Explore Florida

Diving in Florida offers a unique blend of vibrant marine life, diverse environments, and versatile dive styles, making it a truly special destination. The Florida Keys, with their tropical allure, are home to the world-renowned Great Florida Reef, one of the largest coral reefs globally, estimated to be around 7,000 years old. Here, divers can encounter colorful fish, sharks, rays, and even the occasional whale shark. From the thrill of exploring deep shipwrecks to the serenity of gliding over coral gardens, the Keys present an underwater paradise for divers of all levels.

Beyond the reefs, Florida boasts an impressive array of freshwater springs and intricate cave systems. Places like Ginnie Springs and Devil’s Den invite adventurous divers to delve into ancient underwater caverns, offering a different kind of thrill. During winter, Crystal River Springs becomes a haven for manatees, providing a unique opportunity to dive among these gentle giants. For those who enjoy a mix of shore, boat, and liveaboard diving, the state’s varied landscapes ensure a rich and rewarding experience that is both exciting and serene.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park adds another layer of biodiversity with its beautiful underwater landscapes. Whether you are exploring the vibrant reefs or discovering the secrets of submerged caves, Florida’s waters promise an engaging and unforgettable diving adventure, making it a must-visit destination for divers everywhere.

Places to Explore

Florida Springs

Abundant crystal clear, freshwater springs are located in the interior of the state of Florida visited by cave divers from all around the world.

Gold Coast

17 Divesites 15 Centers

The Gold Coast is a treasure full of amazing dive sites offering artificial and actual shipwrecks such as the Wreck Trek of Miami or the Corridor in Palm Beach.

Lower Keys

20 Divesites 4 Centers

The Lower Keys in Florida are a group of small islands and a popular destination that include the world-famous Key West up to the beautiful reefs of Marathon.

Upper Keys

12 Divesites 7 Centers

The Upper Keys is an area abundant with world-class diving. The most known dive site in the Upper Keys is Key Largo.

Upcoming Events

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Gulfport Dive Center

Open Water Diver

15 Nov 2025

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Delta’s Splash Dive Charter

Enriched Air Nitrox Level 2 (40%)

15 Nov 2025

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Gaspars Dive N Board

Open Water Diver

18 Nov 2025

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Instructor Evaluation

Force-E Scuba Centers

Instructor Evaluation - IE

20 Nov 2025

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to:

• Conduct academic sessions
• Lead confined water training
• Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more
• Develop student management and communication skills

Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened oboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Contact an SSI Training Center near you to learn more.
Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with a local SSI Training Center to explore your options.

Professional Level Programs / Courses

Spruce Creek Scuba

Open Water Instructor (Instructor Training Course ITC)

25 Nov 2025

Start today - You need to be a Divemaster or equivalent to join SSI´s 3-Step Instructor Training Approach. The training process starts with joining the Assistant Instructor / Instructor Training Course combination accompanied with Digital Learning. After successful completion of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) you will enroll in an Instructor Evaluation (IE) to qualify as an SSI Open Water Instructor. This 10 day training program entitles you to teach various key SSI programs independently like Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress & Rescue and Dive Guide. For those who want to take more time to learn and to gain valuable teaching experience between the training programs the 3 parts can also be taken as single steps - Assistant Instructor, Instructor Training Course (ITC) and Instructor Evaluation (IE) one after the other at own pace and with a flexible schedule.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Woods & Water

Equipment Techniques

03 Dec 2025

Choosing and buying your dive equipment is one of the biggest and most important investments you will make as a diver, but it is easy to get it a bit wrong. We want you to choose the right dive kit for your needs and know how to look after it properly. With the right knowledge, you can get the most from your investment and enjoy safe and comfortable dives for years to come. The SSI Equipment Techniques specialty is the best way to learn how to choose and store your dive kit. Working with an experienced and trained SSI Professional, you will learn in-depth information about the components of your Total Diving System and develop a thorough understanding of your diving equipment. You will also practice basic preventative dive equipment maintenance to ensure you get maximum performance and longevity from your Total Diving System. Start this dive equipment specialty today!

Instructor Evaluation

Finz Dive Center Inc.

Instructor Evaluation - IE

05 Dec 2025

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Gaspars Dive N Board

Perfect Buoyancy

10 Dec 2025

The SSI Perfect Buoyancy specialty is the best way to improve your buoyancy and get the most from every dive. Buoyancy is an essential dive skill, but any diver will tell you it takes time to perfect. The Perfect Buoyancy specialty will teach you advanced buoyancy skills and techniques, so you can master your buoyancy more quickly and enjoy more relaxed dive adventures. In this fascinating program, you will also learn new skills that protect the environment and work in every diving situation. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty certification. With better buoyancy skills, you will soon be able to hover with ease and take the underwater photographs you dream of!

Professional Level Programs / Courses

SSI North America

Instructor Trainer Seminar - ITS

11 Apr 2026

Instructor Trainer zu werden, ist die ultimative Errungenschaft. Auf dem Instructor Trainer Seminar (ITS) triffst du andere Instructoren weltweit und erweiterst dein internationales Netzwerk.

Während des Trainings hast du die Möglichkeit, dich persönlich weiterzuentwickeln, ein spezielles Verkaufstraining zu absolvieren, deine pädagogischen Fähigkeiten zu verfeinern, neue Fertigkeiten zu erlernen, Führungsqualitäten innerhalb deiner Branche zu kultivieren und gleichzeitig deine Karriereaussichten zu verbessern.

SSI Instructor Trainer sind qualifiziert, das gesamte Spektrum an Tauchkursen zu unterrichten, den Instructor Training Course (ITC) durchzuführen und auch Instructor Crossover zu unterrichten. Instructor Trainer können auch Specialty Instructor Seminare für alle Specialties, für die sie qualifiziert sind, unterrichten und das Assistant Instructor Trainer-Programm durchführen, um die nächste Generation von Instructor Trainern auszubilden.

Professional Level Programs / Courses

SSI North America

Instructor Trainer Seminar - ITS

10 Oct 2026

Becoming an Instructor Trainer is the ultimate accomplishment. Meet other dive instructors worldwide at the Instructor Trainer Seminar (ITS) and broaden your international network.

During training, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your personal development, undergo specialized sales training, refine your teaching abilities, master new skills, cultivate leadership qualities within your industry, and simultaneously advance your career prospects.

SSI Instructor Trainers are qualified to teach the entire range of scuba courses, conduct the Instructor Training Course (ITC), and also Instructor Crossovers. Instructor Trainers can also teach Specialty Instructor Seminars for all Specialties they are qualified for and conduct the Assistant Instructor Trainer program to shape the next generation of Instructor Trainers.

Travel & Tours

Heroes Dive Center

Dive Philippines

11 Oct 2026

- 10 nights of Luxurious accommodations at Atlantis Puerto Galera Resort - Unlimited scheduled boat diving (up to four-day dives and one night dive per day); excludes dawn dives and additional day trips - All meals at Toko's Restaurant (chef-prepared breakfast and three-course lunch & dinner) - Coffee, tea, and filtered water are available from 6:00 am to 9:30 pm (Italian and specialty coffees are not included after breakfast) - Unlimited internet access - Pool - Nighttime entertainment including live music and cultural shows. - Lounge chairs and beach towels at the pool and beach. - Verde Island Day Trip - Nitrox - Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary

This spur and groove reef formation sitting 5 miles off of Big Pine Key, in the Florida Keys, is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Due to its protected status reef life is very healthy and active here.

13,118
Logs
2,019
Divers
9.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Adolphus Busch (Wreck)

The Adolphus Busch wreck was cleaned and purposefully sunk as an artificial reef in 1998 off the coast of the Lower Keys of Florida. Originally named the M/V London, the 210-foot coastal freighter sits at approximately 120ft (40m) with the deck at about 100ft (33m). Current and visibility can vary.

372
Logs
135
Divers
31.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Tug Orange (Wreck)

The Tug Orange is an 80ft tug boat that sits upright in 45ft of water. It is part of the Pinellas County Artificial Reef Program. The tug was built in 1903 as an 80-foot long, steel-hulled harbor tug. Orange was a workhorse used to push railroad barges in the New York Harbor.

317
Logs
189
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ KP Hole Park

KP Hole is a Florida County park open to divers and snorkelers to explore the spring-fed Rainbow River. This is a spring-fed dive so water temps will be 72 degrees year-round and the water will be very clear. This site has great amenities like concessions for food, showers, and restrooms. Admission is $15.00.

8,469
Logs
2,804
Divers
7.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Jackson Blue Springs

With a developed swimming area surrounding a first-magnitude spring, Blue Springs Recreation Area is a liquid playground in hues of blue, a broad open basin pouring forth a spring run with a dozen more major springs along its length.

715
Logs
147
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
30.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Hudson Grotto

Hudson Grotto is a prehistoric limestone sink, most likely the oldest inland body of water in Pasco County. This unusual water feature is part fresh, part salt water and descends to depths over 100 feet.

10,852
Logs
2,593
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Buford Spring

Buford Spring is located in a swampy area of the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area in Hernando County, FL. Divers must check in at an iron ranger at the main entrance off US 19 and pay a $3.00 daily fee. The maximum depth is about 50 mtr/165 feet at the siphoning downstream end of the main cavern/cave.

1,064
Logs
261
Divers
35.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ USS Vandenberg (Wreck)

This is one of the most famous dive sites in Key West. Sunk over 10 years ago this Ex-Military Missile Tracking Ship varies in depth from 70 feet to 100 plus feet and is for advanced and expert divers only.

2,713
Logs
1,058
Divers
33.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Ed’s Pool

Private Training Pool Site for Woods & Water in Brandon, FL and all of their affiliated SSI Instructors.

211
Logs
37
Divers
2.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Devils Den

Devil’s Den is a fresh water spring with the temperature being 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. Here you will find ancient rock formations with stalactites, fossil beds, and much more. With swim throughs and platforms it’s a great place to practice buoyancy and skills.

19,268
Logs
6,611
Divers
12.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Marker 32 Reef

6 Miles south of Key West is Marker 32 reef. This site is located adjacent to Western Sambos reef. This reef has two mooring balls on it. Very easy dive site with spur-and-groove style coral formations.

815
Logs
583
Divers
9.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ USCG Duane (Wreck)

The Duane is a retired Naval ship that was sunk November 26, 1987 as an artificial reef approximately one mile south of Molasses Reef in Key Largo. This is an advanced to expert dive only!

1,335
Logs
839
Divers
32.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Molasses Reef

Molasses Reef is one of the most popular dive areas in the Florida Keys. There are 30-33 specific dive sites located on Molasses Reef alone. The reef is shallow and very clear with lots of life, making it a great area for divers of all levels and snorkelers as well.

10,224
Logs
4,691
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Neptune Memorial Reef

Neptune Memorial Reef is situated just offshore from Miami in about 45 feet of water and is one of the most unique dive sites on the planet. It’s an underwater cemetery with gates, pathways, plaques, and even benches.

1,207
Logs
919
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ The Corridor (Wreck)

The Corridor Wreck Trek is a drift divers paradise This area is full of amazing animal encounters including Goliath Groupers, sea turtles, stingrays, and in the distance a lurking reef shark. Some of the wrecks in this line up were sunk some time ago so they are covered in corals and sponges.

805
Logs
441
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Florida

Florida offers a diverse array of dive sites catering to both novice and experienced divers. The Spiegel Grove wreck in Key Largo is a must-see, providing an exciting exploration of a massive 510-foot vessel teeming with marine life. For those interested in shore dives, Blue Heron Bridge in Palm Beach boasts a vibrant underwater ecosystem, often showcasing unique critters like seahorses and octopuses.

Florida also stands out for its night diving opportunities, particularly around the Florida Keys, where bioluminescent life creates an enchanting underwater light show. While liveaboard options provide access to remote sites and extended dives, shore dives in locations like Venice Beach offer the chance to discover ancient shark teeth. This balance ensures that divers can tailor their experiences to suit their preferences, whether seeking the thrill of wreck diving or the tranquility of shore exploration.

The best Months to dive in Florida

Florida offers diving opportunities year-round, with generally favorable conditions. Water temperatures range from 21°C–29°C/70°F–84°F depending on the season. Winter months see cooler waters, while summer brings warmer conditions, making wetsuits optional during peak summer dives.

Visibility is typically excellent, averaging 15–30 meters/49–98 feet, although it can be affected by local weather conditions. Winter and spring can bring stronger winds and currents due to seasonal weather patterns, potentially reducing visibility and increasing challenge levels. However, these conditions are usually manageable, allowing for diving all year. The most favorable conditions typically occur in late spring and early fall when the water is comfortable, and the weather is stable.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Dive Key West - Capt. Hooks LLC

1708 N ROOSEVELT, 33040 Key West, FL - USA

Castaway Scuba Adventures

1977 Alafaya Trail #1021, 32765 Oviedo, FL - USA

Sea Level Scuba

4155 Dow Road Suite U, 32934 Melbourne, FL - USA

Jim’s Dive Shop

9385 C Bay Pines Blvd, 33708 St Petersburg, FL - USA

Florida Springs Scuba

127 E Noble AVE, 32696 Williston, FL - USA

Quiescence Diving Services Inc.

103680 Overseas Highway, 33037 Key Largo, FL - USA

St. Pete Scuba

108 Pinellas Bayway S., 33715 St. Petersburg, FL - USA

Gaspars Dive N Board

2643 Placida Road, 34224 Englewood, FL - USA

Finz Dive Center Inc.

6003 Penisular Ave, Suite 4, 33040 Key West, FL - USA

Delta’s Splash Dive Charter

200 E 13th St, Slip 18 , FL 33404, 33436 Riviera Beach, FL - USA

Force-e Scuba Centers

2808 N Federal Hwy, 33306 Ft Lauderdale, FL - USA

Divers Direct - Dania Beach

180 Gulfstream Way, 33004 Dania Beach, FL - USA

Tackle Shack

7801 66th St. N, 33781 Pinellas Park, FL - USA

Divers Direct - Orlando

8200 S Orange Blossom Trail, 32809 Orlando, FL - USA

Stuart Scuba

3317 SE Federal Hwy, 34997 Stuart, FL - USA

ACE DIVING

401 BISCAYNE BLVD, PIER 5, SLIP 33, 33132 Miami, FL - USA

Starfish Scuba

735 Casa Loma Blvd - Slip #11, 33435 Boynton Beach, FL - USA

Conch Republic Divers

90800 Overseas Hwy, Ste 9, 33070 Tavernier, FL - USA

Looe Key Reef Resort LLC

27340 Overseas Highway, 33042 Ramrod Key, FL - USA

Force-E Scuba Centers

155 E Blue Heron Blvd., 33404 Riviera Beach, FL - USA