12m
    Beginner
    Florida Keys, United States
    French Reef Sanctuary Preserva Sanctuary

    Christmas Tree Cave

    Best months: Apr–Jun

    Protected Area

    French Reef Sanctuary Preserva Sanctuary

    Why dive here

    With 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, seahorses and sea turtles - Christmas Tree Cave offers some of Florida Keys's richest cave diving. 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
    CharacterCave dive · max 12m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Christmas Tree Cave sits at a shallow 12 meters, making it a good spot for newer divers looking to explore an overhead environment. It’s more of an overhang than a true cave, allowing natural light to filter in and illuminate the interior. You'll find plenty of small reef fish taking shelter, tucked into crevices. It's a quick dive, usually done as part of a longer trip.

    Typical Christmas Tree Cave Dive Profile

    5m10mSafety Stop0m12m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Overhead environment - never enter without proper cave/cavern training, redundant equipment, and a guideline.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today06:1818:0011h 42m daylightGolden hour 17:30

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Christmas Tree Cave

    Christmas Tree Cave Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Christmas Tree Cave, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: 8725520 - Fort Myers, FL (28km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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