Florida Scuba Diving

In this episode, we uncover the story of Hog Heaven, an upside-down barge wreck located off Fort Lauderdale Beach. Full details @Florida Scuba Diving: Hog Heaven Wreck This 180-foot barge was sunk in 1986 as part of an artificial reef program, transforming into a vibrant marine ecosystem. With depths around 64 feet, it’s accessible to all divers, featuring abundant marine life like groupers, hogfish, and moray eels. The wreck’s unusual orientation and heavy coral encrustation create a unique diving experience, with nearby attractions like “The Caves” reef adding to its appeal. Tune in to explore this remarkable dive site’s history, wildlife, and tips for making the most of your dive.

In this episode, we explore the historical significance of the Georges Valentine, an Italian barkentine that sank off Hutchinson Island in 1904 during a hurricane. Full details @Florida Scuba Diving: Georges Valentine Wreck This shallow-water wreck, located just 100 yards offshore near the House of Refuge Museum, is a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve. Ideal for snorkelers and divers, the site offers a close look at preserved sections of the ship, including the boiler and hull plates. Home to diverse marine life like angelfish, moray eels, and sheepshead, this accessible and ever-changing wreck site combines history, conservation, and marine beauty for an unforgettable dive experience.

Join us as we explore the fascinating Ana Cecilia wreck, an artificial reef with a rich history just off Singer Island, West Palm Beach. Full Details @Florida Scuba Diving: Ana Cecila Wreck Originally built in 1972 for humanitarian missions, the Ana Cecilia later gained notoriety when seized for drug smuggling. Sunk in 2016, it now rests at 85 feet, attracting marine life like goliath groupers, barracudas, and sea turtles. Known for its large cutouts and swim-throughs, the wreck offers an accessible and captivating dive site. Tune in to learn about its transformation into a thriving reef and why it’s a must-visit for divers.

This episode highlights Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, a must-see dive site in the Florida Keys known for its rich biodiversity and pristine coral reefs. Full details @Florida Scuba Diving: Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary Located south of Big Pine Key, Looe Key offers a range of depths from shallow 7-foot areas to deeper sections reaching 100 feet, making it ideal for all divers. With over 150 fish species and about 50 coral varieties, including endangered staghorn and elkhorn corals, this reef is teeming with life. We’ll cover conservation efforts, tips for visibility, and nearby attractions, giving listeners everything they need to plan an unforgettable dive experience.

In this episode, we dive into Western Sambo Reef Reserve, a diverse and protected marine sanctuary near Key West in the Florida Keys. Full Details @Florida Scuba Diving: Western Sambo Reef This ecological reserve is famous for its spur-and-groove coral formations, clear waters, and thriving marine life, including colorful fish, elkhorn coral, and sea turtles. With depths ranging from 7 to 60 feet, it’s ideal for divers of all levels. Learn about the reserve’s conservation efforts, tips for maximizing your experience, and must-see spots, making it a standout destination in Florida’s underwater world.

This episode explores Fingers Reef, a stunning dive site located off Key West within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Full Details @Florida Scuba Diving: Fingers Reef Known for its unique coral formations that resemble fingers extending into the ocean, Fingers Reef offers divers a colorful and biodiverse experience with vibrant coral, tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasional manta rays. Accessible to all experience levels, the reef’s shallow depths (10-40 feet) allow for longer dives and clear visibility. Tune in for tips on diving conditions, marine life highlights, and essential information for planning your trip to this captivating underwater destination.

Dive into the rich history and underwater adventure of the SS Breconshire, a 19th-century steamship wreck located off Vero Beach, Florida. Full Details @Florida Scuba Diving: SS Breconshire Wreck This episode explores the ship’s dramatic final voyage in 1894, when it struck a reef and became an enduring marine landmark. The wreck sits in just 16-20 feet of water, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced divers. Known as the "Boiler Wreck," the site is now an artificial reef teeming with sea turtles, tropical fish, and other marine life, offering a unique blend of history and biodiversity for underwater explorers.

Dive deep into the history and allure of the Captain Tony shipwreck, an artificial reef off Boca Raton, Florida. Full Details @Florida Scuba Diving: Captain Tony Wreck Originally the M/V Becks, this 195-foot Dutch freighter was sunk in 1996 to honor Captain Tony Townsend, a beloved local dive operator. The wreck lies at 85 feet, ideal for intermediate divers, and is part of the renowned "Wreck Trek" dive route. With vibrant marine life like goliath grouper, barracuda, and tropical fish, it offers a memorable underwater experience, blending historical significance, biodiversity, and accessibility. Dive shops nearby provide guided tours, ensuring a safe, immersive adventure into Florida’s aquatic history.