With their favorite marine creatures in mind, a group of divers dived into the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to make underwater lanterns during the Аnnual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Competition in the waters off Key Largo.
Underwater artists of all ages used dive knives and fine carving tools to transform their pumpkins into amazing sea creatures. Nearly 15 divers also were challenged to keep the naturally buoyant pumpkins from floating off while they carved their characters. It can take upto 2 hours to carve a pumpkin underwater.
Curious fish spectators swam near to the underwater attraction, hanging around for any bits of food that floated off.
The annual contest was scheduled around October’s traditional Halloween celebrations, and was staged near a shallow coral reef about five miles off Key Largo.