Story perspectives

Santa’s Dive Celebrates 35 Years of Coral Reef Protection

12/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary hosted Santa Claus's dive on December 20, 2025, under 76-degree conditions.
Spencer Slate, portraying Santa, was joined by underwater elves and a mermaid at Pleasure Reef.
They interacted with marine life, including a giant green moray eel and a Goliath grouper named Peanut.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the dive and sanctuary, underscoring ongoing protection of North America's only living coral reef.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary hosted Santa Claus's dive on December 20, 2025, under 76-degree conditions.
Spencer Slate, portraying Santa, was joined by underwater elves and a mermaid at Pleasure Reef.
They interacted with marine life, including a giant green moray eel and a Goliath grouper named Peanut.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the dive and sanctuary, underscoring ongoing protection of North America's only living coral reef.