Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest Set for Oct. 19 in Key Largo

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — Divers interested in participating in the 26th annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest Saturday, Oct. 19, should pack their creativity along with their dive gear for the quirky event in Key Largo waters. 

Crafty carvers are to descend 30 feet beneath the surface in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 

Their task: transform the naturally buoyant pumpkins into masterful sculptures incorporating the theme of “Creatures from the Black Lagoon” — or, if they prefer, carve traditional jack-o’-lanterns’ toothy grins.

As dive knives pare away stringy shreds of pumpkin flesh, quick-swimming reef fish typically dart in for a closer look and a nibble before the tidbits float away.

Divers can join in to celebrate the fall harvest fun with Amoray Dive Resort, located at mile marker 104.5 bayside. 

Carvers of the top three pumpkins chosen by judges win prizes, including a first-place dive trip for two. 

The entry fee is $99 per certified diver for the two-location dive including tanks, weights and a pumpkin ready for carving. For $69 per person, snorkelers are welcome to observe the underwater carvers in action and explore the reef. 

Check-in is at 12:30 p.m. and the boat departs at 1 p.m.

All activities are conducted under a Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary permit. 

Space is limited, so contestant divers are encouraged to sign up early for the special pre-Halloween event by calling the Amoray Dive Center at 305-451-3595.

 Event information: amoray.com/scuba-diving or 305-451-3595