The Florida Keys are a haven for scuba divers. The islands are surrounded by the purple reefs that gives Islamorada its name and a wide variety of marine animals. But what’s a diver to do on a day when the seas are a bit too rough, or they need to off-gas the nitrogen in their system?
Opened in 2005 by two passionate divers, Drs. Joseph and Sally Bauer, the History of Diving Museum houses a vast array of diving equipment. The collection includes everything from recreations of diving historical methods—including a one-person submarine fashioned from a wooden barrel—to the present day, with an emphasis placed on commercial diving.
The museum’s exterior belies its internal size. There are a surprising number of exhibits, spanning underwater photography, deep sea exploration, helping the disadvantaged to dive, diving’s most famous depictions in pop culture, and coral reef restoration. It also houses an extensive reference library of diving-related material and hosts guest speakers monthly.
The museum is open daily from 10 to 5, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Entry for adults is $12 (with $2 off for merely mentioning the discount described on their website) with further discounts available for groups, children, seniors and veterans.
