Divers frequently praise the FPL Exhaust Stacks for their rich marine life, excellent visibility, and the unique experience of diving an artificial reef structure.

Article at a Glance

• Location: Situated off the coast of Miami, Florida, the FPL Exhaust Stacks are part of an artificial reef program.
• Depth: The dive site is approximately 40-60 feet deep, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced divers.
• Visibility: Divers can typically enjoy excellent visibility, often ranging from 75 to 100 feet.
• Unique Structures: The site features 40 steel exhaust stacks, each measuring 8x13x21 feet, creating an intriguing underwater landscape.
• Marine Life: Expect to encounter a variety of marine species, including tropical fish, nurse sharks, and moray eels.
• Best Diving Season: The optimal time to dive is from late spring to early fall (May to October) when water temperatures are warmest.
• Photography Opportunities: The clear waters and unique structures provide excellent conditions for underwater photography.

FPL Exhaust Stacks Miami

The FPL Exhaust Stacks are artificial reef structures located off the coast of Miami, Florida. They consist of steel exhaust stacks sunk to create habitat for marine life and diving opportunities.

Key details about the FPL Exhaust Stacks dive site:

• Depth: 40-60 feet (12-18 meters)
• Structure: 83 steel tanks/exhaust stacks, each measuring 8x13x21 feet3
• Location: Off the coast of Miami, exact GPS coordinates not provided in search results
• Skill level: Suitable for intermediate divers due to depth

The exhaust stacks were intentionally sunk as part of Miami’s artificial reef program, which has created over 75 dive-worthy wrecks and reef structures in the area. These structures attract a variety of marine life and provide interesting topography for divers to explore.

When diving the FPL Exhaust Stacks, divers can expect to see:

• Various species of tropical fish
• Possible sightings of larger pelagic fish
• Marine growth on the steel structures

What Marine Life Can I Expect To See?

Marine Species

• Tropical Fish: Large schools of various tropical fish species
• Nurse Sharks: Often found sleeping in crevasses and around the structures
• Moray Eels: Potential sightings in and around the steel stacks
• Pelagic Fish: Possible encounters with larger marine species

Dive Site Characteristics

The FPL Exhaust Stacks consist of 40-83 steel exhaust stacks (depending on the source), each measuring 8x13x21 feet. These artificial reef structures provide an excellent habitat for marine life, creating an underwater environment that attracts numerous species.

Diving Conditions

• Depth: Approximately 40-60 feet
• Visibility: Often excellent, with Miami waters providing up to 75-100 feet of visibility
• Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate divers

What Do Divers Say About This Site?

Overall Experience

• Marine Life: Divers appreciate the abundance of marine life, including schools of tropical fish, nurse sharks, and moray eels. The structure of the stacks creates an ideal habitat for various species, making each dive unique and exciting.
• Visibility: Many divers note that the visibility at this site is often excellent, typically ranging from 75 to 100 feet, which enhances the overall diving experience and allows for clear views of the underwater ecosystem.

Site Features

• Artificial Reef: The stacks are part of Miami’s artificial reef program, which divers find appealing as it contributes to marine conservation while providing excellent diving opportunities. The structures create interesting underwater topography that divers enjoy exploring.
• Accessibility: Located close to Miami’s coast, the FPL Exhaust Stacks are easily accessible for divers, making them a popular choice for both local and visiting divers looking for a quick dive trip.

Recommendations

• Skill Level: While the site is suitable for intermediate divers due to its depth (40-60 feet), many recommend it for those looking to advance their skills in a vibrant marine environment. Divers often suggest planning dives during times of good weather to maximize enjoyment.

Key Information

Highlights of Diving This Site?

Unique Structure

• Artificial Reef: The site features 40 steel exhaust stacks, each measuring 8x13x21 feet, creating an intriguing underwater landscape that attracts diverse marine life.

Marine Life

• Biodiversity: Divers frequently encounter a variety of species, including tropical fish, nurse sharks, and moray eels. The stacks provide a habitat for numerous fish and invertebrates, enhancing the diving experience.

Visibility and Conditions

• Excellent Visibility: The water conditions often boast visibility of 75 to 100 feet, allowing divers to fully appreciate the underwater scenery and marine life.

Accessibility

• Convenient Location: Situated close to Miami’s coast, the FPL Exhaust Stacks are easily accessible for both local and visiting divers, making them a convenient dive destination.

Diving Experience

• Variety of Dives: The site is suitable for intermediate divers, offering opportunities for exploration and skill development in a vibrant marine environment. Many divers report enjoying the topography and the chance to see large schools of fish.

Iconic Spots At This Site

• Steel Exhaust Stacks: The site consists of 40 steel exhaust stacks, each measuring 8x13x21 feet. These structures create a unique underwater landscape that serves as an artificial reef, attracting diverse marine life.
• Marine Life Hotspot: The stacks are known for their rich biodiversity. Divers often encounter schools of tropical fish, nurse sharks, and moray eels. The presence of various species makes each dive an exciting adventure.
• Visibility: The site typically boasts excellent visibility, often reaching up to 100 feet, allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant underwater scenery and marine life.
• Underwater Topography: The arrangement of the stacks creates interesting swim-throughs and hiding spots for marine creatures, enhancing the exploration experience for divers.
• Accessibility: Located just off the coast of Miami, the FPL Exhaust Stacks are easily accessible, making them a popular choice for both local and visiting divers.

Environmental Conservation Efforts at FPL Exhaust Stacks

The FPL Exhaust Stacks dive site is part of Miami’s artificial reef program, which has significant environmental conservation benefits:

Habitat Creation

The 40 steel exhaust stacks, each measuring 8x13x21 feet, were intentionally sunk to create new marine habitats. This artificial reef structure provides:

• Shelter and breeding grounds for various fish species
• Surfaces for coral and other marine organisms to colonize

Marine Life Protection

By creating new habitats, the FPL Exhaust Stacks contribute to:

• Increased biodiversity in the area
• Support for threatened marine species

Sustainable Tourism

The site promotes eco-friendly diving tourism by:

• Offering an alternative to natural reefs, reducing pressure on fragile ecosystems
• Providing educational opportunities for divers to learn about marine conservation

Repurposing Industrial Materials

By repurposing industrial exhaust stacks as an artificial reef, this project demonstrates effective recycling of materials that might otherwise become waste.

Maximizing Your Diving Experience at FPL Exhaust Stacks

Plan Your Dive

• Depth: The site is located at 40-60 feet, suitable for intermediate divers.
• Visibility: Miami waters often offer excellent visibility of 75-100 feet, enhancing your underwater experience.

Explore the Structures

• Steel Stacks: There are 40 steel exhaust stacks, each measuring 8x13x21 feet. Take time to explore the unique topography they create.
• Swim-throughs: Look for interesting swim-throughs and crevices between the stacks.

Observe Marine Life

• Tropical Fish: Keep an eye out for large schools of various tropical fish species.
• Nurse Sharks: These are often found resting in and around the structures.
• Moray Eels: Search for these elusive creatures hiding in the nooks of the stacks.

Photography Opportunities

• Bring an underwater camera to capture the vibrant marine life and unique artificial reef structures.
• The excellent visibility makes this site ideal for underwater photography.

Safety Considerations

• Always dive with a buddy and follow proper diving protocols.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid touching or disturbing the marine life.

Capturing Memories at FPL Exhaust Stacks: Photography Tips

Understand Lighting Conditions

• Ambient Light: The quality of light underwater changes with depth. Use natural light effectively by diving during midday when sunlight is strongest.
• Strobes and Flash: Consider using strobes to illuminate subjects. Two strobes positioned at angles can help reduce backscatter while providing even lighting. Experiment with diffusers for softer light or without them for more dramatic effects1

Camera Settings

• Adjust Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO: Ensure your camera settings are optimized for underwater conditions. A faster shutter speed can help freeze motion, while a wider aperture allows more light in, creating a shallow depth of field for artistic shots.
• Use Manual Mode: If comfortable, switch to manual mode to have full control over exposure settings, allowing you to adapt to varying light conditions effectively.

Composition Techniques

• Focus on Subjects: Capture the vibrant marine life like tropical fish, nurse sharks, and moray eels that inhabit the stacks. Frame your shots to highlight these creatures against the unique structures of the exhaust stacks.
• Include Context: Incorporate elements of the stacks in your shots to provide context and depth. Use leading lines created by the stacks to draw the viewer’s eye into the photograph.

Equipment Considerations

• Use a Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens can help capture more of the scene, especially when photographing larger structures or schools of fish.
• Bring a Macro Lens: For detailed shots of smaller marine life or textures on the stacks, a macro lens can provide stunning close-ups.

Practice Good Diving Techniques

• Stabilize Your Position: Maintain buoyancy control to avoid stirring up sediment, which can cause backscatter in your images.
• Plan Your Shots: Before diving, visualize the types of shots you want to capture. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the stacks to maximize your time underwater.

Post-Dive Editing

• Edit Thoughtfully: Use photo editing software to enhance colors and contrast. Adjusting white balance can help correct color shifts that occur underwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami Dive Sites

•  Neptune Memorial Reef
• Army Tanks (two M60 tanks)
• FPL Exhaust Stacks
• Rickenbacker Fishing Pier
• Rock Pile
• The North Pipe
• Stargazer Reef
• Buoy Reef 1, 2, and 3
• Rocky Reef 1 and 2
• Bache Shoal 1, 2, and 3
• Triumph Reef
• Bowles Bank
• POM Mitigation Reef B