southern diver/skin diver

BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK:

THE FORGOTTEN KEYS

When most divers think of the Florida Keys, they think of Key Largo and further southwest down the chain. Afterall, that's where US 1 begins it's trek as the Overseas Highway south through the Keys. But if you're looking for convenient Florida Keys diving, you only need to take US 1 (or the Florida Turnpike) just south of Miami to the Homestead area, turn left, and head over to Biscayne National Park. With the newly-opened Convoy Point Visitor Center and it's new diver facility, there's never been a better time to visit.

Biscayne National Park was originally established as a national monument back in 1968 and achieved national park status back in 1980. It was made a national park specifically to protect a rare combination of terrestrial and undersea life (96% of the park is underwater), to preserve a scenic subtropical setting, and to provide an outstanding spot for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other recreation.

The eastern edge of Biscayne National Park actually borders the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, making Florida's Keys a well-protected diving paradise. The 181,500-square-mile park actually includes 18 miles of the northernmost keys of the Florida Keys chain, starting just northeast of Key Largo and running all the way up to the southern end of Key Biscayne. If there's any question that you're really in the Florida Keys, just wait until you head underwater.

The sparkling new Convoy Point Visitor Center and Park Headquarters are located on the mainland, where helpful information desk rangers and ongoing displays orient visitors. But it's Biscayne Bay, the outlying keys, and the reef system that make Biscayne National Park special.

Biscayne National Underwater Park, Inc., the park's sole watersports concessionaire, is conveniently located in Convoy Point Visitor Center. Their modern dive boat and special snorkeling boat are located just outside the door. Owned and operated by Dave Inman of Hollywood's popular Divers Unlimited, they are the perfect Biscayne buddies for visiting divers is search of something different in South Florida. "In many ways, diving at Biscayne National Park is like diving further south 15 or 20 years ago," says Inman.

Marine life in the park is similar to that found further south, with lots of patch reefs, coral heads, and a profusion of fish. But one bonus is that there is actually the longest and most vertical wall diving of anywhere in the Keys. Operations manager Scott Windham raves about this unique Biscayne feature and the rest of their diving.

Called The Wall, Biscayne National Park's wall runs from about 65 to 110 feet and includes a ton of vertical coral life and passing fish, along with occasional large pelagics. In addition, a mini-wall called Park Place provides another similar wall experience from 40 to 85 feet. Other popular dive destinations in the park include: Bache Shoal and East Bache Shoal (lush soft corals); Ball Buoy Reef (elkhorn coral and lots of fish at several individual sites); the Lugana (early-1900s freighter debris at 20-30 feet); the Blue Fire (a 175-freighter intentionally sunk in 1983); Rocky (a u-shaped patch reef on the north end that's great for night dives); the St. Anne D'Audrey (a 140-foot freighter); and several other reefs and wrecks that are just starting to be explored. All of the sites feature one or more mooring buoys to protect against anchor damage.

Biscayne National Underwater Park, Inc. offers a number of money-saving packages that include diving and accommodations. In addition, all of the other activities at the park make it ideal for non-diving family members, as the shop also offers popular snorkeling trips, a glass-bottom boat tour, canoe rentals, and much more. The park's information desk, located just around the corner from the dive shop, can also help with other activities.

Out on the keys, reached only by boat (the dive shop provides a shuttle), there are many more options. Elliott Key features a free boat dock, overnight anchorage, camping, drinking water, restrooms, showers, and a self-guiding nature trail. To the north, Boca Chita Key also features a free boat dock, a picnic area, restrooms, and primitive camping, while Adams Key to the south offers a free boat dock, picnic area, restrooms, and a small nature trail. They are the perfect destinations when you're not underwater.

For further information, contact Biscayne National Park at P.O. Box 1369, Homestead, FL 33090, (305) 230-7275. Divers can contact Biscayne National Underwater Park, Inc. directly at P.O. Box 1270, Homestead, FL 33030, (305) 230-1100.