Florida Keys, United States
    Western Sambo Ecological Reserve

    Western Sambo

    Best months: Apr–Jun

    Protected Area

    Western Sambo Ecological Reserve

    Why dive here

    With 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, seahorses and sea turtles - Western Sambo 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

    Western Sambo is one of our absolute favourite spots in the Lower Keys, especially for those who appreciate a more relaxed drift. We love the gentle slopes here, usually around 10 to 15 metres, making it perfect for longer bottom times and really soaking in the details. You’ll often find schools of Creole wrasse shimmering like purple rain as you glide along, and we’ve spent many an hour just watching them. Keep an eye out for the nurse sharks tucked under ledges; they’re practically fixtures here. We’ve also had some great encounters with Caribbean reef sharks passing through on the deeper edge of the reef. The corals themselves are healthy, with plenty of smooth star coral and tube coral creating lots of hiding spots for juvenile fish. If you go, try to time it for a calm morning. The light catches the sandy patches between the coral heads beautifully, making the visibility feel endless. It’s a site that rewards slow exploration rather than a frantic dash.

    Today06:2318:0611h 43m daylightGolden hour 17:36

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Western Sambo

    Western Sambo Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Western Sambo, 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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