Turtle Reef - Florida Keys

9-foot Stake is a favourite of ours for a reason. It’s got that classic Keys feel, an unexpected bounty of smaller, more unusual stuff if you take the time to really look. We often find ourselves drifting over a patchy but lively bottom, maybe 15 feet deep, watching parrotfish nibble the algae off the coral heads. It’s not a dramatic drop-off, more of a gentle slope with scattered brain and star corals that have seen some things. What really makes this spot sing are the little guys. We’ve spent entire dives here captivated by the almost translucent bodies of little post horn squid, subtly changing colours, or spotting the incredible camouflage of a plumed scorpionfish tucked against a sponge. Keep an eye out for the gaudy frog shells too; they’re surprisingly ornate for something hiding on the sand. You’ll see plenty of the usual suspects, sure, like schools of grunts hanging out, but the joy of 9-foot Stake is in the slow hunt for the less common, the things that make you pause and really appreciate the detail. It’s a superb spot for macro lovers, or anyone who enjoys a relaxed dive without the crowds, where the rewards come to those who move slowly.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
25.281780, -80.208940
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Carysfort/South Carysfort 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 Turtle Reef

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 Turtle Reef

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