Lost Reef - Florida Keys

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.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
24.492800, -81.723100
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
12m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Western Sambo Ecological Reserve

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 Lost 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 Lost 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for diving at Lost Reef in Key West?
Diving at Lost Reef typically reaches a maximum depth of 12 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it an excellent site for extended bottom times and is suitable for various certification levels.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Lost Reef?
While the specific marine life and coral species at Lost Reef are not detailed in the provided information, as a 'reef' dive site, divers can generally expect to encounter a variety of reef-dwelling fish and coral formations. For more general information on marine life, you can explore our wildlife database.
Is diving at Lost Reef suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered more challenging?
Lost Reef is officially classified as a 'Beginner' dive site, making it an excellent choice for newly certified divers or those looking for a relaxed experience. Its manageable depth of 12 meters further contributes to its accessibility for divers of all experience levels.
When is the best time of year to dive at Lost Reef for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Lost Reef for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Florida Keys, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Lost Reef?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated for Lost Reef, its classification as a 'Beginner' dive site typically means it is suitable for divers holding an Open Water Diver certification. Always check with your local dive operator for any specific requirements or recommendations before planning your dive.
What are the typical water conditions, such as currents and visibility, at Lost Reef?
At Lost Reef, divers can generally expect good visibility, which is noted to be better than at Lankayan. However, the provided information does not detail typical current conditions for this specific site. Always consult with your dive guide for the most up-to-date conditions.