Scuba divers from around the world travel to the Florida Keys to dive among some of North America's most vivid coral, but the wrecks lining the sea floor also make this area undeniably attractive. Some of the ships, like the Cayman Salvor, are part of a government artificial reef program and were sunk intentionally. Others, like the Atocha, wrecked on the reefs or sank for other reasons while still in service. Artificial reefs are more common off the waters of Key West, but divers can dive both types of wrecks.
Tips & Warnings
If you're used to diving in fresh water, remember that you are more buoyant in salt water. You will probably want to add weight, which you can do one of two ways: add weights to your BC or weight belt or dive with steel tanks. Many Key West resorts have saltwater pools, so try out the weights before your dive, if you can.
Use a dive operator if you are at all new to diving or if you are unfamiliar with the waters off the keys, which are typically shallow. Remember, many of these wrecks got there because of skippers who didn't know the waters.
Remember that you can't fly a day after diving, so plan your dives accordingly and leave a few days as a buffer in case you decide you want to dive the site again.
If you're used to diving in fresh water, remember that you are more buoyant in salt water. You will probably want to add weight, which you can do one of two ways: add weights to your BC or weight belt or dive with steel tanks. Many Key West resorts have saltwater pools, so try out the weights before your dive, if you can.
Use a dive operator if you are at all new to diving or if you are unfamiliar with the waters off the keys, which are typically shallow. Remember, many of these wrecks got there because of skippers who didn't know the waters.
Remember that you can't fly a day after diving, so plan your dives accordingly and leave a few days as a buffer in case you decide you want to dive the site again.
Wreck diving is exciting and worthwhile, but proceed into the wreck with caution. In deeper waters, it's easy to get turned around inside a sunken hull. It is crucial that you stay with your buddy and review hand signals before you dive.
Under no circumstances should you exceed 100 feet unless you have the proper certification.
Wreck diving is exciting and worthwhile, but proceed into the wreck with caution. In deeper waters, it's easy to get turned around inside a sunken hull. It is crucial that you stay with your buddy and review hand signals before you dive.
Under no circumstances should you exceed 100 feet unless you have the proper certification.
Article Written By Cathy Salustri
Cathy Salustri started writing professionally in 1995. Salustri's work about Floridana, tourism and the environment appears in the "Gabber," "Southwinds Sailing" and Visit Florida Web and print publications. She is pursuing a Master of Arts in Florida studies at the University of South Florida, focusing on historic Florida tourist attractions.
