COVID-19 travel restrictions and border closings are constantly evolving. There is no guarantee that the dive sites mentioned within this article will be open at your time of travel.

Jump into an underwater ­wilderness at the top of the Keys — just over an hour from Miami by car — any time of the year for adventures as ambitious or lighthearted as you choose. Divers of any age can give back to an ecosystem that’s home to the world’s largest ­coral-restoration project.

If You Have One Day

Participate in the Coral Restoration Foundation’s dive program and learn about the significant positive impact we can make on our oceans. This program is designed for the whole family, and it can be a rewarding, meaningful way for your vacation to benefit the oceans. The ­program begins with an educational ­experience at the CRF Exploration Center and ends with dives to outplant on the reefs or monitor the largest coral-tree nursery in the world. Soak in the experience at the iconic Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen with the restaurant’s famous Key lime pie.

If You Have Two Days

Explore the Florida Keys National ­Marine Sanctuary and visit the iconic Christ of the Deep statue by Guido ­Galletti. This bronze cast can be overlooked as ­touristy but is an experience worth ­seeing at least once. Since charters stay nearshore, multiple sites can be ­visited in one day. Drum, pipefish and other tropical fish inhabit local reefs, ­including Mike’s Wreck on Elbow Reef. Marine life varies by day, but intimate encounters with residents such as southern ­stingrays can bring joy to any dive. End each day exploring John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park or taking in the sunset at Sundowners restaurant.

If You Have Three Days

Complete the Key Largo experience with advanced wreck diving on ships including the USS Spiegel Grove or ­USCGC Duane. These massive artificial reefs were sunk as part of the Upper Keys ­Artificial Reef Foundation program. They ­illuminate history while engaging both ­recreational and technical divers. Significant ­penetration dives are possible, especially on the ­Spiegel Grove. This ship is so massive that multiple buoys mark descent lines to various sections of the wreck. While the Snoopy plaque and American flag are renowned, the other sites are as numerous and varying as the grouper found lurking in the depths.

Need To Know

When to Go: Conditions are best during ­summer but are favorable year-round.

Dive Conditions: Water temps can range from the low 70s in winter to low 80s in summer, with visibility ranging from 40 to 100 feet, depending on the weather.

Operators: Horizon Divers offers charters and rentals year-round, with the full array of Key Largo ­highlights for recreational divers; technical diving services are also available.