Scuba Diving Santa Brings Joy to Divers and Denizens of the Deep

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — In addition to the spectacular marine life divers and snorkelers can encounter in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, over the years numerous December reports have surfaced about underwater encounters with a holiday icon: a scuba diving Santa Claus.

And yes, Virginia, there really is a scuba diving Santa Claus.

A member of Captain Slate’s Scuba Adventures in the Upper Keys community of Tavernier dons a red Santa suit and white beard each year to offer underwater photo opportunities and help promote awareness about a fundraiser for a local children’s charity, Kids in Special Situations. 

On Christmas Day, Slate’s dive shop is to offer a special morning coral reef excursion for divers and snorkelers to join and raise money to help the nonprofit purchase gifts for needy children.

Propelled by an undersea scooter instead of reindeer, and likely accompanied by “elfin” helpers, St. Nick is to bring seasonal cheer to dive participants and the marine inhabitants of the sanctuary off Key Largo.

For over 30 years the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has protected the continental United States' only living coral barrier reef and the waters surrounding the island chain. Sanctuary boundaries stretch from Key Largo in the Upper Keys to the Dry Tortugas, 70 miles west of Key West.

Captain Slate’s Scuba Adventures is located at 90791 Old Highway #1. Divers interested in booking the Christmas day dive can find out more and make reservations by calling 305-451-3020.