TRAVEL
A Group Travel Guide to The Florida Keys by Michael Salvarezza & Christopher P. Weaver , ecophotoexplorers.com
T HE CORAL REEF YOU CAN DRIVE TO - has been a phrase synonymous with the Florida Keys for many years. A chain of islands connected by US 1 makes the keys easily accessible from Miami by car. Alternatively, a short flight to Key West will bring you to the heart of the action of this southernmost point with relative ease. The Florida Keys have long been a favorite for divers but as divers travel further around the world, the keys as a diving destination have receded into the background. Coral reefs the world over have suffered from the ravages of warming waters due to climate change and other man-made impacts, and the reefs of the keys are no different. Still, the keys offer a multitude of diving opportunities and are worth revisiting. This guide to diving the Florida Keys can be used by dive shops looking to organize a road trip for their customers or dive clubs, but it can also be used by individuals looking to maximize their time in the keys. Why are the Florida Keys an Ideal Road Trip? Besides the ease of access by road or plane, the keys are in the United States. No travel papers are needed for domestic visitors and US based dive shops can easily organize trips
that are tailored for any level of experience or interest. A group of 6-10 divers can be accommodated with a handful of rental vehicles or small vans. Some of the advantages of a trip to the keys include: Coral reefs close to shore with depths ranging from shal- ▪ low dives (25 feet) to deep walls and ledges (80-100 feet). Plenty of hotels and motels to accommodate different ▪ budgets Great restaurants and food options ▪ World class shipwrecks ▪ Numerous dive shops and dive boats that operate 7 days ▪ a week Year-round diving with mild winter temperatures ▪ Great option for completing certification courses ▪ When is the Best Time to Visit the Keys? This is a year-round destination. In the summer months, the air temperature can reach into the 90s with higher humidity. In addition, recent summers have seen very warm waters approaching temperatures in the mid-90s. Late summer and early autumn offer terrific conditions, but the threat of tropical weather and hurricanes can be present. In the winter
Beneath the Sea, March 27, 28, 29, 2026 Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, NJ WWW. BeneaththeSea.US SPEAK DIRECTLY WITH DIVE PROFESSIONALS
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