Snapper Ledge - Florida Keys

Pulau Dapur, off the coast of Bali, is one of those spots we always make time for. It’s not just the sheer number of fish, though there are plenty of fusiliers here, swirling in massive clouds. We love the feeling of this place, the way the light filters through the water onto the reef. Keep an eye out for the coral catsharks tucked away under ledges. They’re surprisingly shy, but if you approach slowly, you might get a good look. The reef itself is a tapestry of hard and soft corals, a real treat for macro photographers and wide-angle shooters alike. We often spot blue-finned rock cod lurking among the bommies, and the yellow largescale flounders are masters of camouflage on the sandy patches. For those who appreciate a relaxed drift, this site often delivers. If you hit it around slack tide, the currents are usually gentle enough to really take your time and explore. It's a fantastic second dive after something a bit more challenging, letting you decompress while still seeing plenty of life.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
25.000000, -80.416664
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Molasses Reef Sanctuary Preserva Sanctuary

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 Snapper Ledge

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 Snapper Ledge

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