Florida is a popular destination for divers. Blue Heron Bridge, the state's largest artificial reef, is the best place to dive in Florida. To make the most of your Florida diving experience, visit the USS Spiegel Grove & The USS Oriskany. You can also take a dive near the Blue Heron Bridge. This bridge is one the most popular in the world.
Blue Heron Bridge in Florida is the best spot for scuba diving
The Blue Heron Bridge is one of the most well-known scuba diving spots in Florida. If you own a boat, or feel comfortable with taking a boat, you can dive from the bridge. There is a boat ramp to the north and a beach to the south. The southwestern side of the bridge is where you can access the water the easiest. Parking is free, but the best places are first-come, first-serve. Avoid weekends and holidays as they are often crowded.
A must-dive is the USS Spiegel Grove
The USS Spiegel Grove was a Navy supply ship during the Gulf War and sank off Key Largo, Florida. It is now an iconic Florida dive site. The ship used to weigh over nine thousand tons. But, the sinking caused it to tip over and turn into an artificial coral reef. Hurricane Dennis was able to fix it.
The USS Oriskany is the largest artificial reef in the world
The USS Oriskany, the largest artificial reef in the world, is a unique attraction for scuba divers in Florida. It is located in the Gulf Coast of Florida and was destroyed by Hurricane Gustav 2008. The ship was eventually salvaged and made into a natural reef. The USS Oriskany is 900 feet long and 145 feet wide, making it one of the largest artificial reefs in the world for scuba divers. Although the reef is not yet inhabited and is new, divers are increasingly making it a favorite destination. Mola molas often circle the bow of the ship, which is why the reef is so popular. Manta rays and whale sharks have been spotted, and octopus hide among its crevices.
The area is rich in wrecks
Divers come from all over the world to explore the many marine species found at these wrecks. These wrecks are often visited regularly by schools or Jewfish that live in the area, including Elvis the resident Jewfish. The wrecks are also surrounded soft coral, sponges and hard coral. These elements all contribute to the diversity of marine life found on these wrecks. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offers this information to assist in public policy and education.
Scuba Diving Sites
Florida scuba dive is a highly regarded sport. There are many years of diving history, and there is a thriving tourism industry. If you are not from the state, getting to a dive site is relatively simple. You will need to rent a car for your trip to the state. You can travel by car from Tampa or St. Petersburg, to Sarasota, or Venice.