Florida Keys Dive Center - Florida Keys
The team at Florida Keys Dive Center are our go-to in Tavernier, especially when we’re looking to squeeze every last bubble out of a day. They really shine with their '3 Dives Per Trip' setup – it’s perfect for divers who want to maximise their bottom time without feeling rushed. We love how they mix it up, often hitting a wreck, a patch reef, and then a drift dive all in one outing. It’s a great way to see a cross-section of what the Upper Keys offer, from the spooky nooks of the *USCG Duane* to the gentle sway of Molasses Reef. It’s a busy operation, but they handle it smoothly, even with full boats. We’ve found their captains know the currents intimately, which is crucial for a comfortable drift. Our favourite trips with them have involved early morning departures, beating some of the later crowds to the sites, which often means clearer water before the sediment gets stirred up. They’re also one of the few places we'd recommend if you're keen on trying a spearfishing or lobster charter – they know the spots. Just be ready for a full day; you’ll earn your post-dive beer.
- Location
- Florida Keys, United States, North America
- Coordinates
- 25.001476, -80.535530
- Phone
- +1 305-852-4599
- Website
- https://www.floridakeysdivectr.com/
- Courses
- Open Water, Advanced Open Water
- Address
- 90451, Overseas Highway, Tavernier, 33070
Dive Sites Near Florida Keys Dive Center
Florida Keys Dive Center provides access to 15 dive sites in Florida Keys.
- 1 Girón
- 9-foot Stake (reef)
- Ajax Reef (reef)
- Alexander Springs
- Alligator Reef (reef)
- Anglin Pier Ledge - 10m (reef)
- Anglin’s Pier Reef - 5-15m (reef)
- Aquarium - 10m
- Ball and Chain - 11m
- Banana Patch Reef - 10m (reef)
- Barracuda Dive Centre
- Beach House - 19m
- Blue Grotto Spring (cave)
- Boynton Comb Reef (reef)
- Boynton Ledges - 21m (reef)
Other Dive Centres in Florida Keys
Best Time to Dive in Florida Keys
The warmest water temperatures in Florida Keys occur in July, averaging 31.5°C (up to 34.8°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 19.3°C.
Monthly Water Temperatures
- January: 19.3°C (air: 18.5°C)
- February: 20.5°C (air: 21.6°C)
- March: 23.1°C (air: 22.4°C)
- April: 25.5°C (air: 24.3°C)
- May: 27.8°C (air: 25.9°C)
- June: 30.2°C (air: 27.5°C)
- July: 31.5°C (air: 28.3°C)
- August: 31.5°C (air: 28.3°C)
- September: 30.2°C (air: 27.3°C)
- October: 27.3°C (air: 26.0°C)
- November: 24.1°C (air: 22.3°C)
- December: 20.9°C (air: 19.8°C)
Marine Life in Florida Keys
Home to 91 recorded species including 69 reef fish, 6 sharks & rays, 3 other, 3 hard corals, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 sea urchins.
Notable Marine Life
- Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) - Sharks & Rays
- Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) - Sharks & Rays
- Cowfish (Rhinoptera bonasus) - Sharks & Rays
- Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
- Blacknose shark (Carcharhinus acronotus) - Sharks & Rays
- Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) - Sharks & Rays
- Prodigal Son (Rachycentron canadum) - Reef Fish
- Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) - Reef Fish
- Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna) - Reef Fish
- Least Killifish (Heterandria formosa) - Reef Fish
Recommended Packing List for Florida Keys
Based on average water temperature of 26.0°C, currents 1 cm/s.
- Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
- Mask - essential for every dive
- Fins
- BCD - buoyancy compensator
- Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
- Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
- Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
- Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
- Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories