0: 100FT. Ship and USN Intruder Plane Wrecks - (Volusia Reefs SITE 9)

1: 1990 Center Culverts Dive Site

2: 4th Window Drift Dive

3: Abby to Rabbit Drift Dive

4: Amaryllis Wreck [Part of the "Cooridors Drift Wreck Treck"]

5: Antilles Star (Volusia County SITE 4)

6: Argoil Barge

7: Bahia Honda State Park

Getting There: Bahia Honda is located 12 mile south of Marathon on US1.

SCUBA Diving - Permitted but not recommended for advanced divers because the water is shallow for several yards from shore. The shallow water does make it a good area for beginning divers and snorkelers. A Diver Down flag must be displayed.

Snorkeling - Bahia Honda has some of the best nearshore snorkeling in the Florida Keys. You can see a variety of sea life just a few hundred feet from the shore. The snorkeling is good for beginners because it is shallow, 4-6 feet. You may see soft corals, small coral heads, tropical fish, Queen Conchs and spiny lobster. There is always something different to see. In the winter months, when the water is cooler, you may need a wetsuit to be comfortable. Just remember to take nothing but photos and leave nothing but ripples.

8: Barracuda Reef Moorings

9: BETTY CASTOR REEF

10: Bib Wreck, Key Largo

11: Bimini, Bahama's

12: Blandas Reef

Popular artificial reefs near Blandas Reef

13: BLUE SPRINGS NEAR ORANGE CITY, FL

 

Blue Spring offers swimming and scuba diving in a crystal clear, 72 degree spring run. Scuba divers must register at the entrance station between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., with an up-to-date certification card and a partner. Swimming or diving with the manatees is NOT permitted.

Blue Spring State Park covers more than 2,600 acres, including the largest spring on the St. Johns River. Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. The spring and spring run are closed during Manatee season, mid-November through March. Swimming or diving with manatees is not permitted; this rule is strictly enforced.
For centuries, the spring area was home to Native Americans. In 1766 it was visited by Colonial American botanist John Bartram, but it was not until 1856 that it was settled by Louis Thursby and his family. The Thursby house, built in 1872, remains standing. The spring´s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner. The river is popular for fishing, canoeing, and boating. River boat tours are available; for reservations, call St. Johns River Cruises at (386) 917-0724. The park has plenty of picnic areas and a hiking trail. For overnight stays, air-conditioned cabins, a full-facility campground and primitive campsites are available. This is a very popular park on weekends. To ensure entrance into the park, we recommend arriving early; otherwise, the parking area will be full and you may not be able to enter.

14: Boynton Ledge Drift Dive

15: Breakers Shallow Drift Dive

16: Boca 3rd Reef Drift Dive

17: Boca North End Drift Dive

18: Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi Island State Park
3 Causeway Blvd
Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 469-5918

As one of the few completely natural islands along Florida´s Gulf Coast, Caladesi´s white sand beaches were rated America's Best Beach in 2008. Beach lovers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. Saltwater anglers can cast a line from their boats or surf fish. Nature enthusiasts can spot wildlife while hiking the three mile nature trail through the island´s interior or paddling a three mile kayak trail through the mangroves and bay. Picnic tables and shelters are located near the beach, and picnic pavilions can be reserved for a fee. The park has a marina with electric and water hookups, as well as a snack bar and gift shop. The park is accessible by boat or ferry. Ferry service is provided by the Caladesi Island Ferry (727) 734-1501 and departs from Honeymoon Island State Park.
The ocean floor off this island is covered with live sand dollars, according to snorkeling enthusiasts. Caladesi’s white sand beaches were rated as America’s best in 2008.

According to some divers in the know, Clearwater diving is one of Florida's best kept secrets. This has a lot to do with the area's active artificial reef program.  Although there is a small reef just about 300 yards off shore of caladesi most of the diving is just for sand dollars.  

19: Cannabis Cruiser Wreck

20: CARGO PIER #4 MATERIALS

21: Carysfort Reef

Carysfort Reef is marked by a lighthouse that stands 112 feet tall. The depth here ranges from 3' to 80'. There are thirteen mooring buoys, CS1 thru CS13. It’s located six miles south of Key Largo. The GPS Coordinates are 25'13.314N and 080'12.690W.

It was built in 1852. It’s the oldest functioning lighthouse of it’s kind in the Florida Keys and the United States. It gets it name from the H.M.S. Carysfort, a ship that ran aground here in 1770. This reef has been collecting ships ever since then.

This is a mature coral reef that covers an area four miles long. There are large Elkhorn, Staghorn, Brain, Star, Fire and Sheet corals here. Lots of fish call this place home as well. The upper part of the reef close to the lighthouse is shallow and swarms with marine life. It’s a great area to snorkel. The visibility is usually fabulous due to the closeness of the Gulfstream.

A few points of interest you might want to check out while diving here are five cannons about ½ mile North of the lighthouse in 15' of water. I wonder if these were jarred off the H.M.S. Winchester when she ran aground here in 1695. She was armed with 60 cannons. There’s a wall that drops off from 65 to 80 feet east northeast of the light. The wall is filled with colorful corals and sponges. There’s two really big anchors in 35' to 40' of water about 1200 feet to the north northwest of the light. I’ve heard they’re old. They’re from the 1800's.

Carysfort Reef Light

22: Caves and Ledges Moorings

23: Cayo Costa State Park

GPS Coordinates: 26.69° N 82.24° W

Gasparilla Lighthouse
Boca Grande, Florida 33921
Phone: 941-964-0375

Information Compliments of: www.ScubaLessonsInc.com

For more information visit: The Florida On-Line Park Guide

Getting there - Cayo Costa State Park is located directly south of Boca Grande and West of Pine Island and N. Ft. Meyers. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat. The passenger ferry, Tropic Star of Pine Island departs from Pineland, Florida (Pine Island). Reservations are required on the ferry service. Call Tropic Star of Pine Island at (239) 283-0015.

Scuba - Scuba diving can be done off of the beaches.

Snorkeling - Snorkel in the pristine, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You must provide you own equipment.

24: CEDAR KEY REEF B

25: CEDAR KEY REEF

Latitude = 29 07.348
Longitude = -83 13.557
Depth = 25 ft 

26: CEDAR KEY REEF SITE 1

27: CEDAR KEY #1

28: CEDAR KEY #1

Latitude = 29 07.334
Longitude = -83 13.408
Depth = 23 ft  

29: CEDAR KEY #1

Latitude = 29 07.356
Longitude = -83 13.386
Depth = 23 ft 

30: CEDAR KEY #1

Latitude = 29 06.412
Longitude = -83 12.896
Depth = 23 ft 

31: CEDAR KEY #1

Latitude = 29 07.365
Longitude = -83 13.402
Depth = 23 ft  

32: CEDAR KEY REEF SITE 2

Latitude = 28 58.930
Longitude = -83 11.910
Depth = 26 ft  

33: CEDAR KEY REEF SITE 2

Latitude = 28 58.712
Longitude = -83 12.099
Depth = 26 ft
Technical = NO
Name = CEDAR KEY REEF SITE 2
Material = CONCRETE CULVERTS

34: CEDAR KEY REEF SITE 2

Latitude = 28 58.910
Longitude = -83 12.000
Depth = 26 ft 

35: CEDAR KEY REEF SITE 2

Latitude = 28 58.950
Longitude = -83 12.010
Depth = 26 ft 

36: CEDAR KEY REEF SITE 3

Latitude = 29 06.840
Longitude = -83 25.570
Depth = 36 ft 

37: CEDAR KEY REEF SITE 3

Latitude = 29 06.621
Longitude = -83 25.824
Depth = 36 ft 

38: CEDAR KEY REEF SITE 3

Latitude = 29 06.629
Longitude = -83 25.892
Depth = 36 ft 

39: CEDAR KEY REEF SITE 3

Latitude = 29 06.870
Longitude = -83 25.500
Depth = 36 ft 

40: CEDAR KEY REEF SITE 3

Latitude = 29 06.920
Longitude = -83 25.720
Depth = 36 ft  

41: CEDAR KEY REEF SITE 3

Latitude = 29 06.830
Longitude = -83 25.520
Depth = 36 ft  

42: CEDAR KEY 31

Latitude = 29 07.231
Longitude = -83 13.465
Depth = 23 ft  

43: Christ of the Abyss

44: COAL ASH REEF

Latitude = 29 07.266
Longitude = -83 12.300
Depth = 25 ft  

45: Crocker Ridges

46: Dayo Scuba

47: Deerfield Beach Ledges Shore Dive

48: Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

11135 Gulfshore Dr.
Naples, Florida 34108
Phone: 239-597-6196

Getting There - Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is located six miles west of Exit exit 111, old 17, on I-75.

Scuba Diving - There is a hard bottom reef, which runs parallel to the beach where scuba diving is permitted. The closest area to the reef is area 2.

Snorkeling - Snorkeling is permitted along the beach. There is a hard bottom reef, which runs parallel to the beach where scuba diving and snorkeling is permitted. The closest area to the reef is area 2.

49: Delray Grouper Drift Dive

50: Delray Snapper Drift Dive

51: 02322694 DEVIL'S EYE SPRING NR HILDRETH, FL

Devil’s Eye Cave System

The Devil’s Eye cave system is among the most popular and frequently dived caves in the world. With over 30,000 feet of mapped passageway, divers can spend a lifetime of active cave diving and still not see all of it. There are still portions of the cave that have yet to be adequately explored and mapped.

Devil’s Eye is part of the Ginnie Springs resort complex, and provides visiting divers with unusual amenities, such as access to warm showers before and after the dive. Its location on the Santa Fe river means that, even after the Suwannee River caves have flooded, it will remain diveable. In fact, Devil’s Eye generally becomes undiveable only once or twice every decade.

The system has two entrances, Devil’s Eye and Devil’s Ear, located in close proximity to one another. They quickly join each other under water in a large passageway known as the Gallery. Devil’s Ear generally provides faster and easier access; however, divers frequently use the Devil’s Eye entrance for training purposes or simply a change of pace.

Parallelling the Gallery are a series of interconnecting tunnels known as the Catacombs. These are the only popular passageways in the cave that are not lined. This is intentional, as instructors rely on these tunnels to give students extensive reel practice.

Because of the large degree of traffic the cave receives, and the fact Ginnie Springs’ “No Lights” rule helps keep untrained divers out of the cave, the main line at Devil’s Ear runs right to the entrance. This way, the only divers likely to be running reels into the cave are students in training. (Imagine the potential calamity if ten or more teams of cave divers all tried to run reels through the narrow, high-flow entrance at one time.)

At the end of the Gallery, the cave makes an abrupt right turn, and divers must pass through a wide restriction known as the Lips. Beyond the Lips is a large room, at the far side of which the line passes through the Key Hole, Here divers drop from 70 to 90 feet, and begin snaking through a short, winding section known as the Cornflakes.

At the far side of the Cornflakes, some 450 feet into the cave, divers emerge into the Junction Room. From here the cave begins branching off in several directions, providing the opportunity for numerous circuits and exploration of offshoot tunnels.

The furthest point of penetration in the cave is almost a mile from the entrance. Exploration in this region of the cave makes use of scooters almost mandatory. Fortunately, divers can make hundreds of dives in the downstream portion of the cave before they need DPVs to see new passageway. By then they will have gained sufficient experience to graduate to scooters and staging (Ginnie Springs requires 100 cave dives or DPV certification to use scooters in Devil’s Eye).

52: ESSO Bonaire III Wreck

53: Fanning Springs State Park

18020 N.W. Highway 19
Fanning Springs, Florida 32693
Phone: 352-463-3420

Getting There - Fanning Springs State Park is located on U.S. Hwy. 19/98 in the town of Fanning Springs.

Scuba Diving - Open water scuba divers are welcome in the designated swimming area. Divers must have proper certification and are required to register with park staff before entering the water. Diving fees are $10.00 plus tax per person, minimum of two divers.

Snorkeling - Snorkeling in the spring is a refreshing activity on a hot day. Put on your mask and fins and see what lies below the spring water.

54: Flower Garden (Drift Dive)

55: Fort de Soto Park

56: Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

Getting There: Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is located four miles east of Fort Pierce, via North Causeway.

Scuba Diving - Scuba diving is available; we have a reef about 100 yards from the beach. This is where you can explore our Atlantic "underwater paradise." A Diver Down flag must be displayed.

Snorkeling - Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity, weather permitting. Snorkelers can enjoy the beautiful tropical sea life that awaits them below. Most of year, our waters are so clean you just might think you’re in the Bahamas! A Diver Down flag must be displayed.

57: FSFA REEF SITE #2

58: FSFA REEF SITE #2-STEEL YACHT

59: Gap Ledge to Sharpeto Drift

60: John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

Getting There: John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is located 2.8 miles south of the intersection of U.S.1 and PGA Blvd. on A1A in North Palm Beach.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling - Scuba diving and snorkeling are permitted. A "Diver Down" flag, for snorkelers and divers, is required by law and is available for rent at the Nature Center.

61: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Getting There: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located on US highway 1 at mile marker 102.5, north of Key Largo in the Florida Keys.

Scuba Diving - To fully enjoy the diving possibilities of the park, boat trips to the reef are recommended. A new diver, or a diver that needs a refresher, finds the waters of cannon beach a great place to hone their skills.

Snorkeling - In addition to the park's snorkeling tours, there are areas in the park designated for snorkeling. These areas are in a tropical lagoon and offer a look at the various sea grass communities in the park. In these areas there are some natural ledges that do hold some interesting marine life, there are also some artifacts from an early Spanish shipwreck approximately 100 feet offshore.

62: John U. Lloyd Beach State Park

Scuba Diving - For those interested in the underwater beauty of South Florida, Lloyd Beach has one of the easiest and interesting shore dives in the area. You can follow the submerged Eurojacks to the first reef. This allows snorkelers and divers to see a vast array of sealife including tropical and sport fish, sharks and Florida lobster.

Snorkeling - Snorkeling is available in designated areas.

63: Jupiter "Double" Ledges Drift Dive

64: Half Mile Drift Dive

65: Hall of Fame Moorings

66: Horseshoe Reef Drift Dive

67: Ichetucknee Springs State Park (North Entrance) CAVE DIVING ONLY

Getting There: From the north, take I-75 south to exit 423. Take SR 47 south, turn on CR 238 and follow the park signs. From the south, take I-75 north to exit 399. Take US 441 north to the city of High Springs. Take US 27 north to Ft. White, stay on US 27 north approximately 4 miles to the South Park Entrance.

Scuba Diving - SCUBA diving is allowed at Blue Hole Spring from October through March.

* Divers must be cave certified.
* SCUBA diving is not permitted in the river or other springs.
* There is a 1/2 mile trail to Blue Hole Spring; many divers bring a cart or wheelbarrow to transport gear.
* Dives cannot extend past 5:00 p.m.
* Diving Fee: $10.00 per person, October through March.

TUBING
Tubing on the crystal clear Ichetucknee River is a unique experience in Florida. Nowhere else can one enjoy the outstanding scenic qualities of the "Real Florida" while floating leisurely on a tube or float. The pristine hardwood hammock, limestone outcrops, wildlife and serenity are a combination of natural values enjoyed by thousands of tubers every year.

68: Ichetucknee Springs State Park (South Entrance) CAVE DIVING ONLY

12087 S.W. US Hwy 27
Fort White, Florida 32038
Phone: 386-497-2511

Getting There: From the north, take I-75 south to exit 423. Take SR 47 south, turn on CR 238 and follow the park signs. From the south, take I-75 north to exit 399. Take US 441 north to the city of High Springs. Take US 27 north to Ft. White, stay on US 27 north approximately 4 miles to the South Park Entrance.

Scuba Diving - SCUBA diving is allowed at Blue Hole Spring from October through March.

* Divers must be cave certified.
* SCUBA diving is not permitted in the river or other springs.
* There is a 1/2 mile trail to Blue Hole Spring; many divers bring a cart or wheelbarrow to transport gear.
* Dives cannot extend past 5:00 p.m.
* Diving Fee: $10.00 per person, October through March.

Snorkeling - Snorkeling is available in designated areas.

69: Indian Key Historic State Park

Getting There: Indian Key is located on the ocean side of U.S. 1 at M.M. 78.5. It is accessible only by private boat or charter boats available at nearby marinas.
Note: Due to damage caused by past storms, the dock at Indian Key has sustained considerable structural damage. Currently, public access to the island is available only by canoe or kayak.

Scuba Diving - Scuba diving and snorkeling are permitted in the surrounding offshore waters. A "Diver Down" flag is required by law and must be displayed at all times.

Snorkeling - Some local marinas, as well as "Robbie's Marina," offer Eco-tours that involve brief stops at the island and snorkeling in the area around the island and out on the reef. Remember, all snorkeling requires a diver down flag. All snorkeling must be conducted at least 100 feet from the dock at all times.

70: Lafayette Blue Springs

Getting There: Lafayette Blue Spring is located 7 miles northwest of Mayo on the west side of the Suwannee River. From Mayo, drive northwest on US 27 for 4.3 miles Turn right on CR 292 and continue for 2.1 miles. Turn east on Blue Springs Road and go 0.2 miles to the park entrance.

Scuba - An extensive aquatic cave system associated with Lafayette Blue Spring, known as the Green Sink cave system, is well documented by the local diving community. Over 12,000 feet of cavern passageways have been surveyed. The caves extend west and southwest from the main spring. The system is described as relatively large and open, averaging 20 feet wide and 10 feet tall, with "rooms" up to 100 feet wide and 30 feet tall.

Note: NO solo or open water diving is permitted. All divers must show proof of certification. Dives cannot extend past 5:00 p.m. Diving fees are $10.00 per person (includes Admission Fee).

71: LEVY #1 BIG BEND REEFS

72: LEVY #2 BIG BEND REEFS

73: Madison Blue Springs State Park

8300 N.E. State Road 6
Lee, Florida 32059
Phone: 850-971-5003

Getting There: Madison Blue Spring is approximately 10 miles (16 km) east of Madison on the west bank of the Withlacoochee River. From Madison, drive east on SR 6 to the Withlacoochee River. Turn south on the west side of the bridge at the park sign. Spring is 525 ft (160 m) south of the highway.

Scuba Diving - FOR EVERYONES SAFETY THE RULES LISTED BELOW MUST BE FOLLOWED:

* Divers must dive within their certification limits
* Display C-card in full view on vehicle dash
* No open water diving
* No solo diving
* No scooters (DPV's)
* Divers must be out of the water one hour before sunset
* Note: $10 FEE PER DIVER (includes admission fee) or State Park Passes honored (display pass in full view on dash).

74: Manatee Springs State Park

11650 N.W. 115th St.
Chiefland, Florida 32626
Phone: 352-493-6072

Getting There: Manatee Springs State Park is located at the end of S.R. 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of Chiefland.

Scuba Diving - Scuba divers must present their certification upon registration. Open water, cavern and cave diving is available in Manatee Spring or Catfish Hotel Sink. Dive instructors are required to purchase a Commercial Dive Permit. The fee for spring diving, open water, and cave diving is $10.00 plus tax. All divers are required to register with the office prior to diving.

Snorkeling - Snorkeling can be enjoyed in the natural feature of this beautiful first magnitude spring. Use caution, the current is swift.

75: Mercedes Wreck

76: Mizpah & PC 1174 [Part of the "Cooridor's Wreck Treck"]

77: MV Castor Wreck

78: Ocean Quest Scuba Charters

79: Oakland Ridge Moorings

80: Old Port Orange Bridge Rubble

81: Paradise to Pocket Drift

82: Peacock Springs State Park

Scuba Diving - NOTE: FOR EVERYONES SAFETY THE RULES LISTED BELOW MUST BE FOLLOWED:
* All divers must show proof of certification before diving.
* Cavern and cave diving is available to certified dive teams in Orange Grove Sink & Peacock Springs.
* Open water divers are allowed in Orange Grove Sink only.
* No lights for open water dives.
* Instructors conducting a class must have a Commercial Dive Permit.
* Divers dive at their own risk.
* No solo diving is permitted
* Dives cannot extend past 5:00 p.m.
* No scooters (DPV's) or ATV's.

Scuba Diving Fee - $10.00 per person. All divers must show proof of certification before diving. Open water diving is permitted only in Orange Grove Sink. No solo diving is permitted.

Snorkeling - Snorkeling is limited to Orange Grove and Peacock Springs and is dependent upon seasonal water levels. Swimmers do so at their own risk. There are no lifeguards.

83: Phil Foster Park/Blue Heron Bridge Dive

84: Playpen (Miss Jenny)

85: Pompano Ledge Moorings

86: Princess Ann Ferry

87: Ray's Drift Dive

88: Ray's to Oval Drift

89: Red Reef Park

90: RED REEF PARK PARKING

91: Reef Balls & South Culverts

In July of 2010, 500 tons of clean concrete culverts were  placed on south part of site. The pile is approx 17 ft high. The depth is 74 ft. 

92: Rio Yuna

93: Rodeo 25 Wreck

94: San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park

Getting There: San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park is located in 18 feet of water, approximately 1.25 nautical miles south from Indian Key at GPS coordinates: 24 degrees 51.802’N 80 degrees 40.795’W.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling - Scuba diving and snorkeling are permitted.

95: Scuba Lessons Inc. Corporate Headquaters

96: Scuba Lessons Inc.

97: Sea Emperor Wreck

98: Sebastian Inlet State Park

Getting There: From Indian River County:From Interstate 95, take the Fellsmere/Sebastian exit and go east (towards Sebastian) on County Road 512. After a short distance, turn right on County Road 510. This road will intersect with U.S. Highway 1. Continue east, over the Indian River, to State Road A1A. Turn left (north) and go 7 miles on State Road A1A, you will have arrived at Sebastian Inlet.From Brevard County:From Interstate 95, take the U.S. 192 exit and go east until you reach State Road A1A in Indialantic. Turn right (south) on State Road A1A and go 18 miles to get to Sebastian Inlet.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling - Scuba diving and snorkeling are permitted in all in the waters of Sebastian Inlet State Park, with the exception of under the Sebastian Inlet Bridge and in the boat channel. Rock reefs stretch for miles starting south of Sebastian Inlet in the nearshore waters. Water visibility is best in the summer months. All divers and snorkelers must be within 100 feet of a dive flag. Spearfishing is prohibited.

99: Semarca Ship

Information Provided By:

www.ScubaLessonsInc.com

 

 

 

 

Volusia County, Florida Port Auth. Site 2, Sunk January 1994

Sea Dogs Dive Center dives this wreck on a  regular basis too. It's a lot of fun and always has tons of fish on it. Under the stern section is always a good place to find grouper and snapper. The Semarca makes an excellent night dive.

100: Separated Rocks Drift

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101: Skips Reef Drift Dive

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Great Beginners Dive.. Depths only: 32'-40'  However you need to be cautious of boat traffic as this is VERY close to the inlet. Be sure to use a safety Sausage and tow a dive ball as large as possible on this dive.  Middle mark is best with 3 coral mounds within easy reach to the N.

102: Site 11 PILES

Four other high profile piles of  culverts

103: SITE 12 Broadway Bridge Deposits

1998 culverts near site center
Lat/Long: (GPS)
29°11 .89'N, 80°46.50'W
Loran C: 44467.3 - 61993.9*

2000 concrete material
Lat/Long: (GPS)
29°11.84'N., 80°46.53'W
Loran C : 44467.1, 61994.2*

2001 Broadway bridge deposit
Lat/Long:
29°11.93'N, 80°46.39'W
Loran C: 44466.8 61992.8*

2010- South West Deposit
Lat/Long:
29° 11.690' N,  80° 46.685' W

Site 12 is 9 nm NE of the inlet. The 1989  culverts are a good location for bottom fishing for mangrove snapper, sheepshead, and seabass. It is also an excellent location for underwater marco-photography.

In the spring of 2000, a barge load of concrete material was placed south of 1998 culverts.

Broadway bridge material was added in April 2001 to North and Notheast . The material is in scattered piles.

Site 12 is a good site to visit when Site 5 is crowded.

In August of 2010  400, tons  of  clean culverts and poles were deposited
on west  part of the site. The depth was  74 feet.  The height odf the deposit is 18 ft.

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104: SITE 13 CAR TRANSPORT TRAILERS

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105: St. Andrews State Park

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Getting There: From Hwy 98 turn South on to Hwy 3031 (Thomas Drive) and follow it straight to Hwy 392 and turn left to enter into the gates of St. Andrews State Park. St. Andrews State Park is located approximately 3 miles east of Hwy 392.

Scuba & Snorkeling - These activites are an adventure in either swimming area. The extensive shoreline and rock jetties offer excellent opportunities to study marine life. Equipment is available for rent at any of the concession stores on the property or bring your own.

106: St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park

4810 S.E. Cove Road
Stuart, Florida 34997
Phone: 772-219-1880

Getting There: Accessable on by boat, St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is located in Port Salerno, on the Intracoastal Waterway, 2/3 of a mile south of the inlet.

Scuba Diving - An extensive Anastasia rock reef is located just offshore of the park extending 4.7 miles along the coast and up to 1 mile offshore. Depths range from 5 ft. to 35 ft. This reef is the northernmost limit for the ranges of several species of corals found in south Florida. In addition, many species of marine plants and tropical fishes are associated with the reef. No spear fishing is permitted within state park boundaries.

Snorkeling - You can see a variety of sea life just a few hundred feet from shore. Just remember to "take nothing but photos and leave nothing but ripples." A Diver Down flag must be displayed when snorkeling or diving.

107: Stump Pass Beach State Park

Information Provided By:

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For more information visit: The Florida Online Park Guide.

Scuba - Scuba diving can be done off of the beaches.

Snorkeling - Snorkel in the pristine, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You must provide your own equipment.

 Welcome to Stump Pass Beach State Park

At the southwest corner of Charlotte County, there is a mile of beach where seashells and shark teeth wash up, and anglers fish the surf for prize catches. Visitors can enjoy an excellent view of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as a stretch of undeveloped Florida coastline. Visitors come to this secluded beach to enjoy the year-round swimming and sunbathing; shelling is best during the winter months. A hiking trail passes through five distinct natural communities that provide homes for many species of wildlife; covered picnic tables are located along the trail. While at the park, visitors might see West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, least terns, and magnificent frigatebirds. Ranger-led turtle walks and beach nature walks are available in the summer. Located at the south end of Manasota Key off I-75, exit 191.

Scuba Diving Scuba diving can be done off of the beaches.

108: SUWANNEE REGIONAL REEF

Information Provided By:

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Technical = NO
Name = SUWANNEE REGIONAL REEF
Material = MODULES CONCRETE CUBES (96)

109: SUWANNEE REGIONAL REEFS

Information Provided By:

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Technical = NO
Name = SUWANNEE REGIONAL REEFS
Material = MODULES CONCRETE CUBES

110: SUWANNEE REGIONAL REEF

Information Provided By:

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Technical = NO
Name = SUWANNEE REGIONAL REEF
Material = MODULES CONCRETE CUBES (24)

111: SUWANNEE REGIONAL REEF

Information Provided By:

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Technical = NO
Name = SUWANNEE REGIONAL REEF
Material = MODULES CONCRETE CUBES (96)

112: SUWANNEE REGIONAL REEF

Latitude = 29 00.011
Longitude = -83 20.060
Depth = 40 ft

113: SUWANNEE REGIONAL REEF

Latitude = 29 01.910
Longitude = -83 21.419
Depth = 40 ft

114: SUWANNEE REGIONAL REEF

Latitude = 29 05.194
Longitude = -83 24.191
Depth = 40 ft
Technical = NO
Name = SUWANNEE REGIONAL REEF
Material = MODULES CONCRETE CUBES (24)

115: Tenneco Tower Deep

+2 miles N of Bakers Haulover
GPS Coordinates: 25 58.936 N X 80 05.128 W

Information Provided By:

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Formally Tenneco Oil Platforms these towers were put down in 1985. Spectacular dives!
Depth Range: 62'-105'

116: Tenneco Tower Shallow

+2 miles N of Bakers Haulover
GPS Coordiantes: 25 58.932 N X 80 05.202 W

Information Provided By:

www.ScubaLessonsInc.com

Really neat dives. The Towers are full of life. Often seen are shark, Cobia, Goliath Goruper and watch the top for Sailfish.
Depth Range: 75'-94'

117: The Concrete Culverts -- FSFA REEF SITE #2

Information Provided By:

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118: The Concrete Piles (Volusia Site 10)

Information Provided By:

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119: The Water Barge (Volusia Reefs: SITE 7)

Site 7 is 11 nm  ESE of  the inlet. It is good site for mangrove snapper and sheepshead..Several barge loads of culverts were first placed on the site in 1997. 

A  120 ft. steel  water barge was placed about 1/4 mile  east of the culverts in 1992.  The barge is upright, intact and is covered with variety of soft corals. Large grouper are sometimes on the barge in the early spring.

In  July 2010,  500 tons of  concrete poles ,slabs, and culverts were placed  about 1/4 of a mile  south of the  barge. Site 7 deposit Photos
The depth is  60  ft. Max height of deposit is 13 ft.

Information Provided By:

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120: TITAN TRANSPORTER #4, STEEL SCRAP SITE

Information Provided By:

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121: Troy Spring State Park

674 N.E. Troy Springs Road
Branford, Florida 32008
Phone: 386-935-4835

For more information visit: The Florida Online Park Guide.

Getting There: From Branford go 6 miles on US 27 North. Turn right on CR 425 and go 1.3 miles. Park entrance is on the right. From Mayo take US Highway 27 South approximately 13 miles. Turn left on CR 425 and go 1.3 miles. Park entrance is on the right.

Scuba Diving - FOR EVERYONES SAFETY THE RULES LISTED BELOW MUST BE FOLLOWED:
* All divers must show proof of certification before diving.
* All diving is open water only.
* No solo diving is permitted.
* Dives cannot extend past 5:00 p.m.
* No lights for open water dives.
* Instructors conducting a class must have a Commercial Dive Permit.
* Diving fees are $10.00 per person.

Snorkeling - Snorkel down the spring run and see the remains of the scuttled Confederate steamship Madison. NO lifeguard on duty.

122: TROY SPRING NEAR BRANFORD FLA

Streamflow: -0.36 cfs, Stage: 7.60 ft, 2007-06-19 18:15:00,

123: USS Mindanao

Information Provided By:

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124: USS Oriskany

GPS Coordinates N30:23.393 / W87:16.220 DEPTH RANGE: 70ft. to 150ft. Advanced Divers only with at least 50 logged dives and experience in heavy current ONLY!  If you are a SCUBA diver! Then you want to go diving this one-in-a-life-time dive site. This is the only aircraft carrier accessible for the majority of SCUBA divers and the largest artificial reef ever created.

For recreational/sport divers the Oriskany dive is a deep dive. While the island can be reached at 70 ft the everlasting experience in this dive is at 120-130ft hovering above the flight deck looking down after her sides where the abundance of marine life gathers in the many features of the top 20 ft of the ship. 120-130 ft is deep for a recreational diver and bottom times can be as short as 11 min (if all time is spent at 130ft).   For technical divers diving Oriskany is a fairly shallow dive and an outstanding training site. With large overhead environments at only 150ft and a "false" bottom at 130ft the site is perfect for all training with air and nitrox, and introduction to trimix.

We expect you to plan your dive and dive your plan. SCUBA diving is a safe sport if you follow your training, experience and judgment.

USS Oriskany reef, a long journey ending

It has been a long and many times unexpected journey for the USS Oriskany. With her keel laid in 1944 she didn't get commissioned until 1950. Completely overhauled in 1957 and then ravaged by fire in 1966. Sold for scrap in 1995 and taken back by the Navy in 1997. Solicited for an artificial reef in 2001 then awarded to Florida and Pensacola in 2003. Scheduled for sinking in 2004 but PCB and hurricanes delayed it until 2006. 

The depth gauge measurements on the Oriskany recorded by FWC divers on November 19, 2010 (3.5 years after deployment) were as follows, and as illustrated in the diagram below:

Flight deck = 145 feet at mid-island, increasing to 150 feet towards the bow, maybe greater
Top of forward bridge = 118 feet
Top of aft gun platform = 109 feet
Top of forward gun platform = 107 feet
Top deck level on island = 84 feet
Navigational clearance = 80 feet

Please use these depths as basic reference points to plan your dive based on your level of scuba training, experience, proficiency and equipment. All divers are reminded of the likelihood of changing conditions over time and are encouraged to speak with local dive shops to determine to most recent depths and conditions on the vessel. Since all dives are to be done as a buddy team, maximum depths should be planned based on the buddy with the lowest level of training, experience, proficiency and equipment.

Information Provided By:

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125: Vandenberg Artificial Reef/Wreck

126: Vista Park, N. Ft. Lauderdale Shore Dive

Vista Park Address: 2851 N Atlantic Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308.  The park is open from 8:00am to 9:00pm. Depth Range: 10' to 18'.  This is a real nice dive spot. The reef is huge, I spent two hours there and saw less than a quarter of what is there. The coral life is amazing, soft corals, many several feet tall are everywhere Big heads of hard coral some three or more feet tall are not uncommon. In some areas I saw stag horn corals carpeting the ground. While the fish were not as dense as at gulf stream park, they were much more diverse, I saw almost everything I have seen in south Florida, Angelfish, Damsels, wrasses, parrotfish, a small nurse shark, a small stingray, and a whole lot I could not identify. This is seriously one of the best reefs I have seen this close to shore.   This reef is very wide and runs North and South for about 600 yards. It starts 70 to 80 yards from shore and runs from 10 to 18 feet in depth. Park in Vista Park. The Park is in front of the middle of the reef. The reef is over 100 yards wide. Bring a float and flag and stay close to it.

Directions:
 From I-95 get off on Oakland Park Blvd in Fort Lauderdale follow that east to the A1A. Go south along the A1A until 27th street. Go east on 27th. Then turn left (north) on Atlantic and drive about two blocks, Vista park parking will be on the right. There are cheap meters, 25cents an hour as of Jan 2004. Get into the water anywhere along the beach, the reef starts just after the Buoys.

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127: WHITE CITY BRIDGE

Latitude = 29 10.011
Longitude = -83 38.978
Depth = 55 ft

128: Worth Avenue Pier Debris: Snorkel/Easy Shore Dive

Directions:
This is at the end of worth street in Lake Worth Florida. You can get here by exiting the 95 at Okeechobee Blvd then go east This road will dead-end into US1, take a left here, then an immediate right onto the bridge (lakeview avenue). Follow this road until the A1A then go south on A1A five blocks to worth avenue. There are meters along the ocean, a dollar an hour. To enter, go straight east from the dead-end of worth avenue. you can see the reef as a dark patch in the water.

129: Wreck of the Sufix I, Concrete Sailboat

Information Provided By:

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130: 100 Industrial Park Dr

131: 3 Sisters Springs Federal Park

Three Sisters Springs is a complex of three spring areas, with many vents and sand boils that help feed Kings Bay, the headwaters of Crystal River in Citrus County, Florida. These springs also constitute one of the most important natural warm-water refuges for the endangered Florida manatee.

Kings Bay and the Three Sisters Springs also attract large numbers of boaters, recreational divers, snorkelers, and swimmers, many of whom seek out manatees for a close viewing experience. The influx of visitors, primarily there to see manatees, provides a major economic impact to the Crystal River community.

The mouth of the Three Sisters run is blocked by concrete posts to prevent boat access; only swimmers, canoers, and kayakers can enter. The land around the springs is private and posted and much of it has been extensively dredged to allow homes to be built along the channels and have access to King's Bay.

At one time, Three Sisters Springs was used by Jacques Cousteau to help rehabilitate "Sewer Sam," a manatee named after he became trapped in a Miami sewer system and was subsequently rescued. Cousteau and his crew and volunteers kept Sam in Three Sisters Springs until the manatee was acclimated to the area. Upon release, Sewer Sam swam out into Kings Bay, where he joined the other manatees gathering there.

In the 1980s, the then owner of the property known as Three Sisters Springs decided to fill the hardwood swamp that spread out from the Three Sisters Springs and the adjacent Idiot's Delight and Magnolia Springs. The owner brought in a huge drag line and spent more than a year digging a 15-acre, 40-foot deep borrow pit. Dirt from this borrow pit, now called Lake Linda, was used to fill the adjacent hardwood swamp, burying trees and vegetation, filling the area one to two feet higher, and obliterating the much-needed filtering action of the entombed swamp.

The current owners of Three Sisters Springs property have plans to develop the 57 acres of land adjacent to the Three Sisters Springs second magnitude springs and Magnolia Springs first magnitude springs. This development would entail residences and multi-family residences as well as the potential removal of "spring water" to be bottled from the borrow pit dug in the 1980s. The owner initially sought a permit to extract 1.2 million gallons per day. The request was later reduced to 426,000 gallons per day, and the owner is considering building a bottling company near the site. As of February 2003, the landowner was allowed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District to withdraw up to 100,000 gallons per day, and water had to be pumped from a site away from the spring.

 

132: How to get to 3 sisters from Pete's Pier

133: Alexander Springs Wilderness

Alexander Springs is a great beginner dive site and a place to get familiar with your gear.

 

134: Anna B Wreck 1892

135: Antonia Ensen Wreck

136: Arc Reef

137: Arch Sink (CAVE DIVE)

138: Alsatia Wreck

139: Bayronto Wreck - Venice

140: Blackthron USCGC (WLB~391) (+1980)

nationality: american
type: cutter 1 mast
propulsion: diesel and batteries
date built: 1943
weight (tons): 935 grt
dimensions: 180 x 36,1 x -- ft.
engine: 2 x Cooper-Bessemer Diesels engines driving 2 Westinghouse generators which in turn provided power to drive a 1200HP DC Motor.
power: 1200 h.p.
speed: 13 knots
cause lost: collision
date lost: 01/28/1980
casualties: † 23
depth: 118 max.
builder: Marine Ironworks & Shipbuilding Corp., D
owner: United States Coastguard

141: Blue Grotto Dive Resort

142: Caladesi Island State Park

143: Caladesi Island State Park

144: Cindy- Tug Boat Wreck

145: Danger Reef, Charlotte County, FL

146: Dania Wreck

 submerged wreck, dangerous to navigation

147: Davis Reef

Markers
	18" Mooring Buoy
	30" Yellow Sanctuary Buoy
	3-5 ft. Spar Buoy
Bottom Type
	Rubble		Shallow
	Seagrass		Coral
	Very Shallow		Island
Sanctuary Areas
	Research Only		Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPAs)
	Wildlife Management Area		Ecological Reserve
	Existing Management Area

Davis Reef is a good example of a low-relief transitional reef containing well-developed gorgonian coral. The Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) is located approximately 4nm (7km) southeast of Plantation Key.

The SPA is a small, rectangular area covering approximately 0.2nm2, or about 58 ha. Its presence will help protect the area’s unique deepwater corals.

Davis Reef is easily accessible and heavily used. The area attracts a considerable number of divers from Islamorada, and is also used by recreational fishermen. There is some tropical fish collecting in the rubble areas, and commercial fishing is conducted offshore. There will be little displacement of current users. Because the area is heavily used, it has poor potential for research activities.

148: DeLeon Springs State Park

Diving year round is permitted here.  72 degree clear spring pool, closed off to the river by a cement wall and waterfall.  The life inside includes turtles, small fish and lots of algea.  Great for scuba training.  Depths range from 3' to 29' in the center of the spring boil.  CAUTION the force of the water in the boil is quite strong, if diving here it can blow you to the surface quickly!

149: DeLeon Springs State Park

150: Devil's Den

On a cold winter morning you can see steam, like smoke, rising from the chimney.  Thus, the early settlers gave the name Devil's Den.  Crystal clear water, year round 72 degree temperatures,  ancient rock formations with stalactites, fossil beds, and much more.  Devil's Den is truly a natural wonder.  Bring the family and enjoy a day of fun and relaxation at Devil's Den.  All divers must be Open Water certified, sign release, have proper training, and follow rules and regulations.

General Admission: $9.00
(snorkelers and swimmers)
Childern age 2 and under are free

Dive Fees: $37.00 (including tax)
Night Dive: $15.00

Night Dives are available on Saturday Night

Advanced Open Water certification or instructor escort required for all night dives.

There is a 10 diver minimum and advance notification is required for all night dives.

Gear Rental

Full Package : $71 / person / day
(includes dive fee and all gear)
BCD /Regulator / Wetsuit $12.00 each
Tank: $10.00 Light: $7.00 Weight: $5.00
Air Fills: $7.00

5390 NE 180th Avenue
Williston, Florida 32696

Phone (352) 528-3344

Fax (352) 528-2400

diveshop@devilsden.com

Full Dive Shop Full Dive Equipment Rentals For use of dive training to include cavern diving Air fills Volleyball court and games Bath houses with tiled hot showers Gazebos with picnic tables and bar-b-que grills Cabin rentals Camping Fishing Swimming in our heated pool R.V. sites with full hookups Adjacent Stellina Resort offers horseback  riding

Information provided by: www.ScubaLessonsInc.com

 

151: Duane

152: Eagles Nest Sinkhole

153: Fanning Springs State Park

Open water scuba divers are welcome in the designated swimming area. Divers must have proper certification and are required to register with park staff before entering the water. There must be a minimum of two divers.

Looking west beyond the floating dock one can see where the springs join the Suwannee River.

Visitors wishing to come by boat may enter the park via the Suwannee River. Be careful though, because Fanning Springs' short run may contain manatees and idle speeds are required. Entrance fee from the water is $2.00 per person.

Looking into the spring boil one can see several large boulders protruding from the sides of the bowl. In the background above water is the lifeguard stand. Lifeguards are on duty only during our warmer swimming season.

154: Fantastico

Avg Rating:

Avg Depth: 100 ft. / 30m

Max Depth: 115 ft. / 35m

Skill Level: Advanced

Features:

• Artificial Reef

• Wreck Site While carrying a load of fertilizer from Miami to Tampa, the 200 foot Honduran freighter Fantastico sunk in March 1993 as a result of the "Storm of the Century". Of the ten-man crew, only three were saved. The freighter now lies in 115 feet of water on her starboard side. Her mast, rudder, propeller, and rigging are still in place but the midship cargo areas have collapsed. The wreck is home to abundant fish life and many large goliath grouper. The surrounding sand bottom hosts fields of garden eels. UTube Video of the Wreck: http://www.youtube.com/v/rHE-B6hVJqw?fs=1&hl=en_US

155: Ft. Desoto Park

156: Fort de Soto Park

Fort De Soto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Park Office (727) 893-9185
Campground Office (727) 893-9185
Reserve Campground Online
Automated Information Message: (727) 582-2267

park diagram with amenities gmap Nature Walks Road Closures

Note: Fort De Soto’s Historical Fort Undergoes Rehabilitation Work
Historic Fort De Soto, located in Pinellas County’s Fort De Soto Park, is closed to the public for rehabilitation work. The fort is scheduled to remain closed to the public until March 2011. The remainder of the park will remain open to visitors.

Fort De Soto Named America’s Top Beach for 2009
Pristine Area Favorite Lauded as “Portrait of Tranquility”
Fort De Soto Park was named America’s Top Beach for the second consecutive year by TripAdvisor, the world's largest online travel community. Citing a “spectacular combination of soft white sand, calm, clear water and a laid-back atmosphere,” the popular online travel network put the park’s North Beach at the top of its annual best-of list, based on TripAdvisor's Popularity Index. This marks the second time in three years the pristine Pinellas County beach has received top honors on an annual “best-of” list. In 2005 Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach,” named Fort De Soto the nation’s #1 Beach .

Beaches are the number one recreational destination for Americans. These sandy playgrounds that line our coasts are the most extensive natural parks in the country.

The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto park consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands. First opened on December 21, 1962, when the state toll road named the Pinellas Bayway was completed, this park was dedicated May 11, 1963, in perpetuity as a public park.Annual park attendance averages more than 2.7 million visitors.

The 12-inch mortar battery, located at the fort for which the park was named, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Adding to the historical interest at Fort De Soto, two British breech-loading, rapid-fire rifles of 1890 vintage were installed in March 1982. Markers showing the original building locations and a Quartermaster Storehouse Museum add to the park's historic interest.

History: Fort De Soto Historic Guide
The park property was first purchased from the federal government in 1938 for $12,500. In 1941 the property was sold back to the federal government for $18,404 to be used as a gunnery and bombing range during World War II. The property was repurchased from the United States in 1948 for $26,500.

157: Ginnie Springs Outdoors Llc

Ginnie Springs has often been called "the world's favorite freshwater dive." It's no exaggeration. Over the years, thousands of divers from around the world have marveled at Ginnie Springs' crystal-clear water and startling natural beauty. Jacques Cousteau, in fact, characterized Ginnie Spring as "visibility forever."

Certified scuba divers who are first-time visitors to Ginnie Springs will want to use at least two tanks to visit the four diveable springs on Ginnie's property: one at Ginnie Spring and one at the Devil Spring system. Depending on the time of year, you may even want to use a third tank to drift dive the Santa Fe River.

A full line of rental gear is available in our rental department.

• Scuba dive in Ginnie Spring and the Devil's Springs system, or drift down the Santa Fe River.
• Certified open-water divers may explore breathtaking Ginnie Spring cavern.
• Certified cave divers may explore over 30,000 feet of passageway in the Devil's Eye/Ear system.
• Full-Service dive store on site.

 

158: Helens Barges

159: Hunter Spring Park

GPS coordiantes:

N 28° 53.700 W 082° 35.587

Very shallow at the deepest it is only about 12 feet deep, most of the area is less than 4 feet deep.

160: Idiots Delight Spring

161: Jackson Blue

162: Lake Denton Training and Dive Site

27°33?22?N 81°29?22?W

Lake Denton
Location	Highlands County, Florida
Coordinates	27°33?22?N 81°29?22?W? / ?27.5562°N 81.4894°W? / 27.5562; -81.4894Coordinates: 27°33?22?N 81°29?22?W? / ?27.5562°N 81.4894°W? / 27.5562; -81.4894
Basin countries	United States
Surface area	66 acres (27 ha)
Max. depth	51 ft (16 m)

Lake Denton is a 66-acre (270,000 m²) lake in Highlands County in the U.S. state of Florida. It is between the cities of Avon Park and Sebring. Its maximum depth is 51 feet (16 m). Divers use the lake for recreation and training. The Orange Blossom Baptist Camp is located on its shore. 

163: Magewind

164: Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs is an excellent site to scuba dive or snorkel.  This picturesque park is owned by the state and C-Cards are checked at the gate if you wish to scuba dive.  No dive lights allowed without cave certification.  This large basin has a steep limestone cliff that drops down to a cavern entrance at 40 feet. that quickly turns into a cave dive.  200 yards away is Catfish Hotel Sink.  This sink is covered with Duckweed and has a cave system that has been linked to Manatee Spring.  Depths stay around 35 feet. but can get as deep as 200 feet into the cave system.

Directions:

Take US-19 north from the town of Cheifland, turn West on S-320 and follow the signs 6 miles to the entrance of Manatee Springs State Park.

Admission Fee:

$6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

DIVING IS  FREE with regular admission fees per person, plus tax.  Diving: spring, open water and cave diving. All divers are required to register with the office prior to diving.  All divers must be registered by 3:00 p.m. and out of the water and checked out (c-cards returned) by 5:00 p.m.

Pavilion Rental Fee:

$35.00 per day plus tax. There are six picnic tables at each pavilion. Water and electricity are available at each pavilion and is included in the rental fee.

Camping Fee:

$20.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity. Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older or who hold a social security disability award certificate or a 100 percent disability award certificate from the Federal Government are permitted to receive a 50 percent discount on current base campsite fees. Proof of eligibility

Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping:

$1.00 per youth, per night.

$5.00 per adult/chaperone, per night.

 

The first-magnitude spring at this park produces an average of 100 million gallons of clear, cool water daily. In winter, West Indian manatees swim upriver to the warmer waters of the springs. Popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, the headwaters of the spring are also a great spot for swimming. The spring run forms a sparkling stream that meanders through hardwood wetlands to the Suwannee River. Canoe and kayaks can be rented May through September. Children enjoy the playground in the picnic area. Hiking and bicycling are available on the north end trail system. The full-facility campground is surrounded by red oak woods.

 

165: Paces Place Barge Reef

Popular artificial reefs near Paces Place Barge Reef

166: Palm Sink Cave Dive

Site Name: Palm Sink
Located Near: Hudson
GPS Coordinates / Location Deg
Latitude/Longitude (Degrees): 28.355330 / -82.698750
Latitude/Longitude (Deg Min Sec): 28 21 19.19 / -82 41 55.50
Latitude/Longitude (Deg Min): 28 21.31980 / -82 41.92500
Minimum Depth: 0 metres / 0 feet
Maximum Depth: 44.196 metres / 145 feet
Long Description: This has always been a popular dive site due to it``s proximity to US 19 and ease of access. It usually looks stagnant and uninviting though the addition of a fountain did help for a while. The roadside access made the sink a favorite dumping ground for cars and other stolen goods. The property surrounding the sink has been improved in the past few years, I expect that it``s only a matter of time before access is limited. Until then, the easiest entry point is just to the right of the big Oak tree. Coordinates and information provided by www.ScubaLessonsInc.com

167: Paradise Springs

168: Passage Key

169: Peanut Island

Riviera Beach, FL 33480

170: Rainbow Springs State Park

171: Regina Sugar Barge, Shore Dive - Bradenton

Regina Sugar Barge - Bradenton Beach, FL

N 27° 28.184 W 082° 42.071

17R E 331909 N 3039615

Depths 11' to 20'

Site is actually directly across the street from Sea Trek Divers:

105 7th St N. Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Quick Description: Located in the Gulf of Mexico about 75 yards off shore of Bradenton Beach, Florida.

Location: Florida, United States

Long Description:

Regina was a steel steamer built in 1904 in Belfast, Ireland, by the Workman, Clark & Co. shipyard for the Cuban Molasses Transportation Co., based in Havana. She was 247 ft. in length, with a 36 ft. beam, a 14 ft. draft, and was rated at 1,155 gross tons with a net tonnage of 669. Designed with a single deck and a single propeller powered by a triple-expansion steam engine producing 850 hp., the steamer also was rigged as a schooner for auxiliary power, and fitted with electric lighting.

Regina joined a growing fleet of large and small tankers carrying a specific liquid cargo: molasses. Shipped from several locations in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico to ports on the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States, molasses was used primarily by rum distilleries, and also by animal feed manufacturers. New Orleans was a principal port of the world’s molasses trade; cargoes were transferred to river barges for distribution inland to feed producers in the Midwest. Compared with other liquid cargoes carried by tankers at sea, such as oil, chemicals, or fresh water, molasses is much heavier. In cold weather it thickens, becoming difficult to pump during transfer and requiring a longer time in port. Various tank-heating methods were used to make the cargo more fluid and easier to pump.

Converted to a tanker barge, Regina left Havana on March 5, 1940, under tow by the tugboat Minima, bound for New Orleans with a cargo of more than 300,000 gallons of molasses. Two days later, a cold front swept across the Gulf of Mexico from the northwest, accompanied by 8 to 12-foot seas, gale force winds, and freezing temperatures. The tugboat altered course toward the shelter of Tampa Bay, but before she could reach safety, her tow lines parted near Egmont Key and Regina drifted helplessly toward Anna Maria Island. In the late afternoon on Friday, March 8, the converted tanker grounded in heavy seas on a sand bar off Bradenton Beach. Pounded by the surf and wind, the vessel began to crack and break apart as nighttime approached. Regina’s crew of eight stayed aboard the stranded tanker, afraid to abandon ship in such turbulent conditions. As word of the disaster spread, local residents gathered on the darkened beach, where they built fires to reassure the crewmen that they had been seen.

The following morning, a small bi-wing seaplane arrived from the St. Petersburg Coast Guard Station. Unable to land in the still-stormy seas, it dropped lifejackets and supplies, but they were washed ashore by the waves and wind. The plane continued to circle over the wrecked tanker, and soon was joined by a second airplane from the station. The Coast Guard cutter Nemesis arrived, but could not approach Regina due to the shallow depth of the water. The crowd of spectators watched helplessly from shore as one of the crewmen, later identified as Seferino Canneciras, attempted to swim ashore but disappeared in heavy surf about 100 yards from land. Later that morning as the storm subsided, a Coast Guardsman and two volunteer boatmen, Clayton Adams and Furman Smith, rescued Capt. José Urquida, Ernesto Crusostino, José García García, Leonard Perez, and Angel Lopez. Two other crewmen, Benjamin Alfonso and Juan León, swam the 500 yards to shore on their own.

Regina was a total loss; her cargo of molasses drained into the gulf and her stranded, battered hull became part of the underwater landscape. Today, more than sixty years of pounding surf have left the tanker a sunken hulk, partially buried under sand, but her remains are teeming with sea life. Locally known as the “Sugar Barge”, this wreck is popular with scuba divers and snorkelers due to its proximity to the beach and its vibrant tropical fish.

The remaining bow section of the Regina

 

 
 

Water Type: Ocean Salinity: Salt Access: Shore Maximum Depth: 20 Typical Visibility: Poor (11-25 ft) Wreck or Submerged Object?: Ship/boat Underwater Life: Spadefish, Stone Crab, Goliath Grouper, Sheepshead For a virtual experience on this site visit: http://www.museumsinthesea.com/regina/index.htm

172: Florida Underwater Museum: Regina Sugar Barge Wreck - SHALLOW SHORE DIVE

Regina Sugar Barge - Bradenton Beach, FL

N 27° 28.184 W 082° 42.071

17R E 331909 N 3039615

Depths 11' to 20'

Site is actually directly across the street from Sea Trek Divers:

105 7th St N. Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Quick Description: Located in the Gulf of Mexico about 75 yards off shore of Bradenton Beach, Florida.

Location: Florida, United States

Long Description:

Regina was a steel steamer built in 1904 in Belfast, Ireland, by the Workman, Clark & Co. shipyard for the Cuban Molasses Transportation Co., based in Havana. She was 247 ft. in length, with a 36 ft. beam, a 14 ft. draft, and was rated at 1,155 gross tons with a net tonnage of 669. Designed with a single deck and a single propeller powered by a triple-expansion steam engine producing 850 hp., the steamer also was rigged as a schooner for auxiliary power, and fitted with electric lighting.

Regina joined a growing fleet of large and small tankers carrying a specific liquid cargo: molasses. Shipped from several locations in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico to ports on the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States, molasses was used primarily by rum distilleries, and also by animal feed manufacturers. New Orleans was a principal port of the world’s molasses trade; cargoes were transferred to river barges for distribution inland to feed producers in the Midwest. Compared with other liquid cargoes carried by tankers at sea, such as oil, chemicals, or fresh water, molasses is much heavier. In cold weather it thickens, becoming difficult to pump during transfer and requiring a longer time in port. Various tank-heating methods were used to make the cargo more fluid and easier to pump.

Converted to a tanker barge, Regina left Havana on March 5, 1940, under tow by the tugboat Minima, bound for New Orleans with a cargo of more than 300,000 gallons of molasses. Two days later, a cold front swept across the Gulf of Mexico from the northwest, accompanied by 8 to 12-foot seas, gale force winds, and freezing temperatures. The tugboat altered course toward the shelter of Tampa Bay, but before she could reach safety, her tow lines parted near Egmont Key and Regina drifted helplessly toward Anna Maria Island. In the late afternoon on Friday, March 8, the converted tanker grounded in heavy seas on a sand bar off Bradenton Beach. Pounded by the surf and wind, the vessel began to crack and break apart as nighttime approached. Regina’s crew of eight stayed aboard the stranded tanker, afraid to abandon ship in such turbulent conditions. As word of the disaster spread, local residents gathered on the darkened beach, where they built fires to reassure the crewmen that they had been seen.

The following morning, a small bi-wing seaplane arrived from the St. Petersburg Coast Guard Station. Unable to land in the still-stormy seas, it dropped lifejackets and supplies, but they were washed ashore by the waves and wind. The plane continued to circle over the wrecked tanker, and soon was joined by a second airplane from the station. The Coast Guard cutter Nemesis arrived, but could not approach Regina due to the shallow depth of the water. The crowd of spectators watched helplessly from shore as one of the crewmen, later identified as Seferino Canneciras, attempted to swim ashore but disappeared in heavy surf about 100 yards from land. Later that morning as the storm subsided, a Coast Guardsman and two volunteer boatmen, Clayton Adams and Furman Smith, rescued Capt. José Urquida, Ernesto Crusostino, José García García, Leonard Perez, and Angel Lopez. Two other crewmen, Benjamin Alfonso and Juan León, swam the 500 yards to shore on their own.

Regina was a total loss; her cargo of molasses drained into the gulf and her stranded, battered hull became part of the underwater landscape. Today, more than sixty years of pounding surf have left the tanker a sunken hulk, partially buried under sand, but her remains are teeming with sea life. Locally known as the “Sugar Barge”, this wreck is popular with scuba divers and snorkelers due to its proximity to the beach and its vibrant tropical fish.

The remaining bow section of the Regina

 

 
 

Water Type: Ocean Salinity: Salt Access: Shore Maximum Depth: 20 Typical Visibility: Poor (11-25 ft) Wreck or Submerged Object?: Ship/boat Underwater Life: Spadefish, Stone Crab, Goliath Grouper, Sheepshead For a virtual experience on this site visit: http://www.museumsinthesea.com/regina/index.htm

173: Redfish Pass Reef 1 Reef, Lee County, FL

174: Red Fish Pass Reef 2 Reef, Lee County, FL

175: Rock Sink CAVE DIVE

Site Name: Rock Sink
Located Near: Port Richey

GPS Coordinates / Location Deg
Latitude/Longitude (Degrees): 28.279740 / -82.668100
Latitude/Longitude (Deg Min Sec): 28 16 47.06 / -82 40 5.16
Latitude/Longitude (Deg Min): 28 16.78440 / -82 40.08600

Minimum Depth: 45 feet
Maximum Depth: -145 feet

The sink has very steep rock edge 3/4 of the way around it and the water has alway``s been very tannic due to runoff from the nearby cypress heads. It is full of snapping turtles. It has plenty of junk on the bottom. When I last visited, the sink was an unnatural shade of green with a noticible oil slick on the surface. Assholes have been driving & dumping objects into the sink since I can remember, so the varying depth reports may be accurate. Coordinates and Information provided by www.ScubaLessonsInc.com

176: Salt Springs

This is a gater infested pristine piece of nature.  No diving here but plenty of life to see.  Great for boaters.

177: Seaducer

178: "Sheridan" Wreck

MV D.T. Sheridan
GPS Coordinates:
latitude: 27°52.562' N
longitude: 083°11.140' W
depth: 82 max.
D. T. Sheridan is an 180 foot Ocean going tug that now rests in 75 feet of water. She sits upright with her prop in place.
nationality: american
purpose: utility
type: tug
propulsion: motor vessel
date built: 1951
weight (tons): 383 grt
dimensions: 138 x 27,9 x -- ft.
engine: 1 x Oil engine
cause lost: deliberate
other reasons: [1] scuttled [2] artifical reef

This is probably one of the best wreck dives in the Tampa Bay area. The Sheridan is a 180 foot tugboat that is fully intact and located in 75 to 80 foot of water. It lies on the bottom upright leaning slightly to it's starboard side. This wreck is also a haven for large game fish housing goliath grouper and barracuda. We often see walls of cigar minows moving like giant clouds inter-mingling with a myriad of fish such as Spanish mackeral, amberjack, trigger fish, and crevelle jack. Visibility is at its peak between the months of March and July. Providing no major storms strike the Gulf during the summer months, visibility can be very good up through November.
 

179: Shirley D Shrimp Boat Reef

Popular artificial reefs near Shirley D Shrimp Boat Reef