Key Largo, The dive capital of the World
Key Largo (which means Long Key, named by the Spaniards) is the closest of the islands to the Florida mainland.
Drive south from Miami for about an hour and you will come to the huge tall bridge and on the other side is Key Largo.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_Largo
Key Largo is the home to one of the world’s largest artificial reefs, the 510 foot USS Spiegel Grove shipwreck.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef Underwater State Park and the famous Christ of the Abyss underwater statue also call Key Largo home.
http://www.fla-keys.com/news/article/8943/
Key Largo is best known for its shallow reefs and deep wrecks.
The shallow reefs provide world class diving for scuba divers of all ages and skills.
If you have not yet gotten PADI Scuba certified, Sail Fish Scuba offers a ( Try Scuba ) Discover Scuba Diving Day. Sign up here:
https://www.sailfishscuba.com/scuba-diving/padi-classes-and-certifications/discover-scuba-diving/
Key Largo deep wrecks offer the some of the best wreck diving found anywhere.
https://www.sailfishscuba.com/dive-sites/
Everyone’s favorite deep wreck dive in Key Largo is by far the USS Spiegel Grove (LSD-32)shipwreck. 17 May 2002 USS Spiegel Grove was sunk as an artificial reef off the coast of Key Largo, Florida. She lay on her side for a few years until Hurricane Dennis with an act of nature righted her during the storm. She has since been sitting perfectly upright and proud for all to see. Max depth under the stern at props is 144 feet. Shallowest depth at superstructure is 62 feet. Total length from bow to stern 510 feet. Due to the massive size of this wreck, it is best to plan a series of 4 dives to view entire wreck. Many shops including Sail Fish Scuba offer “double dip dives” so you can get to see a lot of the wreck on one two tank boat trip to this wreck.
The magnificent natural coral reefs a few miles offshore are world renowned for their beauty. Underwater treasures await divers and snorkelers who enjoy the colorful, tranquil sealife in these clear, tepid, azure waters. Visitors to Key Largo quickly understand why it is billed as the “Dive Capital of the World”.