Dive Shop - Florida Keys

The Dive Shop site in the Florida Keys might not jump out on a map, but we find it consistently delivers. It’s a patch reef, really, not a massive structure, but it’s loaded with detail if you take your time. You’ll weave through the coral heads, past big patches of Golfball Coral and Lesser Starlet Coral, keeping an eye out for the smaller stuff. We’ve had some cracking encounters here with Spitlure Frogfish – honestly, they blend in so well you really have to look. Our favourite time to drop in is mid-morning, just as the light starts to really penetrate the water, illuminating the crannies where you’ll spot Rosy Blennies peeking out. You’ll see plenty of the usual suspects, French Grunts and Sailor's Choice schooling up, but also the more unusual like a Dark-spotted Snake Eel if you're lucky. Keep an eye on the sand flats too, the Bonefish are often there, and we've even seen Loggerheads cruising by on occasion. It’s not a drift dive; it’s a slow-paced exploration, perfect for photographers or anyone who likes to truly observe.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
24.655998, -81.278420
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-12m

Marine Protected Area: Florida Keys Sanctuary Preservation Areas - Cheeca Rocks, Eastern Dry Rocks, Hens and Chickens, Rock Key Sanctuary

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Florida Keys

Nearest Dive Centres to Dive Shop

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 Species

Recommended Packing List for Dive Shop

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