Located at the southern tip of the US, Key West is a tropical paradise. The Florida Keys are known for their incredible reefs and wrecks. Whether you are an experienced diver or just starting out, there are plenty of things to do in Key West.
The best time to dive in Key West is from March to July, when the temperatures range from 70f to 84f. The winter months are cooler, but can be unpredictable. It’s best to read up on the weather and diving conditions before diving in the Florida Keys.
Key West is home to one of the world’s largest barrier reefs. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary covers 3,800 square nautical miles of water. It is home to more than 6,000 species of marine life. There are also mangrove islands and seagrass beds.
Key West snorkeling is also popular. Many visitors come to the Keys to snorkel or explore the wrecks. The Florida Keys are home to a large variety of marine life, including reef fish, sharks, sea turtles, and eels. In addition, divers may encounter nurse sharks, loggerhead turtles, and giant turtles.
For an even more adventurous dive, explore the outer reefs of the Florida Barrier Reef. These are located far off the coast of the Keys, so the reefs are deeper. They are home to larger fish, and offer more adventurous dives in 30 to 90 feet of water.
If you are a more advanced diver, consider diving the Vandenberg dive site. This is the second largest artificial reef in the world. It was intentionally sunk in 2009. The ship sits at depths of 21-30m.