Florida Keys: Scuba Diving Reefs & Christ of the Abyss

Summary

Scuba dive florida keys reefs with certified guides and two tank stops

You’ll board a dive boat in Key Largo with other certified divers and set out for two different reef sites chosen by your captain—maybe French Reef or even Dry Rocks with its underwater Christ statue. Expect close-up moments with marine life, calm guidance from local divemasters, and time to just float quietly above living coral before heading back salty and happy.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, my mask kept fogging up right as we pulled away from Key Largo’s dock — nerves or humidity, who knows. The captain, Dave, just grinned and handed me a defog bottle. “You’ll want this,” he said. The boat was humming, a low vibration underfoot, and I could smell sunscreen mixing with that salty ocean air. Everyone seemed to know each other’s favorite dive stories already. I just tried not to trip over my own fins.

We reached the first reef in about 40 minutes — French Reef, I think? Hard to keep track when you’re still half-awake and the water is this blue. Our guide, Maria, gave us a quick rundown (she’s got that calm way about her). She pointed out where the current might be tricky today, then told us about a resident turtle named “Moss.” When I finally rolled in, it was cooler than I expected — like someone had turned down the sun for a second. The coral looked alive in a way photos never get right. I caught sight of an eagle ray gliding past and honestly forgot how to check my air for a minute.

The second site was Dry Rocks — home to the Christ of the Abyss statue. Maria joked that everyone tries to take the same photo there but “he always looks better underwater anyway.” There’s something odd about seeing a statue like that surrounded by fish instead of tourists with cameras. It’s quiet down there, except for your own bubbles and maybe your heartbeat if you’re paying attention. On the surface again, someone passed around orange slices (tasted weirdly sweet after saltwater). No one rushed us back onto the boat.

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there — in a good way. If you’re thinking about a day trip scuba diving from Key Largo or anywhere in the Florida Keys, just remember: you need recent experience (they check), but it’s worth every checklist moment. Sometimes I still hear those bubbles at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half day scuba diving trip

• Arrive at Key Largo departure point
• Board 45' Corinthian catamaran
• Receive dive briefing and check equipment
• First two-tank dive at selected reef site
• Second two-tank dive at different reef site
• Return to shore and disembark

Top questions

Do I need to be scuba certified for this Florida Keys diving trip?

Yes, all participants must be scuba certified with recent dive experience.

How many dive sites are included on this day trip?

The trip includes two different dive sites chosen based on sea conditions.

Is equipment provided on the Florida Keys scuba diving tour?

Tanks and weights are included; other scuba equipment can be hired for an extra fee.

Can single divers join or do I need a buddy?

Single divers may be paired up if possible; otherwise hiring a guide is required at additional cost.

How long does the scuba diving excursion last?

The total trip lasts approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.

Are guides or divemasters included in the price?

No, but you can hire an in-water guide or divemaster for an additional fee if needed.

What reefs might we visit on this Florida Keys dive?

You may visit Molasses Reef, Elbow Reef, French Reef or Dry Rocks (Christ of the Abyss), depending on conditions.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No lunch is provided; light snacks like orange slices may be offered onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes two-tank dives at two different Florida Keys reef sites selected by your captain based on sea conditions; tanks and weights are provided for all certified divers joining from Key Largo; refillable paper cups are available onboard so you can stay hydrated between dives before returning to shore salty and sun-touched.