South of Miami, a string of about eight hundred islands and islets (the « Keys ») takes you from Key Largo to Key West. To the west, the Gulf of Mexico; to the east, the Atlantic Ocean where most of the diving and snorkeling sites are located.In immersionVery easy to access, the first islands are located an hour south of Miami airport. By taking the famous Overseas Highway which connects dozens of islands with many bridges, you’ll feel like you’re driving on water, getting you right in the mood for the dives to come. A wide choice of clubs is available to you, and if you don’t speak English very well, don’t worry, there are guides who speak French. Diving in the Keys gives you the chance to discover nearly six hundred different species of tropical fish at North America’s only coral reef. These waters are protected within the « John Pennekamp Coral Reef » State Marine Park, created in 1963 in Key Largo, which is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Are you an enthusiast of wrecks? You are in for a treat thanks to the famous « wreck trail, » where you’ll encounter some of the most renowned: the USS Vanderberg (160 meters long!) from Key West, and the USS Spiegel Grove from Key Largo.Head above waterOnce you remove your fins, other discoveries await you for a guaranteed change of scenery! In Key West, located just 90 miles from Cuba, dive into the caliente atmosphere of the Southernmost Point, the southernmost point of the United States. After celebrating the sunset properly at Mallory Square with a delicious colorful cocktail, step into one of the many bars on Duval Street and enjoy a rock concert. Don’t forget to savor a crab cake and a slice of the delicious lime pie (the famous key lime pie) or, for the more adventurous, an alligator burger. If you wish to become the godparent of a sea turtle, you need to visit the Turtle Hospitalin Marathon, where you can adopt one of the residents collected and cared for by this NGO.
In practice
Best time to go : from December to AprilWater temperature : from 22°C in winter to 28°C. 3 to 5 mm wetsuit.Minimum level required : from beginner to advanced. Sites from 10 meters on the reef to 40 meters for wrecks.Time difference : -6h.Formalities : valid biometric or electronic passport, ESTA electronic travel authorization to fill out online, no visa or mandatory vaccines.Rates : Starting at $344 (about 302 euros) for 6 dives at a rate of 2 dives per day, and 3 nights with the diving center Scuba fun.
For more information: www.scubadiving.com/florida-keys