Florida Keys, United States
    Eastern Sambo Research Only Area Research Only Area

    Eastern Sambo

    Best months: Apr–Jun

    Protected Area

    Eastern Sambo Research Only Area Research Only Area

    Why dive here

    With 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, seahorses and sea turtles - Eastern Sambo offers some of Florida Keys's richest reef 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
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Eastern Sambo often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, but we think that’s a real shame. We love this site for its genuine sense of discovery. Drop down and you’re greeted by scattered coral heads, not a wall, but a series of distinct formations. Look closely and you’ll find plenty of shy hamlets tucked into crevices, their iridescent scales shimmering. Our favourite part is the sandy patches between the coral, where broad shad often hang out in shimmering schools. You’ll spot green turtles gracefully cruising by, almost always. We’ve had some fantastic encounters here. It’s a site that rewards a slow, deliberate dive, giving you time to appreciate the smaller things – a belted cardinalfish darting into a maze coral, or the delicate tentacles of a spiny brittle star waving from a crevice. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate a more relaxed pace and a chance to truly observe marine behaviour, rather than just tick off big species.

    Today06:2318:0611h 43m daylightGolden hour 17:35

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Eastern Sambo

    Eastern Sambo Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Eastern Sambo, 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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