Florida's Unique New Art Exhibit Is An Underwater Gem Snorkelers And Divers Will Love

While Miami is known for its vibrant Cuban culture, miles of beaches, and exciting nightlife, it's also a major hub for art. In fact, some of the hottest tourist attractions in Miami include art, both inside museums or out on the streets. However, you'll have to go offshore to discover the city's newest art installation — and bring snorkel equipment.

Under the ocean's surface and around 780 feet from the sands of South Beach, there are 22 concrete sculptures made to look like cars. Such sculptures against the backdrop of Florida's gorgeous underwater seascapes truly create something otherworldly. The project is called "Concrete Coral," and Leandro Erlich is the world-renowned artist behind it.

His work is located all over the world, and just like "Concrete Coral," they're often out in the open rather than in a museum. Prestigious masterminds aside, what makes "Concrete Coral" all the more intriguing is its positive environmental impacts. Each car features lab-grown coral plants that can spur on more coral reproduction.

"Concrete Coral" was made in partnership with ReefLine, a nonprofit organization working to support biodiversity along Florida's coast. Something integral to this biodiversity is coral, because other life forms rely on its existence. As coral reefs die due to rising ocean temperatures, ReefLine hopes their science-meets-art endeavors will raise awareness for the importance of coral in ocean ecosystems.

Environmental awareness is also why the sculptures are made to look like cars, as this mode of transportation is known for its negative climate effects. The coral plants on the "Concrete Coral" cars are from ReefLine's Miami Native Coral Lab. In the future, ReefLine plans to add more art installations with coral growth technology.

An attraction of such a large scale is surprisingly accessible for snorkelers. The water around "Concrete Coral" is only 15 to 20 feet deep, and there are multiple ways to reach it. One of them is simply swimming or paddling out to it yourself. After all, it's free to visit. ReefLine also takes visitors to "Concrete Coral" on boats for their "Art and Science Discovery Dives" four times per week.

"Concrete Coral" joins a list of submerged art pieces that divers and snorkelers love to see on their aquatic adventures. Near Key Largo, you'll do more than catch a glimpse of Florida's coral reef at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

When exploring the water at this marine park, keep your eye out for a nearly nine-foot-tall bronze statue of Jesus Christ. The coastal waters of Grayton Beach State Park are home to the Underwater Museum of Art. The sculptures here are from multiple artists, and also help the spread of coral.

Due to the fragile nature of coral reefs, ReefLine wants to remind "Concrete Coral" visitors of the ways to protect coral and other wildlife when snorkeling. Use mineral-based sunscreen 30 minutes before entering the water to allow full absorption. Wear swim clothing with more coverage to minimize your sunscreen needs. Try not to stir up sand with your flippers too. Keeping this in mind will also help you maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Of course, precautions like these apply to any undersea adventure.