Rompidas - Florida Keys

Lighthouse Reef on Utila’s south side is one of those sites that just feels right, especially on a calm morning. We love dropping down into its gentle slopes, often finding the visibility stretches out further here than at some other spots. The reef isn't dramatic, no massive walls, but it’s wonderfully intricate, full of little nooks and crannies that demand a slow pace. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff. We’ve spent whole dives just watching the comings and goings around patches of Lamarck's sheet coral, spotting Sharpnose Puffers darting about and the occasional American Crested Pipefish tucked into the seagrass nearby. The Blackcap Basslets are almost always out, their electric purple a real treat against the coral. It’s a great site for divers who appreciate the subtle beauty of a healthy reef and aren't just chasing big pelagics. Our favourite time to dive it is early, before the afternoon breeze picks up, when the light really makes the colours pop.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
23.766670, -80.450000
Type
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 Rompidas

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 Rompidas

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