Before Florida Keys Marine Parks were instituted, the diving boom of the 1950’s saw tourists and locals alike snapping off pieces of coral and even blasting it to smithereens with dynamite in order to sell bits and pieces of it to the tourists who were coming to Florida in droves. Fishing was completely unregulated, and the previously pristine coral reefs that make the Keys so special and unique were terribly damaged. Luckily, scientists and conservationists banded together to eventually form what are today some of the most wonderful national treasures America possesses: the marine parks of the Florida Keys. Let’s take a brief look at each.
Pennekamp Park
Declared in 1960, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park stretches from Angelfish Creek on the northern portion of Key Largo, all the way south to Rodriguez Key. This reef is huge, and incredible – it extends from shore all the way to six miles out to sea, where depths eventually become 60 feet. With vibrant coral everywhere, and located inside a sheltered area, this park is a favorite with seasoned divers and novices alike. You’ll find the Christ of the Deep, Christmas Tree Cove, The wreck of the Benwood, Molasses Reef, and French Reef here, plus fish and other creatures of every size, shape, and color.
Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary
The Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary covers the area offshore from Pennekamp State Park to the point where depth reaches 300 feet, plus it encompasses the area that begins at Molasses Reef and ends at Broad Creek. The sanctuary and Pennekamp Park work side by side to patrol the reefs and wrecks in the area, maintain the mooring buoys, and provide divers with reef reports, educational programs, and even underwater photo contests! When you dive here, you will see many of the larger species, including amberjacks and tarpon, barracuda, jewfish, groupers, and even some large sharks. Keep an eye out for turtles and dolphins, too!
Biscayne National Park
Located just a short distance north of Key Largo, this park features magnificent patch reefs and bank reefs, plus a variety of shipwrecks both historic and brand new. There are 45 tiny key islands here, plus a thriving mangrove forest which feeds and shelters millions of juvenile reef and pelagic fish. The reefs further out bear evidence of the benefits of this incredible nursery, as they are occupied by more than 200 species of fish. Both privately owned boats and charters are welcome here, and you can even access the park from shore. The best time to visit is between December and April.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Conch Reef and Looe Key, plus other popular dive sites in the Keys are encompassed by the rules of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Many of the older sanctuaries also fall under the new rules and protections that the National Sanctuary provides. These areas are all marked with yellow Sanctuary Preservation Area buoys and are referred to as SPAs. There are mooring buoys at each dive site, which prevent dive boats from anchoring in the coral and damaging it.
There are four areas which are currently off limits to diving, and which are marked with orange, rather than yellow buoys. Those areas are Sambo East, portions of Conch Reef, portions of Looe Key, and part of Tennessee Reef. These areas are restricted to diving by researchers, and are strictly patrolled. Be sure you know where you are diving at all times, and never try to bend the rules!
Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary
Located in the lower keys, Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary is a seven square mile bank reef shaped like the letter “Y”. It was created in 1982, after constant pressure from spearfishing and lobster hunting that had nearly depleted the fish and lobster population. Fishing, artifact hunting, and lobster hunting are prohibited here, and that means that as a diver, you will enjoy yourself immensely. For one, there is the wreck of the HMS Looe, which is a 124 foot British Frigate which was sunk here in 1744. Second, there are trips for novice, intermediate, and advanced divers, so everyone can see exactly what he or she wants to see, while diving with a group of like-minded people. The marine life is now so plentiful and varied that you’ll want to bring a fish ID guide with you!
Fort Jefferson National Monument
The Fort Jefferson National Monument protects both the historic fort itself, plus the reefs in and around the Dry Tortugas. Whether you want to take the ferry or a seaplane out to the fort and visitors center and simply snorkel around the wall or dive from shore, or if you prefer to take a lengthier cruise on a liveaboard, you are sure to enjoy yourself in this wonderful area. There are deep wrecks, including the Rhine, the Araby Maid, and the Wilkes Barre, plus there is the windjammer wreck, which sits in only 22 feet of water. The coral and marine life is spectacular, and the area’s turtle population is climbing.
Everglades National Park
Although no diving is allowed, you can snorkel in the Everglades National Park, which is the nursery for many species of juvenile fish and invertebrates. You’ll see plenty of incredible birds and other creatures here, and if you do get into the water, be sure to watch out for alligators! No trip to Florida is complete without at least a short visit to the Everglades, and if you have time, it is wonderful to spend a day or two simply exploring. You’ll learn more about how the nutrients from this area feed the reefs on the nearby keys, and you will also enjoy some spectacular scenery and wildlife.
Although divers should always respect the natural habitats we explore and remember that we are visiting the homes of other creatures, those rules are not so strictly enforced in most places, as they are here. Remember not to anchor in the coral, and never to touch or break the coral. If your buoyancy control leaves something to be desired, practice before your trip if you can, or stay back from the reef so you don’t kill coral by mistake. Last but not least, dive with a flag, and remember to take only photos, and leave only bubbles. This will ensure that future generations can enjoy these wonderful parks for years to come.