## Is Florida Good for Scuba Diving?
Florida is a popular scuba diving destination for several reasons:
* **Warm water temperatures:** The average water temperature in Florida is in the 70s and 80s year-round, making it comfortable to dive without a wetsuit.
* **Clear waters:** The water is generally clear, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet. This makes it easy to see marine life and underwater features.
* **Abundant marine life:** Florida is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, fish, and coral. Divers can also explore wrecks, reefs, and underwater caves.
* **Easy access:** There are many dive sites in Florida, including both natural and artificial reefs. Many of these sites are accessible from shore, making it easy to get to the water.
## Best Places to Scuba Dive in Florida
There are many great places to scuba dive in Florida, but some of the most popular include:
* **Key Largo:** Key Largo is home to the only living coral reef in the United States. The reef is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and fish.
* **Cozumel:** Cozumel is a Mexican island located just off the coast of Florida. The island is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The reef is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and fish.
* **Dry Tortugas National Park:** Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 70 miles west of Key West. The park is home to a large number of shipwrecks, as well as a variety of marine life.
* **Biscayne National Park:** Biscayne National Park is located just south of Miami. The park is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and fish.
* **Pompano Beach:** Pompano Beach is located just north of Fort Lauderdale. The beach is home to a variety of artificial reefs, as well as a number of shipwrecks.
## What to Expect When Scuba Diving in Florida
When scuba diving in Florida, you can expect to see a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, fish, and coral. You may also see wrecks, reefs, and underwater caves.
The water is generally clear, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet. This makes it easy to see marine life and underwater features.
The water temperature is warm, so you can dive without a wetsuit. However, you may want to wear a rash guard or dive skin to protect yourself from the sun and jellyfish.
## Tips for Scuba Diving in Florida
Here are a few tips for scuba diving in Florida:
* **Get certified:** Before you go scuba diving, make sure you are certified by a reputable organization. This will ensure that you have the knowledge and skills to dive safely.
* **Go with a reputable dive operator:** When choosing a dive operator, make sure you go with a reputable company. This will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
* **Be aware of your surroundings:** When scuba diving, be aware of your surroundings. This includes being aware of other divers, marine life, and the environment.
* **Respect the marine environment:** When scuba diving, be respectful of the marine environment. This includes not touching or disturbing marine life and not littering.
## Conclusion
Florida is a great place to go scuba diving. The warm water temperatures, clear waters, and abundant marine life make it a popular destination for divers of all levels. If you are looking for a memorable scuba diving experience, consider visiting Florida.