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Central East: The Treasure Coast
The Treasure Coast is named for gold and silver coins lost by shipwrecked Spanish galleons. A
piece of that history can be found in Fort Pierce. The Urca de Lima, was part of the 1715 Spanish merchant fleet struck by a fierce hurricane. The wreck lies offshore in 10 to 15 feet of water. Today it's an underwater archeological preserve. Other area dive sites include the Old South Bridge in 30- to 40-foot-deep water, the Hasley Wreck in 80-foot-deep water, and several other beach and deep-water sites. <http://www.stluciechamber.org/tourism.html>
Sites like Urca de Lima are protected by Florida laws, which forbid unauthorized disturbance,
excavation or removal of artifacts. But, while you may not cash in on the area's lost gold and silver, you can take advantage of some of its other treasures. The Daytona Beach area, for example includes more than a dozen artificial reef sites with several more in the planning stages. The sites, which start from five miles offshore, let divers see aquatic life up close. Be sure to dive the 195-foot steel barge Argoil, 11 miles offshore from Ponce Inlet buoy. <http://www.daytonabeach.com/>
Or if freshwater is more to your taste, De Leon Springs State Recreation Area in De Leon Springs
offers springs for exploring. While, Blue Springs State Park near Orange City has swimming and diving in its crystal clear, 72-degree waters. <http://www.dep.state.fl.us/>
Note: Divers must register at the entrance station with an up-to-date certification card and a partner.
(Swimming or diving with the manatees is not permitted.) |
