FLORIDA
KEYS

Description of The Florida Keys:

Just 350 miles south of Tampa, Florida, is the Florida Keys. Linked to the mainland by a precarious island-hopping 135-mile (216km) highway, the string of islands ends at Key West - a tropical paradise with gorgeous fleeting images of the past amongst T-shirt selling beach-walkers and tanned bodies.

Clear water, live coral, and lots of fish are the hallmarks of diving in the Keys. The hundreds of shallow reefs in the Keys are ideal for both snorkelling and diving.

The reefs are linked to the land and to the surrounding shallows ecologically. The plants on shore, particularly the mangroves, are essential in preserving the necessary water quality.

Special adoptions allow the mangroves to tolerate salt water and long roots let them grow past the shore and into the water. They provide protected habitat for many species of fish and invertebrates, particularly during the juvenile phase of the life cycle.

Close to shore the corals grows from patches out of the sand and therefore called patch reefs. They are round in shape and have beautiful formations of hard coral centred by soft coral. Beyond the patch reefs and before the outer bank reefs - the inner bank reefs gives access to divers all the way around and is popular because of the sheltered conditions. The outer bank reefs have attracted divers for decades and is a myriad of coral ridges and sand channels with an amazing marine life.

Facts About Diving at the Florida Keys:

DIVE TRIPS:

Aquatic Obsessions often dives with one of the many high standard dive operators that are found near all harbour areas along the coast and on most islands in the Keys. 2-3 dives are done per day with a meal and transfer in between dives. Courses are offered at all levels.

CONDITIONS

The Florida Keys is a year-round destination with sub-tropical climate allowing for excellent diving on most days.

Water temperatures do not change much due to the Gulf Stream. Water temperatures are in the range from December to March 75°F (24°C) to a balmy 85°F (29°C) between April and November. In the colder months a 3 - 5 mm full wetsuit is sufficient insulation. In the warmer months thermal protection is unnecessary, but at Lycra suit or a “skin” is a good protection against sunburn and minor stings.

Visibility between April and November reaches well into 100 feet (30m). Outside this period it is usually around 50 feet (15m) and never less than 25 feet (8m). Visability as always depends on current weather conditions.

Surface conditions are unpredictable from March to April, when strong easterlies play havoc with the surface. June to October are hurricane months - but as an average, one will strike the Keys every seven years and can be forecasted days in advance.

The rainy season is from May to November and brings usually short, heavy showers, though occasionally a weather system settles over several days. July to October is hurricane season and is the wettest time of the year.

The overall climate is tropical, with an average year-round temperature of 77°F (25°C) and plenty of sunshine. August is the warmest month but also gets the heaviest rainfall and thunderstorms. Winter temperatures don't drop much below 65°F (18°C), with January being the coolest month of the year.

Particular for the Keys, and some places along the coast, please note that diving from the shore is not recommended due to little visibility (runoff from mangroves or rivers etc.) and turbid waters. However, when the low profile reefs end two or three miles out, clear waters and colourful surroundings combine to make simply a sight beyond comprehension.

PLEASE NOTE: Some shark attacks have been recorded in Florida.

Key Largo Information:

Key Largo is the largest island of the Upper Keys and the area has an excellent selection of hotels and resorts. Other islands are Holiday Isle and the famous Islamorada or the ''Purple Isle'' which stretces the length of Upper Matecumbe Key.

From the islands there are some reefs accesible from the beaches. Further out are the Patch Reefs which are underwater coral islands and the entry ports to Florida Reef.

Stretching the length of the Florida Keys about 6-7 miles (2km) offshore, the fragile Florida Reef fringes the edge of the continental shelf. This reef is the northern most living tropical coral reef in the continental United States. The reef boosts corals in amazing shapes, fans and soft coral.

Scuba Diving at the Florida Keys:

If Scuba Diving is your favorite way to enjoy the beautiful ocean scenery of the Florida Keys, Aquatic Obsessions also offers a variety of dive trips for the beginner to the most seasoned diver.

Come dive the Florida Keys with the Aquatic Obsessions! Our Captains’ knowledge, experience and enthusiasm is so infectious that our clients return several times each year and year after year, bringing other family members and friends to "Dive the Keys"!

What are you waiting for? Call us now to join the FUN!!