by Captain Bill Warren

This area of the Gulf of Mexico has much to offer the scuba diver and snorkeler. 

Unofficially known as “The Jewfish capital of the world”, these huge fish are found on most dive sites and are practically guaranteed on the Big Carlos Barge dive.  Ranging in size from 100-800 pounds, the largest Jewfish are about the size of a Volkswagen Beetle!

The lucky scuba diver that dives in the Big Carlos Triangle finds three wreck dives in only 30 feet of water, allowing long bottom times.  Covered in soft corals of vibrant greens, yellows, oranges, blues and reds, a variety of juvenile tropical fish, nudibranchs, sea urchins, and starfish also make their home on these wrecks.  Many shells not typically found on the beach can be seen on the sandy bottom, as well as nurse sharks napping alongside the wrecks.  A large variety of schooling fish, Barracuda, Snook, Atlantic Spadefish, Sheepshead, the unusual Lookdown, and the familiar groupers and snappers add to the beauty of the scene.  At times, these fish are so plentiful that you’ll feel as if you’re part of the school itself!  During September and October, groups of Spotted Eagle Rays can be seen gracefully swimming over the wrecks.

Since there are no natural hard coral reefs in this area, Lee County has supplied us with many artificial reefs.  The largest and most interesting is Edison Reef, consisting of the remains of the old Edison Bridge, which spanned the Caloosahatchee River between Fort Myers and North Fort Myers.  When the bridge was dismantled, 25,000 tons of concrete and other remnants were dropped in 40 feet of water.  As the huge concrete slabs fell towards the bottom, many of them stacked on top of each other, creating 10-15 foot high piles with swim-throughs and overhangs.  A fun and fascinating coral-encrusted site, it’s difficult to discern that this is not a natural reef!  The fish are abundant and there’s also a good chance to see Manta Rays and Sharks.

Snorkelers can experience a beautiful, thriving reef located in San Carlos Bay in only 5 to 10 feet of water, covered with hard and soft corals, teeming with tropical fish and a few of the big game fish that are typically found in this area.  And occasionally a lobster is spotted!  The bottom is covered with huge barrel sponges and sea grasses that at times reach the surface.

Water temperature and visibility varies with the season.  Summertime water temperatures are in the high 80’s with visibility about 15 feet; in the winter, visibility is 25 feet with the temperatures in the low 60’s.

The colorful and interesting sites in the nearby Gulf are shallow with usually no current, providing a fun excursion for both experienced and novice divers and snorkerlers.  So if you haven’t been in the water for a while, this is a great place to get started again!

Sorry, but since we no longer dive charter, you'll need your own boat. Click on this link, LEE COUNTY REEFS, for info about and locations of all Lee County artificial reefs. Have fun!!