Neptune Memorial Reef: The World’s First Underwater Cemetery
Off the coast of Miami lies Neptune Memorial Reef, a one-of-a-kind underwater cemetery.
This submerged cemetery spans 600,000 sq ft, transforming into the world’s largest manmade reef
Initially planned as the Lost City of Atlantis, the project was turned into a stunning underwater memorial park.
Gates, statues, and pathways—Neptune Memorial Reef looks like an underwater city, where visitors must wear scuba gear to pay their respects.
Families can choose from various memorial options, from simple plaques to elaborate statues. Ashes are mixed with special cement to create unique memorials.
Within just a year, the reef transformed into a vibrant ecosystem, home to spotted eagle rays, schools of fish, and growing coral.
Soft corals and sponges are thriving on the reef, soon to be joined by hard corals that will shape the monuments into living art.
Land mammals, divers, and marine life are flocking to explore this fascinating cemetery, making it a popular spot for underwater enthusiasts.
A study by the Department of Environmental Resource Management found thousands of marine creatures inhabiting the reef just two years after its creation.