This weekend’s dives took the group of eight divers offshore Miami to explore three of the area’s most popular wrecks: the Orion, Princess Brittany, and the Proteus along with a bonus, the Paraiso. All sites offered ideal conditions for wreck diving, with calm seas, good visibility, and plenty of marine life to make each descent unforgettable.
Dive 1 – Orion 90ft
The first stop of the day brought us to the Orion, resting peacefully beneath the calm blue waters off Miami. Conditions could not have been better, with more than 50 feet of visibility, warm water, and absolutely no current to contend with. Sunlight pierced the surface and illuminated the wreck's structure as massive schools of fish moved effortlessly as if flowing over the sides of the coral-encrusted ship, making for an unforgettable dive and a perfect start to the adventure.
Dive 2 – Princess Brittany (Bonus: Paraiso) - 90ft
Next, we descended onto the Princess Brittany, where the pristine conditions once again made it feel as comfortable as an evening walk. Every detail of the wreck was on full display, from the coral growth spreading across the hull to the countless fish seeking shelter among its many hiding places. The stillness of the water allowed us to take our time exploring every corner of this remarkable artificial reef while also allowing for the opportunity to swim to the Paraiso, following the rebar trail to encounter yet another magnificent wreck and all its marine life.
Dive 3 – Proteus - 72ft
Our final destination was the Proteus, a fitting conclusion to an incredible day of wreck diving. With the ocean remaining calm and visibility extending well beyond 50 feet, the wreck stood out against the deep blue backdrop in stunning detail. Broken into two portions, it was surrounded by vibrant marine life including a resident golden goddess nudibranch. With ideal conditions from beginning to end, the dive served as a perfect reminder of why Miami's wrecks are among South Florida's greatest treasures.
Underwater photos by Rudy Lopez & Jean Gruss