reef

Log This Dive

Sand Key

Sand Key, a beacon eight miles offshore from Key West, is one of those spots that just keeps giving. We’ve logged countless dives here and it rarely disappoints. The main draw is the iconic red lighthouse, standing guard over a sprawling reef system. Drop down and you’re immediately enveloped in a busy, healthy ecosystem. We love the way the reef sprawls out from the lighthouse, offering a mix of spur and groove formations and sandy patches. Look closely in those sandy areas for Slender Filefish swaying gently, or a Pointed Nut Clam half-buried. Along the coral, especially the impressive Staghorn formations, you’ll often find schools of Glasseye Snapper darting in and out of the shadows. Keep an eye out for Reef Scorpionfish, perfectly camouflaged against the textured coral. We’ve even been lucky enough to spot Caribbean reef sharks cruising the deeper edges in the late afternoon. This is a site that rewards slow, observant diving, perfect for photographers or anyone who enjoys feeling truly immersed in a vibrant reef. Currents can pick up, so we’d suggest timing your dive for slack tide if you prefer a gentler drift.