Sunday Funday Beneath the Waves

Nine eager divers gathered early Sunday morning, ready to chase adventure with Horizon Divers in the vibrant waters of Key Largo. Our first stop: the Benwood Wreck—a 360-foot merchant freighter that met its fate under moonlight on April 9, 1942. Resting at a max depth of 45 feet, the Benwood was buzzing with life. Angelfish glided gracefully, snappers and grouper cruised the shadows, and even a lizardfish enjoyed a spa day with some diligent cleaner shrimp—a scene so unexpected it somehow reminded me I need to call the dentist.

With our curiosity fully piqued, we motored over to the stunning French Reef, where towering coral formations and twisting swim-throughs awaited. This underwater playground didn’t disappoint—barracuda hovered with attitude, pork fish darted through the coral, and tiny blennies peeked from holes like curious spectators. Damsel fish stood guard over thriving staghorn and elkhorn corals, while some lucky divers crossed paths with a graceful turtle and a clever lobster that had clearly dodged mini-season just days before.

It was a day packed with marine magic and history, and always leaving us with the need to come back for more.

Divers (from left) Susan Mitchell, Leah Bamford, Pam Beery, Dan Beery, Rudy Lopez, and Nancy Frank. Not pictured: Gabriel Mera Miyares, Geoff and Jenny Cheney