteering can participate in protecting this resource through coral restoration.
14 October 2021
Dive a ‘Movie-Star’ Shipwreck, Restore Corals in the Lower Keys
The largest shipwreck available for sport diving in the Lower Keys remains a popular stop on the Florida Keys Wreck Trek for divers and a relatively easy introduction to wreck diving for the novice.
18 September 2021
Video Advisory - Florida Keys Underwater Music Festival Spotlights Coral Reef Protection
Divers and snorkelers explored part of the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef Saturday, while rocking to a sub-sea concert staged to encourage reef protection and eco-conscious diving.
11 August 2021
Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival to Spotlight Reef Protection Sept. 18
A one-of-a-kind underwater concert is to spotlight reef protection while intriguing divers and snorkelers Saturday, Sept. 18, in the Florida Keys — home to the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef.
04 August 2021
Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival Slated Sept. 9-12 in Islamorada
Divers can vie for prize money while helping preserve native reef fish populations during a fun, competitive Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 9-12, sponsored by Reef Environmental Education Foundation.
20 July 2021
Synchronized Spawning Creates New Life for Coral Reefs in the Florida Keys
Divers interested in viewing the underwater phenomenon of coral spawning can join Florida Keys dive operators during select coral spawning charters — twilight trips to shallow reefs on or around the full moons in August and September to watch the reproductive action along the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef.