Provident Resorts

BOOK NOW

Tag: key largo diving

Marine Life You Might See While Staying in Key Largo

Posted on July 25, 2025 by - Ocean Pointe Suites

Marine Life You Might See While Staying in Key Largo

Blog  /  

Marine Life You Might See While Staying in Key Largo

Key Largo isn’t just a relaxing place to unwind, it’s also one of the best places in the U.S. to experience marine life up close. The clear, warm waters around the Florida Keys are home to a vibrant array of sea creatures, from colorful tropical fish to gentle giants like manatees. Whether you’re snorkeling, diving, kayaking, or just walking along the marina, there’s always a chance you’ll spot something fascinating beneath the surface. Here’s a look at some of the marine life you might encounter during your stay.

1. Manatees (a.k.a. Sea Cows)

These slow-moving, curious mammals are a frequent sight in Key Largo’s canals and marinas. Often seen surfacing for air or gently grazing on seagrass, manatees are calm, harmless and incredibly photogenic. They’re more common in winter months, but you might spot them year-round if you’re lucky. Keep an eye out while kayaking or walking near docks.

2. Sea Turtles

Loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles all inhabit the waters around Key Largo. While they’re often seen while snorkeling or diving along coral reefs, they also occasionally surface near shore or boat channels. Their graceful movements and ancient features make every sighting feel special. Many local tour operators offer eco-trips that prioritize safe, respectful wildlife encounters.

3. Colorful Reef Fish

The nearby John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is teeming with vibrant fish like parrotfish, angelfish, yellowtail snapper, and sergeant majors. These fish dart in and out of coral formations and are easy to spot even in shallow water. Snorkeling trips to the park often guarantee sightings of dozens of species within minutes. It’s like swimming in a living aquarium.

4. Dolphins

Bottlenose dolphins are playful and social, often spotted from boat tours as they leap and surf in the wake. While wild dolphin sightings can’t be guaranteed, they happen often enough to feel like part of the local charm. Seeing them in their natural habitat free and thriving is far more rewarding than any staged experience. Bring your camera because these moments are made for sharing!

5. Spotted Eagle Rays & Stingrays

Gliding across the sandy seafloor like underwater birds, rays are a mesmerizing sight. Spotted eagle rays, with their unique patterns and long tails, are occasionally seen in deeper waters, while southern stingrays often rest in shallow bays. Neither are dangerous if left undisturbed, and watching one pass beneath you while snorkeling is a moment you won’t forget. Many reef tours include a chance to see them, especially in calm, clear conditions.

6. Nurse Sharks

Despite the name, nurse sharks are non-aggressive bottom dwellers that often nap under ledges or in the sand. They’re slow-moving and docile, allowing for calm, close-up sightings while diving or snorkeling. Their sand-colored skin helps them blend in, but once you spot one, it’s hard to look away. If you’re new to snorkeling, they’re a perfect introduction to the larger marine animals of the Keys.

Ready for a Front-Row Seat to Florida’s Marine Life?

At Ocean Pointe Suites, you’re not just staying by the water, you’re staying in the heart of one of the most biodiverse marine environments in North America. With spacious ocean view suites, a private beach, marina access, and nearby snorkeling and eco-tour options, it’s the perfect launchpad for your underwater adventures. Book your stay today and experience the magic of Key Largo’s marine life, just steps from your door.

What Makes Key Largo the Diving Capital of the World

Posted on April 30, 2025 by - Ocean Pointe Suites

What Makes Key Largo the Diving Capital of the World

Blog  /  

What Makes Key Largo the Diving Capital of the World

With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an underwater world teeming with marine life, Key Largo has earned its title as the “Diving Capital of the World.” But what exactly sets this stretch of the Florida Keys apart from other top dive destinations around the globe? From world-famous dive sites to protected marine sanctuaries, here’s why divers from every corner of the world make their way to Key Largo — and why it should be at the top of your bucket list.

1. Proximity to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Key Largo is uniquely positioned next to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a 3,800-square-mile protected area that’s home to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. The sanctuary safeguards hundreds of species of coral and marine life, offering divers an unparalleled chance to explore one of the healthiest and most diverse reef systems in North America. Unlike many other dive destinations that require long boat rides, Key Largo offers quick and easy access to the reef, often within minutes of leaving the dock.

2. The Famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Established in 1963, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the first undersea park in the United States and remains one of Key Largo’s crown jewels. The park spans approximately 70 nautical square miles and features a series of vibrant coral formations, underwater mangroves, and fish-filled seagrass beds. Divers can experience shallow reef dives perfect for beginners or explore deeper areas filled with complex coral structures and sea creatures of all kinds. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling, making it accessible for families and mixed-experience groups.

3. Iconic Dive Sites for All Levels

From shallow reefs to deep wrecks, Key Largo offers something for every diver. One of the most iconic sites is the Christ of the Abyss, a 9-foot-tall bronze statue submerged in 25 feet of water at Dry Rocks reef. It’s one of the most photographed underwater statues in the world and a must-see for both divers and snorkelers.

For more advanced divers, the USS Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot Navy ship intentionally sunk in 2002, provides an epic deep wreck dive experience. Sitting at depths between 60 and 130 feet, it’s now a thriving artificial reef covered in coral and home to large schools of barracuda, grouper, and other pelagic species.

4. Exceptional Visibility and Warm Waters

Diving conditions in Key Largo are ideal nearly year-round. With water temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s (°F) and visibility often exceeding 60 feet — and sometimes up to 100 — it’s easy to see why divers return again and again. Calm seas and consistent weather patterns make for a safe and enjoyable experience whether you’re a seasoned diver or trying scuba for the first time.

5. Conservation and Eco-Focused Dive Culture

Key Largo’s dive operators and local community are deeply invested in marine conservation. Many outfitters offer coral restoration dives, lionfish removal excursions, and reef clean-up initiatives, allowing divers to give back while exploring the waters. The town’s dedication to sustainable tourism ensures that its reefs and marine life will be protected for generations of divers to come.

Plan Your Dive Trip with Ocean Pointe Suites as Your Base

If you’re planning a dive trip to Key Largo, Ocean Pointe Suites is the perfect place to stay. Just minutes from the area’s top dive shops, marinas, and underwater attractions, our spacious condo-style suites offer the comfort of home with all the perks of a resort. After a day under the sea, unwind at the private beach, take a dip in the pool, or grab a bite and a cocktail at our waterfront café and bar.