Safety · Destination Guide
A city base with national-park shipwrecks and reef diving in every direction
Updated Dec 13, 2025 • 14 sources
South Florida's biggest hazards are boat traffic, current, and weather. The region is also ecologically sensitive, with reefs under pressure. Follow diver-down rules, use mooring buoys, avoid touching coral, and treat wildlife encounters as look-but-dont-touch moments.
For any serious dive injury, call local emergency services first, then contact Divers Alert Network (DAN) for consultation and coordination.
Miami has hyperbaric medicine resources in the region, but the correct destination depends on the injury and medical direction. Do not self-refer to a chamber without coordination through EMS or DAN.
Boat traffic and diver-down rules
South Florida has heavy boating. Use a diver-down flag for shore entries and stay close to it. Florida law ties safety distances to 91.4 m in open water and 30.5 m in inlets and channels, so plan entries that keep you within that range.
Current and drift procedures
The Gulf Stream influence means some dives are true drift dives with live-boat pickup. Carry an SMB, stay with your buddy, and follow the captain's ascent and pickup plan.
Thunderstorms and lightning
Warm months bring fast-building storms. If you hear thunder, treat it seriously and get off the water early. Build schedule slack so you do not feel pressured to dive in marginal conditions.
Hurricane season planning
Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November. Trips can still be great, but choose refundable options and keep a land-based Plan B for any windy week.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when boat traffic and diver-down rules. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Services | Police/Fire/EMS | 911 | 24/7 |
| DAN Emergency Hotline | Dive medical advice and coordination | +1-919-684-9111 | 24/7/365 |
| Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Alert | Report stranded or injured sea turtles and other wildlife | 1-888-404-FWCC | 24/7 |
| Biscayne National Park (general information) | Park information and regulations | 786-335-3620 | Business hours vary |
| Biscayne National Park mooring buoy issues | Report broken or unsafe mooring buoy gear | 305-230-1144 | Business hours vary |