Miami Beach Treasure Dives: You will find beautiful artificial reefs, natural rocks, and coral reefs, which offer scuba divers miles of significant diving areas to explore. The artificial reefs consist of planned wrecks, where you will find abundant marine life close to shore for scuba divers and snorkels to venture in. With over 75 diveable wrecks, Miami Beach is South Florida’s treasure and a scuba divers’ paradise.
Here are just a few places down under you will want to check out:
The Almirante– Known as the Queen of Miami. A 200-foot steel ship sunk in April 1975 off Elliott Key
Army Tanks – Two 40-ton Vietnam-era combat army tanks sunk in August 1994 in about 50′ of water. Great place to find fish, lobster, and moray eels.
Belcher Barge – A 185′ steel barge sunk in November 1985 in the Key Biscayne area. You can explore the inside of the wreck as well. To the South, about 100 feet, you will find the Belzona II. South and east of the Belzona II are the Belzona I and III.
Biscayne Wreck – A 120-foot freighter used to haul bananas from Central America. Located in Key Biscayne Artificial Reef in about 55 feet of water. Expect to see all sorts of aquatic delights, and great for night diving.
Blue Fire – A 175’ wreck sunk in 1983. You will find large fish such as jacks, snapper, jewfish, barracuda, and cobia.
Darrel’s Ledge – A two-section reef with beautiful fish to view.
The Deep Freeze– A 210′ freighter sunk in October 1976, located in 135′ of water. Recommended for experienced divers and spear fishermen.
Emerald Reef – Miami’s largest natural reef. A good place to find lobster. Speaking of which, the Lobster season is in full gear and runs through March 2010.
Of course, if you want to venture down to the Florida Keys, Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Marine Sanctuary is the place for diving and snorkeling. Its close proximity to the Miami area makes it a great day trip.
http://www.youtube.com/v/cDuZ4hllCi4&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6
