Scuba Diving at I-1, Lynn Silvertooth SE, Cube South

Diving atI-1, Lynn Silvertooth SE, Cube South (United States)

Navigating the varied terrain of I-1, Lynn Silvertooth, divers encounter a sprawling artificial reef designed to attract marine life and test exploration skills. This site offers an opportunity to explore a thoughtfully constructed underwater environment, a deliberate contrast to natural reef formations. It's an area where the architecture of the deep creates its own unique challenges and rewards.

Tonight's objective overview for I-1, Lynn Silvertooth SE, Cube South shows an air temperature of 25.9°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.36m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.

Dive Site Coordinates

27.2844, -82.5973

Dive Site Overview

Descending into the designated I-1, Lynn Silvertooth artificial reef area, divers discover a substantial underwater habitat, developed extensively from old bridge decks of the former Ringling bridge. This site, deployed over many years, integrates a complex array of concrete reef balls, pilings, and various rubble forms, all contributing to a rich structure.

Many individual modules, including bridge decking with rails and stressing blocks, are present, creating a varied and interesting underwater topography. The entire artificial reef spans a vast 2.2 million square feet, with depths consistently around 9 m (30 ft) across its numerous sections. Divers frequently report a good amount of life congregating around these structures, making it a productive site for observation.

It's important to note that access to this site is exclusively by boat, typically located about 2.4 km (1.5 miles) west from Lido Beach.

Best Time to Dive

While diving conditions are favorable much of the year, distinct seasonal variations shape the experience at I-1, Lynn Silvertooth. Peak conditions often occur from May through September, with dive scores rated 'Excellent' during these months. Air temperatures during this period average 25.7-28.3°C (78-83°F), accompanied by minimal wave heights, generally below 1.6 feet, and lighter winds. Conversely, the cooler months from January to April and October to December still offer 'Good' diving, though with slightly lower air temperatures ranging 15.4-24.3°C (60-76°F) and potentially more significant wave action, occasionally reaching 2.5 feet. Rainfall tends to be heavier in the summer, particularly August, but doesn't typically deter diving when winds are calm.

Jan: GoodScore: 8/10
Feb: GoodScore: 8/10
Mar: GoodScore: 8/10
Apr: GoodScore: 8/10
May: ExcellentScore: 9/10
Jun: ExcellentScore: 9/10
Jul: ExcellentScore: 9/10
Aug: GoodScore: 8/10
Sep: ExcellentScore: 9/10
Oct: GoodScore: 8/10
Nov: GoodScore: 8/10
Dec: GoodScore: 8/10
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Moderate
Poor
Unsafe

Climate Historical Averages

Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.

Month
Air Temp
Max Waves
Wind Speed
Rain
January15°C0.8m23 km/h1.8 mm
February17°C0.7m21 km/h1.9 mm
March20°C0.6m23 km/h2.0 mm
April23°C0.6m24 km/h1.6 mm
May26°C0.5m20 km/h2.1 mm
June27°C0.5m20 km/h5.1 mm
July28°C0.3m18 km/h3.8 mm
August28°C0.5m21 km/h9.3 mm
September27°C0.5m20 km/h4.4 mm
October24°C0.6m24 km/h2.5 mm
November21°C0.6m20 km/h1.1 mm
December18°C0.6m21 km/h1.8 mm

Dive Experience & Conditions

Initiating a dive at I-1, Lynn Silvertooth often begins with a gentle descent into waters consistently reported around a maximum depth of 30 feet. This makes it an accessible site for various certification levels. Visibility can vary significantly, generally reported in the 0-20 foot range for similar local sites, influenced by currents and recent weather events. Exploring the extensive artificial reef, divers will navigate through numerous concrete reef balls, bridge pilings, and large sections of bridge decking, which provide considerable vertical relief, ranging from 0.6 to 4.6 m (2 to 15 ft). Calm days typically offer the best conditions for navigating the complex arrangements of the structural elements and observing marine activity.

Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines

Approaching any artificial reef environment like I-1, Lynn Silvertooth necessitates adherence to specific safety considerations. Given the nature of these structures, divers should be aware of potential entanglement hazards from discarded fishing line, as the area is popular with anglers. Due to its boat-only access, maintaining a vigilant watch for boat traffic near the surface is crucial, especially during ascent and descent. Divers should plan their bottom time conservatively, considering the site's maximum depth of 30 feet and varying visibility. Carrying a dive flag and using surface marker buoys for visibility to boaters are recommended practices.

Recommended Equipment

No verified equipment items yet.

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Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.

Recommended Dive Suit

Comfort levels can also depend on how active a diver is during the dive.

The water around I-1, Lynn Silvertooth SE, Cube South is currently holding at approximately 23°C (74°F), setting the tone for today's dives. Surface air temperatures are resting at 26°C (79°F). When water temperatures fall within this range, many divers dive comfortably with 3-5mm wetsuit.

Conditions are expected to stay fairly consistent in the days ahead.

Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.

Dive Logistics & Preparation

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Hyperbaric Chamber

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Entry Requirements

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Currency

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Nearest Airports

Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.

✈️Sarasota Bradenton International AirportSRQ
13 km
✈️St. Petersburg Clearwater International AirportPIE
70 km
✈️Punta Gorda AirportPGD
72 km

Marine Life at I-1, Lynn Silvertooth SE, Cube South

The diverse structures of the I-1, Lynn Silvertooth artificial reef create an inviting underwater landscape for various marine species. These concrete elements, ranging from bridge decks to reef balls, foster an environment that attracts a good amount of life. While specific species aren't consistently reported for this site, artificial reefs in the region generally host a variety of fish and invertebrates. Divers might encounter species commonly found on artificial structures, and some local divers have reported seeing larger fish like gags on similar pipeline mitigation reefs in Sarasota County. Exploring the substrate around the structures might also yield findings of shark teeth, a common treasure in the area.

Dive Centers Near I-1, Lynn Silvertooth SE, Cube South

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of dive site is I-1, Lynn Silvertooth?

This site is a large, established artificial reef made from various concrete materials, including bridge decks, pilings, and reef balls. It's designed to promote marine habitat and offers a diverse structure to explore underwater.

What is the typical depth at I-1, Lynn Silvertooth?

Consistently, the site's numerous modules are deployed at a maximum depth of around 30 feet. This depth makes it suitable for recreational divers of varying experience levels.

How is the visibility for diving here?

Visibility at this artificial reef can vary, similar to other local sites, often ranging between 0 and 20 feet. Conditions depend heavily on factors like recent weather and tidal movements.

What marine life can I expect to see?

The I-1, Lynn Silvertooth reef attracts a good amount of marine life due to its extensive structures. While specific reports vary, divers often observe various fish species and invertebrates commonly associated with artificial habitats in the region.

Is I-1, Lynn Silvertooth accessible from shore?

No, this is strictly a boat access dive site. It is situated approximately 2.4 km (1.5 miles) west from Lido Beach.

When is the best time of year to dive I-1, Lynn Silvertooth?

Optimal diving conditions typically occur from May through September, offering 'Excellent' dive scores with warmer air temperatures and calmer seas. However, 'Good' diving is available throughout much of the year.

Are there any hazards at this dive site?

Divers should be mindful of potential entanglement from discarded fishing line, as the site is popular with anglers. As it's boat-accessed, surface vigilance for boat traffic is also important.

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