Florida Reef - Florida Keys

Merkanti Reef, tucked away off Comino, often gets overshadowed by its flashier neighbours, but we think that’s a mistake. This isn't a deep dive, typically hovering around 15-20 metres, making it perfect for a leisurely hour underwater. The main draw is a series of rocky outcrops, covered in a surprising density of Mediterranean coral, something we always appreciate in these waters. What we really love here is the sheer number of nooks and crannies to explore. Keep an eye out for octopus tucked into crevices – we’ve had some fantastic encounters with them here. The rockfish are plentiful, and on a good day, you'll spot painted combers darting between the calcareous green algae. If you're patient, you might even catch a glimpse of a sea horse, though they’re masters of camouflage. We’d suggest going in the late morning, after any early boat traffic has settled, when the light really plays well on the reef structures. It’s a wonderfully relaxed dive, well-suited for anyone who enjoys pottering around a vibrant reef without the pressure of deep walls or strong currents.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
25.100000, -80.400000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: John Pennekamp Coral Reef

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 Florida Reef

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 Florida Reef

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