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    Diving in Florida Keys

    Diving in Florida Keys

    United States
    308 dive sites
    88 dive centres

    Why dive here

    Florida Keys offers some of United States's richest diving, with 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, seahorses and sea turtles. Water ranges 19-32°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeApr–Jun
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBull Sharks, Dolphins, Hammerhead Sharks, Seahorses and Sea Turtles · 87+ species recorded
    Water19-32°C · warmest July, August, September
    Dive sites260 sites · reef, wreck, cave
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The Keys are a classic for a reason. We love diving here for its sheer accessibility to proper reef diving, a rarity in the continental US. You can be out on the boat, splashing in, and staring down at a curious green moray or a school of jacks within an hour of leaving the dock. It’s not the wildest reef you’ll ever see, but it consistently delivers solid reef dives, especially around John Pennekamp State Park and Looe Key. Our favourite time to visit is late spring or early autumn, when the summer crowds have thinned but the water is still bathtub warm. Visibility can hit 25 metres on a good day. You’ll spend your bottom time cruising colourful shallow reefs, spotting parrotfish munching away, or keeping an eye out for a passing bonnethead shark. The wrecks, like the Spiegel Grove, are fantastic artificial reefs too, quickly becoming home to grouper and a surprising number of tenpounders. Just be mindful of currents, particularly on deeper wrecks; they can pick up fast.

    Florida Keys Dive Site Map

    Dive sites and dive centres in Florida Keys

    Florida Keys Dive Sites

    260 dive sites in Florida Keys

    1 Girón

    One Girón off the Florida Keys is definitely an interesting proposition, though it’s not your typical reef dive. We usually drop in hoping to spot something a bit different here. You’ll frequently encounter big schools of ballyhoo shimmering in the sun, and the needlefish, both hound and redfin, are almost always zipping around. It’s also a good spot to keep an eye out for larger pelagics; we’ve had silky shark sightings, and even sperm whales have been recorded in the area. This site is best for divers who appreciate the thrill of the unexpected, rather than those seeking classic coral gardens.

    9-foot Stake

    9-foot Stake is a favourite of ours for a reason. It’s got that classic Keys feel, an unexpected bounty of smaller, more unusual stuff if you take the time to really look. We often find ourselves drifting over a patchy but lively bottom, maybe 15 feet deep, watching parrotfish nibble the algae off the coral heads. It’s not a dramatic drop-off, more of a gentle slope with scattered brain and star corals that have seen some things. What really makes this spot sing are the little guys. We’ve spent entire dives here captivated by the almost translucent bodies of little post horn squid, subtly changing colours, or spotting the incredible camouflage of a plumed scorpionfish tucked against a sponge. Keep an eye out for the gaudy frog shells too; they’re surprisingly ornate for something hiding on the sand. You’ll see plenty of the usual suspects, sure, like schools of grunts hanging out, but the joy of 9-foot Stake is in the slow hunt for the less common, the things that make you pause and really appreciate the detail. It’s a superb spot for macro lovers, or anyone who enjoys a relaxed dive without the crowds, where the rewards come to those who move slowly.

    Ajax Reef

    Ajax Reef, out in the Islamorada sanctuary, often gets overshadowed by its flashier neighbours, but we think that’s a mistake. It’s not just another Florida Keys reef; it’s a living, breathing example of resilience. Drop down here and you’ll find a sprawling coral labyrinth. We love the way the light plays through the deeper channels, illuminating huge heads of rose coral and artichoke coral. Keep an eye out for the yellow stingrays often tucked into sandy patches. What makes Ajax special for us are the schools of fish – not just a few stragglers, but proper groups of ocean triggerfish and schoolmasters moving in unison. We’ve spent whole dives just watching them drift past. The harlequin bass and black margates are also a constant presence, darting between the fire coral. It’s a great spot for macro too; we’ve often found banded pipefish hiding in the gorgonians. If you’re a diver who prefers a quieter, more intimate reef experience over dramatic walls, Ajax is your kind of place. Go on a weekday morning to really have it to yourself.

    Alexander Springs

    Alexander Springs offers a different kind of dive, perfect for when you want a break from the usual ocean sites. It's a spring-fed basin, not a reef, so don't expect corals, but you'll find plenty of freshwater critters doing their thing. We often spot schools of Least Killifish darting amongst the aquatic plants, and sometimes an American eel or a Gulf Flounder makes an appearance. Visibility is generally excellent, a welcome change from some of Florida's murkier spots, and the calm environment makes it a great place to practice buoyancy or just enjoy a relaxed dip. It's really suited for divers looking for something a bit unique, or those wanting to log some easy bottom time.

    Alligator Reef

    Alligator Reef, just off Islamorada, is one of our favourites in the Upper Keys. It’s got that classic spur-and-groove formation, really defined, making for some interesting swim-throughs and overhangs. We often find ourselves just drifting along the deeper sections, watching schools of snapper and grunt huddle under the ledges, or spotting hogfish digging in the sand. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, the Notchtongue Gobies are always a treat if you take the time to look closely at the coral heads. The visibility here is usually pretty solid, often 20 metres plus, especially on an incoming tide. We like hitting it early in the morning before the day boats crowd the mooring balls, that's when you sometimes get lucky with a passing silky shark on the deeper edges. It’s a good spot for intermediate divers; the currents can pick up, but nothing too wild. Just keep an eye on your dive guide and enjoy the drift.

    Anglin Pier Ledge

    Anglin Pier Ledge gives you a decent shallow dive, perfect for knocking out a few training dives or just a relaxed afternoon dip. It’s a 10-meter maximum, so you’re spending good bottom time checking out the ledge itself, which has some surprisingly busy pockets. We’ve spotted parrotfish munching on the corals and often see schools of grunts hanging out under the overhangs. It’s a solid pick if you’re new to the Keys, or just want something easy with decent fish action without a long boat ride.

    10m

    Anglin’s Pier Reef

    Anglin’s Pier Reef really delivers on that “Shore Dive Capital” promise. The reef here, just a short swim from the sand, is surprisingly robust, especially for a site so accessible. We love dropping in and almost immediately finding ourselves among finger corals and the occasional thicket of brain coral, a proper reef in shallow water. It's not a deep dive, maybe 5-7 meters if you’re hugging the bottom, making it fantastic for extended bottom times and photographers. Our favourite time to dive Anglin’s is early morning, right as the sun starts to warm the water. That’s when you’ll spot dusky jawfish hovering near their burrows, quickly retreating if you get too close. Look closely under ledges for the shy blackfin cardinalfish, or out in the open for schools of silver mojarra reflecting the light. We've even been lucky enough to see a lemon shark cruising by the pier pilings on a few occasions – a proper thrill in such shallow water. It's a forgiving dive, perfect for knocking off some rust or just enjoying a relaxed afternoon exploring, though watch out for strong north currents which can make the surface swim back a bit of a workout.

    5-15m

    Aquarium

    Aquarium, off the Florida Keys, is a decent spot for newer divers. At a consistent 10m, it’s an easy run, no surprises. You’ll see the usual suspects here: parrotfish nibbling at the hard corals and some smaller schooling fish. It’s a comfortable, shallow dive, good for getting your buoyancy dialed in or if you’re just after a relaxed float.

    10m

    Ball and Chain

    Ball and Chain is a relaxed spot in the Keys, ideal if you're looking for something mellow, especially after a few days of deeper dives. At a consistent 11 metres, it's a calm drift over a mostly sandy bottom interspersed with small coral heads. We usually spot nurse sharks tucked away, some green morays peeking from crevices, and plenty of grunts and snapper schooling around the little structures. It’s a great site for beginners or anyone wanting a longer bottom time without pushing depth limits.

    11m

    Banana Patch Reef

    Banana Patch Reef sits in about 10 meters of water, making it a good spot for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed, shallow profile. You'll find a scattered reef here, home to plenty of smaller reef fish. It’s a nice, easy dive if you're keen to take things slow and really observe the smaller stuff.

    10m

    Beach House

    The Beach House site in the Florida Keys sits at a consistent 19 meters, making it a comfortable dive for beginners. We've often found small nurse sharks tucked under ledges here, and the usual suspects of reef fish, like grunts and snappers, cruise through the coral formations. It’s a pretty straightforward dive, good for getting your buoyancy dialed in or for a relaxed afternoon dip if you’re looking for something calm. Visibility can vary, but generally, it’s a pleasant, easy-going spot.

    19m

    Blue Grotto Spring

    Blue Grotto Spring is a freshwater cavern dive with a large open entrance. Descend into a vast, dark chamber, lit only by divers' lights. It’s a good spot for new cavern divers to practice their skills in a controlled environment. We’ve seen Eastern Mosquitofish darting around the edges of the light.

    Show all 260 dive sites in Florida Keys

    Florida Keys Dive Centres

    88 dive shops and operators in Florida Keys

    Abyss Dive Center

    ACE DIVING

    Website

    Alquiler de equipos de snorkeling y buceo

    American Pro

    Amigo's Dive Center

    AQUI Water Sports

    Atlantis Varadero

    Website
    Phone

    Austin's Dive Center

    Website
    Phone
    Show all 88 dive centres in Florida Keys

    Ocean Wildlife in Florida Keys

    87 species recorded in Florida Keys

    Florida Keys Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset

    Sunrise and sunset times for Florida Keys, calculated from coordinates

    Today - Sunday 11 October

    Sunrise

    06:22

    Sunset

    18:03

    Daylight

    11h 41m

    Golden Hour

    17:32

    First light (dawn) at 05:59 · Last light (dusk) at 18:26

    Monthly Averages

    Month
    Jan07:1417:5510h 41m
    Feb07:0218:1811h 16m
    Mar06:3618:3411h 58m
    Apr06:0318:4812h 45m
    May05:4019:0413h 23m
    JunLongest05:3419:1813h 45m
    Jul05:4319:2013h 37m
    Aug05:5819:0313h 5m
    Sep06:1118:3212h 21m
    OctNow06:2417:5911h 36m
    Nov06:4317:3710h 54m
    DecShortest07:0417:3610h 32m

    Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Florida Keys.

    Where to Stay near Florida Keys

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    Marine Protected Areas near Florida Keys

    118 protected areas near Florida Keys - please respect local regulations when diving

    Florida Keys

    Specially Protected Area (Cartagena Convention)
    IUCN V
    Part
    9,766 km²

    Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

    Marine Protected Area
    IUCN V
    Part
    9,765 km²

    Florida Keys Areas to be Avoided Natural Reserve

    Marine Protected Area
    IUCN IV
    5,332 km²

    Parc national des Everglades

    World Heritage Site (natural or mixed)
    IUCN Not Applicable
    2,140 km²

    Everglades

    Specially Protected Area (Cartagena Convention)
    IUCN V
    Part
    2,123 km²

    Everglades National Park

    Marine Protected Area
    IUCN V
    Part
    2,123 km²

    Marjory Stoneman Douglas

    Wilderness Area
    IUCN Ib
    2,122 km²

    Everglades National Park

    Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site)
    2,093 km²

    Everglades

    National Park
    IUCN II
    2,087 km²

    Key West

    National Wildlife Refuge
    IUCN IV
    851 km²

    Key West National Wildlife Refuge

    Marine Protected Area
    IUCN IV
    839 km²

    Great White Heron

    National Wildlife Refuge
    IUCN IV
    794 km²

    Showing 12 largest of 118

    Getting to Florida Keys

    Miami

    TMB
    69 km~1.5 hrs

    Miami

    MIA
    86 km~1.8 hrs

    Fort Lauderdale

    FLL
    111 km~2.3 hrs
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