The State of Florida, has so much to offer divers that it simply becomes overwhelming when you have to decide which activity to pick. One of the great activities for a Scuba Diving enthusiasts who loves a combination of history and diving or whether you simply want to dive at an interesting a site that has and even more interesting back story, then visit any one of Florida’s Underwater Archaeological Preserves also known as the Museums in the sea and you are sure not leave disappointed.
In 1987 Florida began to develop a system of underwater state park featuring historical wrecks and sites across the state. Currently there are 11 preserves comprising mostly of shipwrecks just off the coast of Florida. The preserves contain archaeological sites ranging in age from hundreds-of-years-old colonial Spanish shipwrecks, to World War II wrecks. Each site is marked by an underwater plaque which provides divers with the details of the site and the history. Brochures and laminated underwater guides are also available from local dive shops that provide divers with extensive information about each wreck and how to view the site. The underwater parks are open to the public year round, and free of charge. The Museums of the sea website is a great place to start gathering information about the dive sites nearest to the city you are visiting in Florida, and offer videos footage on each wreck as well.
Some of the more interesting wrecks that form a part of the Archaeological preserve are the USS Massachusetts which lies off the coast of Pensacola, which is a 340 foot battleship that was scuttled in 1921. The wreck is teeming with marine life, and the spectacle of this warship with its majestic gun turrets is simply breathtaking.
The wreck of the Spanish merchant Galleon “San Pedro” located in just 18 feet of water off the Indian Key south Florida is one of the oldest wrecks. Sunk during a hurricane in 1733 while the San Pedro was headed for Spain, this wreck offers divers a spectacular view of cannons and anchors lying in the surrounding turtle grass.
The other preserves that form a part of the Museums of the sea are the SS Tarpon, Vamar, City of Hawkinsville, Regina, Half Moon, SS Copenhagen, Lofthus, Georges Valentine and the Urca De Lima. Each site is easily accessible using local dive operators, and be sure to read up on your wreck to make the experience a more meaningful one.
Photos By: andrewl04 , doug.deep
