Dry Rocks - Florida Keys

Bishops and Clerks, off the coast of Cornwall, is one of those spots that really delivers when the conditions align. We’ve had some truly exhilarating dives here, particularly around the smaller pinnacles. It’s not a gentle drift, mind you, the currents can rip through, so you need to be comfortable in moving water. But that’s often when the magic happens. Drop down onto the main reef and you’re immediately enveloped by the sheer density of life. We've seen entire walls adorned with pink sea fans, their polyps extended, filtering the nutrient-rich water. Look closer and you'll find curled octopuses tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you with unnerving intelligence. We’ve also had thrilling encounters with nursehounds and dogfish cruising the deeper sections. For macro enthusiasts, the Irish moss and carragheen host tiny nudibranchs, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a seahorse clinging to a piece of Oarweed. Visibility can vary wildly, but on a good day, when the sun penetrates the water, it’s genuinely spectacular. Best dived on a neap tide for a slightly more relaxed experience, though the big springs bring in the larger pelagics. Definitely one for experienced temperate water divers who appreciate a lively reef.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
25.130957, -80.294220
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Dry Rocks Sanctuary Preserva 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 Dry Rocks

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 Dry Rocks

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