Floridianestates

Many people consider Florida a divers dream come true. This is because Florida is composed of over 1,700 islands and the Keys that stretch over 150 miles there are many different places to go diving. The waters are calm, clear, and full with beautiful and unique sea life and colorful coral. You can visit some of the over 5,000 ship wrecks in these waters, or the only barrier reef in the continent. In addition to sea diving, Florida also offers some of the finest spring diving sites you will encounter.

One of the places that should be on the top of your list to dive is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the nation’s first underwater preserve. Located near Key Largo, the visibility here is almost perfect, making it a favorite dive destination for beginner and advanced divers alike. Another place that comes highly recommended is Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This sanctuary starts in Key Largo and then stretches the entire length of the islands, offering some of the most sought after diving in the world.

Statue of Christ of the Abyss is an eerily magnificent site to dive. Located 25 feet beneath the surface, the statue is prominent and distinct. Divers also love this site because it features canyons and trenches to be explored, and a large variety of eagle rays and sea turtles.

Then there is the Pillar Patch, an enchanted place where you will find beautifully colored coral rising up from the floor, almost like cactus on the desert floor. For shipwrecks, we suggest you make time to visit the Elbow, also in the Upper Keys area. The penetration is outstanding and the overall experience unbelievable. All of these areas offer wonderful visibility, which makes the diving experience unrivaled.

Located in the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary is 5.3 nautical miles of sculpted reef, the Stargazer. Just five miles off Key West, this reef includes a series of replicated star constellations once used for sea navigation. If it is diving in waters with colorful marine life and coral, then this is the place to be.

Last, in the central region of the Pan Handle you can find over 1,000 diving springs. Some are located on private land, while others are located in National or State parks and reserves. Many divers visit Blue Springs because of an incredible once in a life time experience: the migration of the manatees. Other favorite diving sites in Florida include Turtle Reef with a depth of 25 feet, Carysfort Reef that has a diving range up to 70 feet, Carysfort South with a diving depth of 20 feet, the Elbow, as mentioned, which is up to 35 feet deep, and the Dry Rocks in Key Largo, with a depth of 25 feet. For more advanced divers who like to dive in deeper waters, you should visit Adolphus Busch, which has water depths up to 110ft, or Outside Reefs and Western Dry Rocks up to 210 feet depths.

One of the best areas to scuba dive within North America is in the Florida Keys, a long string of islands just south of Miami. For any scuba diver traveling to southern Florida, even a quick day trip to the Florida Keys is worthwhile. Theres great scuba diving all along the Keys from the first community of Key Largo, through to the middle at Marathon and all the way to the end where Key West is located. One can get to Key Largo in about 45 minutes from Miami and the protected Pennekamp marine park in the surrounding waters offers much more marine life to see than the waters off Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Key Largo in particular is a scuba divers town with numerous dive operators and some retailers who carry diving equipment and gear.

One of the great things about scuba diving in the Florida Keys is the variety of dive sites for every level of diver. Many of the nicest coral reefs loaded with fish are located in beginner level dive sites like Molasses Reef and French Reef. With depths of 30 to 50 feet, these are perfect dive sites for newly certified scuba divers as well as those who wish to do night dives. Theres even some good wreck diving in shallow dive sites like the Benwood wreck where the resident marine life will not disappoint any diver. For more advanced divers, there are some spectacular deep dives featuring large wrecks like the Duane, a former coast guard ship sitting upright. The most recent ship that was sunk for scuba diving is the Spiegel Grove which again is for advanced divers.

Many scuba divers from North America and other parts of the world come to the Florida Keys for their open water certification dives as well as more advanced training. Accommodations are plentiful right in the communities along the Keys and range from simple motels all the way up to high end resorts. Many have special packages just for scuba divers where theres an arrangement with one of the local dive operators. Theres also relatively inexpensive accommodations in Florida City which is the closest community back in the Florida mainland about 20 minutes from Key Largo. After the day of diving, there are lots of restaurants serving fresh seafood for even the hungriest of divers.

Another attractive feature of Florida Keys diving is the cost. Especially for the quality of the dive sights, the cost of diving here is lower than in many of the Caribbean destinations like the Bahamas and Cayman Islands. For those who are not ready to try scuba diving, there are some decent sites to snorkel in the Keys including one of the best in the U.S. at Looe Key. The marine life that can be seen here has convinced quite a few snorkellers to finally pursue scuba diving certifications. The Florida Keys has enough other activities to do besides scuba diving to keep non-divers busy. Theres interesting shopping, water sports, beaches (near the western part) and even two places to interact with dolphins. Of course, theres also the funky scene at Key West.

The one aspect about scuba diving in the Florida Keys that some divers may not like is that the dives are not guided by divemasters from the various scuba operators. Divers who are used to following a local divemaster like the diving in destinations like Cozumel, will just have to team up in buddy groups here in the Keys. Despite this drawback, the Florida Keys still offers great tropical scuba diving without leaving the USA.

Nestled off the southwest coast of Florida, Sanibel Island is blessed with beautiful resorts that offer access to the islands unspoiled white sand beaches and the best shelling in the world. Most of the Sanibel Island, Florida resorts cater services to families, but there are also others that provide services for the adventurers and the romantics.

If you are currently searching for the active, top-rated Sanibel Island, Florida resorts, a few of them are mentioned below, so you better read on.

West Wind Inn Resort

Of the 43 hotels in Sanibel Island, the West Wind Inn currently ranks number one. Well, this top-rated Sanibel Island, Florida resort is actually located on the Gulf of Mexico. It has long been regarded as one of the best resorts in the tropics as West Wind Inn offers the gorgeous sunsets, miles of beaches to explore, and a safe and secluded place to renew your spirit. The West Wind Inn is a casual Sanibel Island, Florida resort offering you a stress-free environment and a professional friendly staff at your service.

Sundial Beach and Golf Resort

The Sundial Beach and Golf Resort is but acclaimed as the most complete Sanibel Island, Florida resort, and the centerpiece of Sanibel. According to some reviews, there is virtually no end to the activities at this Sanibel Island, Florida resorts, making the entire Sanibel a natural playground. From Sundial, you can feel the white sand beaches between your toes, take a refreshing swim in the blue green waters, and even bike the miles of paved paths around the island. In addition, you can enjoy a variety of cuisine from their restaurants. Sundial Beach and Golf Resort even offers five pools, kids club, fitness center and the only PGA golf courses. And, after your tiring day, you can relax at the luxurious and comfortable rooms of Sundial Sanibel Island, Florida resort that are just located steps from the Gulf.

South Seas Island Resort

The South Seas Island Resort is particularly well-known for its newest dining options and great accommodations. Well, this Sanibel Island, Florida resort is the newest resort available. Its setting redefines the luxury Sanibel Island, Florida resort experience with more than $140 million in renovations talking place throughout the property. In addition, the South Seas Island Resort owns a Gulf front gold course for you to play your favorite golf game.

Best Western Sanibel
Best Western Sanibel has long been considered as one of the most blessed Sanibel Island, Florida resorts, because here, the sky and the sea meet for the islands favorite sunsets. Its no wonder then that this Sanibel Island, Florida resort is called the sunset beach resort. The Best Western Sanibel also boasts a serene dcor of its renovated rooms, making the rooms a perfect atmosphere for your vacation paradise.

Casa Ybel Resort and Spa

Casa Ybel Resort and Spa is one of Sanibel Islands most well-known resorts. This is actually an all condo property that sits on 23 acres of beach front property on the historic site of the islands beach front hotel, the Thistle Lodge. At this Sanibel Island, Florida resort, you can enjoy wonderful cuisine and the magnificent Gulf views. Also, the townhouse units of Casa Ybel provide more privacy after your tiring day on the beach.

Searching for a perfect, quiet retreat in Sanibel Island, Florida? Are you ready for a quiet, yet enjoyable getaway? If so, then why dont you consider the Seahorse Sanibel Island, Florida cottages?

On the most basic, the Seahorse Sanibel Island, Florida cottages are one of the most well-known and acclaimed tranquil vacation destinations in the world. The cottages are nestled in a lush garden of tropical plants and palms, just 200 feet from the beach on San Carlos Bay. Also, the Seahorse Sanibel Island, Florida cottages are located just on a short quiet lane connecting the bay and the Gulf of Mexico with beaches at each end. At these nearby beaches, you can find the worlds best shelling.

The Seahorse Sanibel Island, Florida cottages can also be found in the heart of Old Town Sanibel on Sanibel Island. It offers a very convenient access to the historic lighthouse of Sanibel, the fishing pier, gnarley woods nature trails, charter guides, boat rentals, and the islands marina. And, perhaps whats nice about these Sanibel Island, Florida cottages is that complimentary bicycles are available for rent. You can then view bike the islands over 30 miles of bike paths.

The Seahorse Sanibel Island, Florida cottages are generally classified according to sizes. There are actually four different sizes of their Sanibel Island, Florida cottages: two bedroom, deluxe one bedroom, one bedroom and studio. Aside from these, they also have ground level and attached cottages that are designed for adults. According to some reviews, the Sanibel Island, Florida cottages of Seahorse Cottages have their own particular charm, attractive island dcor, antique oak furnishings, central air conditioning, and paddle fans cooling each room.

Furthermore, all of the Seahorse Sanibel Island, Florida cottages have ceramic tile floors, cable television, DVD and VCRs, individually controlled central air conditioning and heat, queen beds, bath with shower stall, porches and private front, as well as back entrances. The Seahorse Sanibel Island, Florida cottages also offer suites that are comfortably furnished. Each suite has its own living room, bedroom, kitchen and bath. They also have heated pool that lies in a garden setting with barbeque facilities.

To sum it up, here is a list of what the Seahorse Sanibel Island, Florida cottages have offered for their guests:

* An intimate tranquil accommodation designed for adults
* Complimentary bicycles, beach umbrellas, sand chairs, and beach towels
* High speed wireless internet access
* Hammock
* Secluded small heated pool
* Phones and answering machined in room
* Solid carbon water filters in the kitchen
* Coin operated laundry
* Outdoor charcoal barbeque grill
* Shell cleaning table

At Seahorse Sanibel Island, Florida cottages, whether you choose to start your day with breakfast you fix in your fully appointed kitchen or stroll around the corner to a restaurant or deli, it will surely be the start of your wonderful day. The life at Seahorse Sanibel Island, Florida cottages is quiet, mostly uncrowded, a little sleepy and moves about as slow or as fast as you want it to. The Seahorse Sanibel Island, Florida cottages are really a great place to visit and stay, so why would you want to be anywhere else?