Florida Sea Base - Florida Keys
The team at Florida Sea Base are doing something pretty unique in the Keys. We’ve always been impressed by their focus on youth education, mixing diving with conservation and sailing. This isn't your average dive shop; it’s a BSA facility, so the vibe is definitely structured and geared towards developing young divers and marine enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a structured program for your kids, or even for yourself within a disciplined environment, this is a standout choice. What we really love is how they integrate the PADI curriculum into longer, multi-day programs. It's not just a quick cert; it’s an immersive experience. We’ve seen groups head out for a week, learning to sail a keelboat in the mornings and then getting their PADI Open Water in the afternoons. They run trips to some of our favourite local spots, like Molasses Reef and Benwood Wreck, often with smaller groups than you’d find on the bigger party boats. It feels more focused, less rushed. They really emphasize responsible diving, which, frankly, we appreciate seeing instilled in the next generation of divers. The facility itself is sprawling, with dorms and a full marina, giving it that summer camp feel – perfect for someone wanting more than just a boat trip.
- Location
- Florida Keys, United States, North America
- Coordinates
- 24.851677, -80.736410
- Phone
- +1 305-664-4173
- [email protected]
- Website
- http://www.bsaseabase.org
- Certification Agencies
- ["PADI"]
- Courses
- PADI 5 Star IDC Resort [padi:14159]
- Address
- 73800 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036, United States
Dive Sites Near Florida Sea Base
Florida Sea Base 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