Lost Reef
Protected Area
Western Sambo Ecological Reserve
Why dive here
With 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, seahorses and sea turtles - Lost Reef offers some of Florida Keys's richest reef diving. Water ranges 19-32°C, warmest July, August, September.
Lost Reef lives up to its name a bit, though it’s far from truly lost. This beginner-friendly spot, just a quick boat ride out, sits at a gentle 12 meters. We like it for a relaxed drift dive, especially when the currents are mild. You'll find a decent scattering of corals, home to plenty of smaller reef fish and the occasional loggerhead turtle munching away. It's a solid choice for a first dive of the day, or for anyone wanting to ease into the Keys’ rhythm without too much fuss.
Typical Lost Reef Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to Lost Reef
Dive shops near Lost Reef
Finz Dive Center
Captain Hook
Lost Reef Adventures
Divers Direct
Looe Key Reef Resort & Dive Center
Captain Hook’s Looe Key Reef Adventures
Reviews for Lost Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Lost Reef
Lost Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Lost Reef, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: 8725520 - Fort Myers, FL (28km away)
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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