
Florida Keys & Caribbean: Why Perfect for Underwater Photography
Florida Keys & Caribbean: Why Perfect for Underwater Photography
The Florida Keys and the Caribbean are like a dream come true for underwater photographers. With their clear blue waters, colorful fish, and stunning coral reefs, these places are some of the best in the world for capturing amazing underwater photos. Whether you’re a pro or just starting, you’ll find endless beauty beneath the waves here.
This article explores why the Florida Keys and the Caribbean are so special for underwater photography. Let us look at the best spots, the incredible sea life you can photograph, and some easy tips to help you take great pictures.
Crystal-Clear Water for Stunning Photos
Stunningly clear waters of the Florida Keys and the Caribbean make them special for photographing. The ocean here is so clear that sunlight shines deep underwater, making everything look bright and colorful. Places like the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Bonaire have visibility beyond 100 feet, meaning you can take sharp, detailed photos without the water looking hazy,
Want to see stunning underwater photos from these areas? Check out the Atlantic Gallery at Lombard Underwater Photography. Their pictures show just how beautiful these waters can be.

Colorful Coral Reefs and Amazing Sea Life
The Florida Keys and Caribbean are home to some of the planet's most colorful coral reefs, with the Florida Reef Tract standing as the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S. It is packed with marine life. Meanwhile, places like Belize’s Great Blue Hole and Roatán, Honduras, feature reefs that look straight out of a movie.
Here are some of the incredible sea creatures you can photograph:
Tropical fish (like parrotfish, queen angelfish, and banded butterflyfish)
Sea turtles (green, hawksbill, and loggerhead)
Dolphins and manatees (playful and fun to capture)
Sharks, rays, and eels (for more dramatic shots)
With so much life underwater, you’ll never run out of things to photograph!
Best Spots for Underwater Photography
A. Top Locations in the Florida Keys
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Famous for its "Christ of the Abyss" statue and beautiful coral.
Molasses Reef – A great place for clear water and lots of fish.
The Vandenberg Wreck – A sunken ship that’s now an artificial reef full of marine life.
B. Must-See Places in the Caribbean
Bloody Bay Wall, Little Cayman – A stunning drop-off with bright sponges and corals.
The Blue Hole, Belize – A deep, mysterious sinkhole, ideal for adventurous photographers.
Bonaire – Known for its easy shore diving and tons of small sea creatures.
For more amazing underwater photos from these spots, visit Lombard Underwater Photography’s Atlantic Gallery.

Why These Places Are Great for Underwater Photography
A. Warm Water All Year
Unlike colder diving destinations, the Florida Keys and Caribbean maintain a warm temperature of 75°F–85°F year-round. That means you can dive comfortably without needing a thick wetsuit, making it easier to focus on taking great pictures.
B. Perfect Natural Lighting
The shallow reefs and white sandy bottoms help reflect sunlight, making the water even brighter. Early morning and late afternoon dives give the best soft, golden light for dreamy underwater photos.
C. Great for All Types of Photos
Wide-angle shots – Capture big scenes like coral reefs or schools of fish.
Macro (close-up) shots – Photograph tiny creatures like seahorses and shrimp.
Whether you like big, sweeping views or small, detailed shots, these places have it all
Easy Tips for Better Underwater Photos
Taking good underwater photos can be tricky, but these simple tips will help:
Stay Steady – Move slowly so you don’t scare fish or stir up sand.
Get Close to Your Subject – Water makes things look farther away, so swim closer for clearer shots.
Use the Sun to Your Advantage – Shoot with the sun behind you to light up your subject.
Try Different Angles – Shoot from below to silhouette fish against the surface or get eye-level with turtles.
Underwater Strobes - Critical for depths greater than 10- 15 feet to bring out the beautiful color of the marine life in a photograph.
Final Thoughts: Dive In and Start Shooting!
The Florida Keys and the Caribbean offer unparalleled opportunities for underwater photography. With their clear waters, colorful reefs, and friendly sea life, you’ll have endless opportunities to take amazing photos. Whether you explore the shipwrecks of the Keys or the coral gardens of the Caribbean, every dive will be a new adventure.
For more inspiration, visit www.lombarduwphoto.com Photography and check out their Atlantic Gallery to see what’s possible in these underwater wonderlands.
Grab your camera, dive in, and start capturing the magic beneath the waves!