Florida Keys, United States
    Carysfort/South Carysfort Reef Sanctuary Preserva Sanctuary

    Turtle Reef

    Best months: Apr–Jun

    Protected Area

    Carysfort/South Carysfort Reef Sanctuary Preserva Sanctuary

    Why dive here

    With 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, seahorses and sea turtles - Turtle Reef offers some of Florida Keys's richest reef diving. Water ranges 19-32°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeApr–Jun
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBull Sharks, Dolphins, Hammerhead Sharks, Seahorses and Sea Turtles · 87+ species recorded
    Water19-32°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Turtle Reef, just off the Florida Keys, is a site we return to often, especially when we’re after a relaxed dive without compromising on marine encounters. It’s not the deepest dive, but that means more bottom time to really explore. We usually drop in early morning, just as the sun starts to properly penetrate the water, catching the reef in its best light. What we love here is the sheer density of Green Turtles. Seriously, some days you’ll spot five or six on a single dive, munching on seagrass or just cruising by. We’ve also had incredible luck finding Lined Seahorses tucked into the fan corals – they’re masters of camouflage, so a slow pace and a good eye are key. Blue Parrotfish are everywhere, their crunching sounds audible as they graze the coral. Keep an eye on the sand patches too for Eyed Flounders and Lizardfish, perfectly blended in. This site is brilliant for macro lovers and photographers, offering plenty of static subjects. It’s a gentle drift on most days, making it ideal for newer divers looking to build confidence or experienced divers wanting an easy, rewarding soak.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Turtle Reef

    Turtle Reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Turtle Reef, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: 8725520 - Fort Myers, FL (28km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    27°C

    81°F · Range: 20.9–31.1°C

    Air Temperature

    26°C

    79°F

    Current Speed

    0 cm/s

    Direction: S (180°)

    Salinity

    35.98 PSU

    Wind Speed

    2.7 m/s

    5.2 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1014.5 hPa

    Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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