Uncommon Waters

While our reefs caused hundreds of shipwrecks and sent Spanish doubloons, Aztec gold and Inca treasures to the bottom of the sea, our true treasures are the reefs themselves.

The waters around our uncommon island are a National Marine Sanctuary created to protect North America's only living coral reef. The colors and formations are dazzling. Pillar, brain, elkhorn and staghorn coral, sea anemones, parrotfish and ornamental tropical fish. Even the impressive rays, barracudas and moray eels are as curious about you as you are about them.

You don't have to be a Jacques Costeau to see this eighth wonder of the world. The reef is so close to the surface in many areas that you can see it from a glass bottom boat. Or, explore it with just a snorkel, dive mask and a pair of fins. Even in shallow depths, you can experience the true wonder of the reef.

For the certified diver, the choices are unlimited. Shallow reefs with an incredible display of coral formations and abundant sea life. Shipwrecks in depths from 30 to 90 feet lure you to swim with the local residents - tame jewfish, moray eels and angelfish.

Hundreds of snorkel and dive sites are just off shore. And they all offer you easy access to a sight not to be missed in our uncommon waters.