There’s no doubt South Florida is home to some amazing flora and fauna, but there are also plenty of natural wonders to discover under the sea. Miami actually lies at the entrance of the uppermost stretch of the Florida Straits — the third-largest barrier reef in the world — which extends south to The Florida Keys. And Miami Beach is essentially a limestone coral reef island, making it another great spot for diving right in the 305. So if you’re looking to take things underwater, gather your gear and keep scrolling to discover these gorgeous spots to go diving around Miami!
1. 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project
Just off the coast of Fort Lauderdale Beach, the 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project is a giant underwater gallery that promises to restore Florida’s living coral reefs and bring a unique adventure to ocean lovers. How are they doing this exactly? By planting 1,000 “mermaids,” of course! They body cast real people and sculpt them into artificial reef sculptures placed along the ocean floor.
2. Maritime Heritage Trail at Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park, which is 95% underwater, is one of the best destinations to go scuba diving around the 305. Its Maritime Heritage Trail will take you exploring the remains of several shipwrecks spanning a century as well as natural reefs and a lighthouse. Plus, with both shallow and deep waters, the trail is perfect for divers and snorkelers of all levels and experience.
3. Neptune Memorial Reef
Located three miles off the coast of Key Biscayne, Neptune Memorial Reef is one of the largest man-made reefs ever created. It was built as an artistic representation of the Lost City of Atlantis and with a depth of 40 feet, is best explored with scuba gear so you can swim through its temple-like ruins. We should note that you could make this your final resting place, as it is considered the world’s first underwater cemetery, designed to hold the cremated remains of those who love the sea.
4. Emerald Reef
Not too far from Key Biscayne, this shallow coral reef is said to be one of Miami’s most beautiful. The average depth is around 20 feet, making it a prime destination for snorkeling as well. You’ll be able to catch glimpses of hard corals, a variety of sponges, schools of fish and even barracudas here.
5. Half Moon Shipwreck
Located just between Virginia Key and Key Biscayne, this wreck site lies 8-10 feet to the sand bottom and only 3-4 feet over the shipwreck. Named after the 154-foot German sailing yacht captured by England during World War I, the Half Moon eventually made its way to Miami where it sunk in 1930. Nowadays, the wreck is home to tropical fish, lobsters and soft coral.
6. Ginnie Springs
If you’re looking to make a road trip out of it, look no further than the crystal clear waters of Ginnie Springs. The campground is home to three different dive sites: The Ginnie Ballroom, The Devil’s Spring System and the Santa Fe River. The waters over at their mesmerizing cave are so clear, those who descend to the bottom can look up and still count the leaves on the trees above!
7. Devil’s Den Spring
Located near the small town of Williston, about four hours away from Miami, the Devil’s Den is one of the best destinations for those looking to do some cavern diving. This natural wonder features crystal clear waters, ancient rock formations and has been home to countless of extinct animal fossils dating back to the Pleistocene Age!
8. Dry Tortugas National Park
Almost 70 miles west of Key West, this destination offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in North America. But don’t let the name fool you; the park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Its shallow waters make it a perfect spot for beginners and is full of colorful marine life like species of coral, nurse sharks, sea turtles and reef fishes.
9. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Established in the 1963, Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first underwater park in the U.S. Here, visitors can camp, swim, fish, go kayaking, walk on trails, take a boat tour and even scuba dive and snorkel! In the water, you might even get a chance to see the Christ of the Abyss — or Christ Of The Deep — a bronze statue by Italian sculptor Guido Galletti. There are only three in the world, with the others in Italy and Grenada!
10. Jose Cuervo Artificial Reef
Anyone need a drink? Located in the South Beach Artificial Reef Site, about 150 yards southeast of the Second Street lifeguard station on Miami Beach, divers can explore this actual, concrete margarita bar. It intentionally sunk on Cinco De Mayo in the year 2000 and is said to have six bar stools, a dive flag roof and protective wall of tetrahedrons (pyramid-shaped concrete forms).