A Fort Myers Diving Guide to the Best Dive Sites, Wrecks & Expert Tips

Discover the best dive sites in Fort Myers, from WWII wrecks to reefs and natural springs, plus tips for safe, unforgettable Gulf dives.

Mountains and trails may be majestic, but the Gulf of Mexico has a different kind of magic, especially off the coast of Fort Myers.

Here, warm turquoise waters hide coral-encrusted shipwrecks, playful schools of fish, and quiet artificial reefs that feel like hidden underwater cities. The rhythm of life slows as you descend, bubbles rising through shafts of sunlight and sea fans swaying gently in the current.

Fort Myers is the perfect dive destination for adventurers seeking variety, from beginner-friendly reefs to deep-water wrecks, plus unique sites like sinkholes and natural hot springs. Add easy access to professional dive shops, year-round good weather, and plenty of local charm on shore, and you have a dive trip worth traveling for.

In a hurry? Here’s a gist of what there is to do before you plan your next underwater adventure

• Discover Why Fort Myers is a Diver’s Dream: Learn what makes this Gulf Coast destination perfect for underwater adventure.
  
  
• Dive the Legendary USS Mohawk: Explore this WWII ship turned artificial reef and veterans memorial.
  
  
• Swim Through the Bay Ronto Wreck: Experience one of the Gulf’s most dramatic shipwrecks.
  
  
• Explore Artificial Reefs and Coral Habitats: Visit Edison Reef, Belton Johnson Reef, and the incredible ARC Reef.
  
  
• Descend into the Blue Hole: Check out this natural sinkhole and its coral-lined limestone walls.
  
  
• Relax at the Saltwater Hot Springs: Drift over warm upwellings attracting rare marine life.
  
  
• Check Conditions for the Perfect Dive: Plan around seasonal water temps and visibility.
  
  
• Book with a Fort Myers Dive Charter: Get gear, guides, and expert local knowledge for a safe trip.

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This guide covers the best dive sites, wrecks, reefs, and safety tips in Fort Myers so you can plan a successful underwater trip.

Let’s dive in (this time literally!).

1. Why Fort Myers is a Great Diving Destination

Fort Myers surprises many travelers with just how good its diving is. Unlike the busier Keys or Miami reefs, this stretch of Gulf coastline feels quieter and more intimate, with wide sandy shallows that drop off to reveal coral-encrusted wrecks, limestone ledges, and artificial reefs.

• Something for Everyone: Training sites and shallow reefs cater to beginners, while advanced divers can explore deep wrecks and overhead environments.
  
  
• A Rich Marine World: Expect tiny, bright reef fish, barracudas on patrol, and the occasional gentle giant Goliath grouper.
  
  
• Year-Round Potential: Gulf temperatures stay diveable throughout the year, from the low 70s in winter to the mid-80s in summer.
  
  

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that the Gulf of Mexico supports over 500 fish species (FWC), so every dive brings new encounters.

2. Top Wreck Dives Near Fort Myers

Few dive experiences are as thrilling as swimming through a shipwreck, and Fort Myers offers some of the most memorable on the Gulf Coast. These wrecks are living museums, historic vessels slowly being reclaimed by the sea, now home to vibrant marine communities.

USS Mohawk

The USS Mohawk is the star of Fort Myers wreck diving. This 165-foot WWII cutter was intentionally sunk in 2012 as a veterans memorial and artificial reef.

• Depth: ~90 feet (best for advanced divers)
  
  
• Highlights: Swim past its propellers and guns, explore open companionways, and watch schools of snapper swirl around the hull.

Bay Ronto

This 400-foot freighter has an almost cinematic history, surviving a U-boat torpedo in 1918 only to sink during a hurricane a year later.

• Depth: ~105 feet, suitable for advanced divers.
  
  
• Why Dive It: Two huge overturned sections create dramatic swim-throughs, ideal for experienced wreck enthusiasts.

3. Artificial Reefs and Manmade Structures

Artificial reefs in Fort Myers show how humans can work with nature to create new habitats. Since the 1990s, Lee County has sunk bridges, towers, and other structures to form an underwater trail of thriving ecosystems.

Belton Johnson Reef

Named after a well-known fishing guide, this concrete reef is one of the closest to Sanibel Island, perfect for a half-day trip. Expect relaxed conditions and plenty of schooling fish.

Edison Reef

Built from a demolished bridge in 1993, Edison Reef has become a diver favorite. Coral growth has flourished on the old pilings, making it a hotspot for both fish and underwater photographers.

ARC Reef

Think of ARC Reef as Fort Myers’ underwater playground. This site boasts more than 14 separate structures, including cell towers and a striking 2013 sculpture. Divers love hopping from one structure to another in a single dive.

4. Unique Natural Dive Sites

Not everything here is man-made; Fort Myers also offers striking natural features that feel truly adventurous.

The Blue Hole

This sinkhole is about 100 feet wide and drops more than 150 feet into crystal-clear water. The limestone walls are covered in coral and sponges, creating a surreal environment perfect for experienced divers.

Saltwater Hot Springs

At just 40 feet deep, this warm-water site attracts species rarely seen elsewhere in the Gulf. It’s a relaxed dive that’s great for beginners and underwater photographers looking for long bottom times.

5. Seasonal Diving Conditions

Fort Myers offers year-round diving, but some seasons are better than others. Spring and fall usually bring the best combination of water clarity, temperature, and calm conditions.

Expert Tip: Always check NOAA forecasts before heading out, as Gulf storms can quickly affect visibility.

6. Dive Shops and Charters

Fort Myers is home to several reputable operators who can help plan and execute a safe, fun dive day.

• Dean’s Dive Center: Great for gear rentals and tank fills.
  
  
• H2O Offshore Adventures: Specializes in wreck trips farther offshore.
  
  
• Scuba Quest: Ideal for certification courses or refreshers.
  
  

7. Local Marine Life

Part of Fort Myers’ appeal is its abundance of life. You never quite know what’s around the next reef structure.

• Goliath Grouper – Gentle giants weighing over 300 pounds.
  
  
• Sea Turtles – Loggerheads appear during nesting season in late spring.
  
  
• Manatees and Dolphins – Spot them near brackish bays and estuaries.
  
  
• Reef Fish – From parrotfish to snappers, you’ll see plenty of color.

8. Safety Considerations

Depths around Fort Myers range from 30 to 90 feet, making site choice important.

Beginners should stick to shallower reefs, while advanced divers can explore deep wrecks. Always share your certification level with operators and follow the dive briefing carefully.

Remember:

• Depth Matters: Dive sites in Fort Myers range from 30 to 90 feet
  
  
• Match Skill to Site: Beginners stay shallow and advanced divers explore deeper wrecks
  
  
• Communicate with Operators: Always share your certification level before diving
  
  
• Follow Briefings: Stick to the dive plan for a safe, smooth experience

9. Tips for First-Time Gulf Divers

Even seasoned divers appreciate a few reminders before their first Gulf dive.

• Book in advance, especially in peak season.
• Refresh your skills if you haven’t dived in a year.
• Bring a surface marker buoy for boat traffic safety.
• Expect quick turnarounds; charter schedules are efficient.

10. Supporting Conservation

Lee County’s artificial reef program has transformed discarded materials into thriving ecosystems. As a diver, you can protect these habitats by using reef-safe sunscreen, practicing good buoyancy control, and joining local reef cleanups.

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