Florida is a hotspot for underwater sports like snorkeling and diving. A quick glance at a map of the state will show that it’s surrounded by water, and that water can be accessed in just a few hours from anywhere in the state. Florida resident and avid scuba diver Annet Libeau recently discussed her top five places to dive in the state of Florida. 

“Florida offers so many diverse dive spots that it’s an ideal place for a diver to live,” Annet Libeau said. “We have our own adult playground right here in our backyard.”

Annet Libeau added that one of her favorite parts of diving is spotting sea turtles in the wild. She explained that one of the best places to do this is in West Palm Beach. Annet Libeau explained that diving in West Palm Beach involves following the fast-moving drift through a unique environment of colorful corals and breeding grounds for marine life. She explained that this is one of the best places in the state to get up close and personal with sea turtles, sailfish, and more.

“Wreck divers will fall in love with Key Largo, which is home to the iconic Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary,” Annet Libeau said. “Here, you’ll find the massive, 510-foot Spiegal Grove wreck, which is an absolute must-see.”

Annet Libeau added that several other historic wrecks can be seen across the state, such as the 500-foot USS Massachusetts, which served as a World War I battleship, in Pensacola. Pensacola is home to several additional wrecks, which make it an ideal place for a getaway including multiple dives. 

“The Florida Keys are known for far more than shipwreck diving,” Annet Libeau added. “The protected underwater ecosystem at Looe Key offers some of my favorite live reef diving in the state. The coral here will make you feel like you’ve traveled around the world on a diving escape, but it’s all just minutes or hours from home.”

Annet Libeau finished by adding that those who venture to the southernmost city in the U.S. -- Key West -- will be presented with more than a vacation filled with sunshine and Pina Coladas. Key West offers dives for everyone from complete beginners to expert-level dive enthusiasts. Annet Libeau added that snorkeling is also popular among tourists in Key West. She recommended visiting the full-service dive facility, Dive Key West, Inc., for adventures from inner reef dives to night dives, wreck dives, snorkeling, and more. 

“Diving offers access to an underwater world that’s free of the stresses of everyday life,” Annet Libeau said. “I hope every dive enthusiast has the opportunity to enjoy Florida’s pristine waters, gorgeous corals, and historic wrecks at some point in life.”