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Sombrero Key

Sombrero Key is easily one of our favourite dives in the Middle Keys. It’s got that classic Florida Keys feel, but somehow manages to feel a bit wilder than some of the more southerly spots. We love dropping down near the lighthouse, where the reef starts shallower and then slopes gently. You often hit a decent current here, so be ready for a drift, but that’s usually what brings in the action. The reef itself is a proper coral landscape, with plenty of big brain corals and star corals providing cover. We always see hefty Atlantic spadefish cruising by, often with schools of mutton snapper right behind them. Keep an eye out for trumpetfish hanging vertically, trying to disappear into the gorgonians, and if you’re patient, you might spot a dusky blenny peering out from a crevice. It’s a great spot for macro too, especially if you look for reticulated brittle stars tucked away. We’d suggest going in the morning before boat traffic picks up, you get a quieter dive and better light.