Catherine
Protected Area
Fort Pickens State Park Aquati State Park
Why dive here
With 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, seahorses and sea turtles - Catherine offers some of Florida Keys's richest diving. Water ranges 19-32°C, warmest July, August, September.
Catherine isn't the kind of place that screams for attention, not like some of the Keys' flashier wrecks. It's more of a quiet charmer, a site we consistently find ourselves drawn back to for its subtle delights. You'll find it shallower, making for longer bottom times and a more relaxed dive. The real draw here is the sheer variety of smaller, often overlooked species. We love drifting over the sandy patches, keeping an eye out for the perfectly camouflaged Southern Stargazer, often partially buried, just its eyes peeking out. Then there are the Chain Pipefish, masters of disguise, swaying gently with the seagrass. It's a fantastic spot for macro enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys slowing down and truly observing. Our favourite time to dive Catherine is late morning, after the initial boat traffic has died down but before the afternoon chop can pick up. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for American eels and the surprisingly bold Clown Goby. You might even spot a juvenile Horse-eye Jack cruising by. It’s not about big pelagics here, but about the intricate ballet of the reef's smaller residents, a truly rewarding dive if you take the time.
Reviews for Catherine
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Catherine
Catherine Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Catherine, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: 8725520 - Fort Myers, FL (28km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
27°C
81°F · Range: 20.9–31.1°C
Air Temperature
26°C
79°F
Current Speed
0 cm/s
Direction: S (180°)
Salinity
35.98 PSU
Wind Speed
2.7 m/s
5.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1014.5 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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