Underwater Pumpkin Carving in the Keys

Divers can compete to wow judges with jolly jack-o-lanterns during the anticipated “2018 Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest” on Saturday, Oct. 14 in the idyllic waters off Key Largo. Strapped with dive knives as tools and creative ideas in their heads, crafty carvers are to descend 30 feet beneath the surface in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, tasked with transforming the naturally buoyant pumpkins into masterful sculptures with frightening facial features.

As shreds of pumpkin flesh float away from the two-person teams’ knife-paring action, quick-swimming reef fish typically dart in for a nibble and a closer look. The top three buddy teams who create pumpkins worthy of praise from the experienced judges (who double as the crew of the Amoray Diver dive boat) can win prizes including a dive trip for two and swag.

Event information: amoray.com or 800-426-6729

Key Largo visitor information: fla-keys.com/keylargo or 800-822-1088