Turtle Reef
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.
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to Turtle Reef
Dive shops near Turtle Reef
Silent World
Scuba Quest Outlet
Silent World Dive Center
Quiescence Diving Services Inc
Ocean First Key Largo, LLC
Sail Fish Scuba
Reviews for Turtle Reef
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)
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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