Explore Lower Keys

Diving in the Lower Keys of Florida offers a captivating underwater adventure that attracts divers from around the globe. This enchanting destination, stretching from the vibrant Key West to the pristine reefs of Marathon, is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and spectacular dive environments. The waters here are teeming with colorful corals, playful dolphins, and graceful sea turtles, making each dive an unforgettable experience. One of the most remarkable features of this region is the world-famous wreck of the Vandenburg, a must-see for any wreck diving enthusiast.

The Lower Keys boast a wide range of diving experiences, from the stunning coral gardens of Looe Key to the dramatic walls and vibrant marine life of Sand Key. Most dive sites are easily accessible via local charter boats, allowing for convenient exploration. Whether you're interested in shallow reef diving or deep wreck exploration, the Lower Keys offer something for every diver. It's worth noting that having Wreck and Deep Diving certifications is recommended for those planning to explore the deeper, more challenging sites. Additionally, most boats provide Enriched Air Nitrox, so being prepared with the appropriate certification can enhance your diving experience.

Courses and Events

Enriched Air Nitrox

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox certification. This is a 1/2 Day course and may be coupled with dives (for an additional charge) for a full day experience.

11 February +139 More
EUR 210.15
USD 250.00

Scuba Skills Update

It is easy for dive skills to get rusty and to lose confidence when you have not dived for a while. With the SSI Scuba Skills Update, we will get you back in the water and diving with ease in no time. This scuba refresher course allows you to review and practice scuba skills you learned in your Open Water Diver program, under the guidance of an SSI Professional. This is a great course to take just before a dive holiday, so you spend less time worrying about your skills and more time admiring the marine life. If you are a non-certified Open Water Diver student, a Scuba Skills Update is ideal for practicing your dive skills before your open water training dives. With no fixed course duration, you can take your time and focus on the skills you need help with.

11 February +323 More
EUR 126.09
USD 150.00

Enriched Air Nitrox (32%)

What is Nitrox? Nitrox is a mix of Nitrogen and Oxygen gas with a higher concentration of Oxygen than standard air. Contrary to popular belief nitrox does not let you dive deeper. It is designed to let the diver stay longer at depth, maintain shorter surface intervals, and create a larger safety factor than standard air. Who should take this course? All SCUBA divers benefit from diving with Nitrox, not just advanced divers. If you are planning on multiple dives in one day or diving multiple days, Nitrox will be a benefit. Most people also say they feel better and more energized after diving on Nitrox too.

11 February +323 More
EUR 192.50
USD 229.00

Open Water Diver

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification. This is a 3 day course.

13 February +38 More
EUR 588.42
USD 700.00

Try Scuba

The SSI Try Scuba program is the best way to try scuba diving for the first time. You will be in confined water and well looked after by your instructor, so you can enjoy those first unforgettable breaths underwater and experience the magic of scuba diving. At the end of this short course, you will have earned your SSI Try Scuba recognition card and undoubtedly want to go diving again. Endless scuba diving adventures are waiting for you and this course is where it all begins. Start today!

14 February +91 More
EUR 419.46
USD 499.00

Open Water Diver

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.
On request

Advanced Open Water Diver

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! With this program, you can try a variety of specialties before committing to full specialty programs. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will try out 5 different specialties. You will complete one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. With this trial program in specialty diving, you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full specialty programs any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.
On request

Dive Activity

Diving in Lower Keys

The Lower Keys offer an array of exceptional dive sites that attract divers from around the world. One of the most notable is the Vandenberg Wreck, a massive former military ship resting off Key West. This site offers divers the thrill of exploring its corridors and observing the thriving marine life that has made it their home. Nearby, the Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck is another favorite, providing a fascinating glimpse into a sunken cargo ship adorned with coral and fish.

Shore diving is equally rewarding, with sites like Bahia Honda State Park offering easy access to vibrant reefs teeming with marine life. For those seeking unique experiences, night dives reveal the mesmerizing behavior of nocturnal creatures. Dive travelers can enjoy a balance between accessible shore dives and liveaboard options, maximizing their time exploring the underwater wonders of the Lower Keys.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Lower Keys

The Lower Keys, part of the Florida Keys, are a vibrant underwater paradise teeming with diverse marine life. Among the common reef fish, divers can expect to encounter colorful parrotfish, angelfish, and the frequently seen sergeant majors. These species thrive in the coral reefs, offering a stunning display of colors and patterns.

Seasonal highlights include sightings of nurse sharks and reef sharks, often spotted during the warmer months. Sea turtles, such as the loggerhead and green turtle, are also occasionally seen gliding gracefully through the water. Rays, including the southern stingray, can be observed year-round, especially in sandy areas or near seagrass beds. The likelihood of encountering these majestic creatures varies with the season, with peak activity typically observed during the summer months.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
1.1k Sightings
J
83
F
32
M
59
A
52
M
99
J
125
J
207
A
102
S
83
O
84
N
58
D
84

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
437 Sightings
J
42
F
27
M
33
A
27
M
37
J
39
J
76
A
22
S
25
O
40
N
32
D
37

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
118 Sightings
J
4
F
3
M
6
A
9
M
8
J
10
J
32
A
11
S
10
O
7
N
9
D
9
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
117 Sightings
J
9
F
7
M
9
A
13
M
1
J
9
J
15
A
11
S
3
O
10
N
18
D
12
iStock-ShaneGross

Loggerhead Turtle
62 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
9
A
8
M
0
J
18
J
14
A
5
S
0
O
0
N
4
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
685 Sightings
J
47
F
16
M
34
A
34
M
45
J
72
J
182
A
75
S
54
O
46
N
40
D
40

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
668 Sightings
J
50
F
14
M
27
A
41
M
54
J
71
J
164
A
64
S
60
O
47
N
32
D
44

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
528 Sightings
J
50
F
23
M
44
A
30
M
51
J
52
J
97
A
47
S
33
O
49
N
17
D
35

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
363 Sightings
J
36
F
2
M
11
A
17
M
28
J
41
J
97
A
38
S
19
O
24
N
21
D
29

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
352 Sightings
J
27
F
18
M
15
A
29
M
26
J
21
J
71
A
31
S
33
O
29
N
10
D
42
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
326 Sightings
J
19
F
11
M
9
A
24
M
16
J
46
J
95
A
29
S
26
O
12
N
16
D
23

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 2

AdobeStock-hakbak

Nurse Shark
325 Sightings
J
21
F
16
M
16
A
18
M
36
J
42
J
72
A
28
S
19
O
16
N
15
D
26

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
226 Sightings
J
16
F
12
M
10
A
15
M
12
J
27
J
44
A
15
S
21
O
12
N
12
D
30

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
215 Sightings
J
11
F
2
M
7
A
9
M
12
J
38
J
55
A
19
S
26
O
9
N
18
D
9

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 55

k

Lobster
201 Sightings
J
14
F
8
M
9
A
10
M
17
J
22
J
23
A
34
S
16
O
21
N
17
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
181 Sightings
J
24
F
4
M
12
A
24
M
10
J
32
J
20
A
16
S
10
O
9
N
12
D
8

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
170 Sightings
J
3
F
3
M
11
A
14
M
14
J
11
J
29
A
24
S
17
O
4
N
21
D
19

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
163 Sightings
J
11
F
2
M
7
A
8
M
8
J
19
J
55
A
7
S
23
O
11
N
5
D
7

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
158 Sightings
J
10
F
10
M
7
A
16
M
10
J
17
J
22
A
10
S
20
O
11
N
19
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
142 Sightings
J
15
F
4
M
9
A
9
M
12
J
17
J
34
A
19
S
7
O
4
N
5
D
7

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Squirrelfish
120 Sightings
J
6
F
0
M
7
A
10
M
12
J
15
J
17
A
10
S
12
O
9
N
9
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
120 Sightings
J
7
F
1
M
7
A
5
M
5
J
19
J
35
A
10
S
9
O
3
N
11
D
8

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
119 Sightings
J
14
F
2
M
5
A
5
M
12
J
3
J
38
A
6
S
9
O
2
N
15
D
8

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Spiny Lobster
101 Sightings
J
8
F
4
M
8
A
5
M
9
J
3
J
19
A
19
S
13
O
2
N
6
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
78 Sightings
J
1
F
3
M
2
A
7
M
3
J
10
J
25
A
7
S
4
O
5
N
8
D
3
AdobeStock-_italo

Moon Jellyfish
70 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
5
A
11
S
42
O
3
N
5
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
68 Sightings
J
3
F
3
M
0
A
10
M
7
J
1
J
20
A
8
S
3
O
2
N
3
D
8

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler

Crab
58 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
4
A
8
M
1
J
1
J
11
A
15
S
6
O
2
N
6
D
0

The best Months to dive in Lower Keya

The Lower Keys, a popular diving destination, offers year-round diving opportunities. Water temperatures range from 24°C–30°C/75°F–86°F, ensuring comfortable dives throughout the year. Visibility is typically excellent, averaging 15–30 meters/49–98 feet, although it can vary depending on weather conditions.

Wind and currents are significant factors affecting diving conditions. The winter months can bring stronger winds and rougher seas, which may reduce visibility and increase water turbulence. Despite this, diving remains possible year-round. The most favorable conditions are usually found between late spring and early fall when the weather is calmest and visibility is at its peak.

Dive Centers

Looe Key Reef Resort LLC

27340 Overseas Highway, 33042 Ramrod Key, FL - USA

Finz Dive Center Inc.

6003 Penisular Ave, Suite 4, 33040 Key West, FL - USA

Captain Hook’s Looe Key Reef Adventures

29675 Overseas Highway, 33043 Big Pine Key, FL - USA

Dive Key West - Capt. Hooks LLC

1708 N ROOSEVELT, 33040 Key West, FL - USA

Dive Sites

Virginia Scuba, 20109 Manassas

USS Vandenberg (Wreck) (★4.6)

This is one of the most famous dive sites in Key West. Sunk over 10 years ago this Ex-Military Missile Tracking Ship varies in depth from 70 feet to 100 plus feet and is for advanced and expert divers only.
Nikki M. (#2162199)

Marker 32 Reef (★4.0)

6 Miles south of Key West is Marker 32 reef. This site is located adjacent to Western Sambos reef. This reef has two mooring balls on it. Very easy dive site with spur-and-groove style coral formations.
marco p. (#1764087)

Sand Key Lighthouse (★4.1)

Sand Key is a Sanctuary Preservation area that was originally its own island. Due to erosion and hurricanes, it’s been reduced to a very small patch of sand surrounded by a coral reef. The sand is an especially nice feature you don’t usually have at other Florida coral reefs. Great dive and snorkel spot.
Virginia Scuba, 20109 Manassas

Cayman Salvager (Wreck) (★4.3)

Cayman Salvager is one of the three Key West dive sites that are part of the Florida Keys Wreck Trek program. This is a popular fishing and diving site a short distance from Key West.
Nikki M. (#2162199)

Eastern Sambo Reef (★3.9)

20 minutes directly south of Key West is the Eastern Sambo Reef. This reef is located inside the Western Sambo Ecological Reserve and is fully protected from all types of fishing. The reef is approximately nine square miles of spur-and-groove type coral formations. The reef ranges from 10-4 feet’ in depth.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

Lost Reef (★4.4)

Lost reef is an aquarium so to speak. Off the beaten path it doesnt see many visitors. If you get a chance to drift it I highly recommend doing so.
Mares

Eastern Dry Rocks (★4.2)

The Eastern Dry Rocks reef is a popular spot for diving and/or snorkeling. It is also quite close to multiple other reefs including Sand Key and Rock Key, so it is common for divers and snorkelers to see multiple reefs on one outing.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

Rock Key (★4.1)

The crevices within the reef at Rock Key are deeper and wider than what is usually found at other coral reefs. These wider openings create the perfect hiding habitat for grouper, moray eel, and other Florida fish.
Mares

9 Foot Stake (★4.2)

15 minutes south of Key West, FL lies 9 Foot Stake Reef. This reef is located next to Marker 32 Reef and is located in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary System; however, fishing and spearfishing are allowed. The depth of this reef ranges from 15’-30’.
Scubapro

Middle Sambo Reef (★4.6)

This is the middle reef dive site that makes up the Sambo Reef area near Key West, Florida. These reefs lie in a marine reserve and are home to healthy coral and lots of fish.
Scubapro

Cannonball Cut (★3.9)

6 miles to the south of Key West is Cannonball Cut. This dive site does not have a mooring ball which makes it a good place for drift diving. This site consists of continuing fields of coral. Maximum depth is 18m/60 feet. This site is good for drift diving as well as lionfish hunting.
Aqualung

Western Sambo Reef (★4.1)

15 minutes south of Key West is the Western Sambo Reef. This reef is one of two Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Ecological Reserves. It is fully protected from all types of fishing. Depth runs from 7-40 feet.
Aqualung

Joe’s Tug (★4.2)

Joe’s Tug - 60ft to 70ft Private mooring ball. Tug boat wreck scattered throughout a wonderful reef. Typically there is an eel in the stern section and many schools of yellowtail and other fish around the bow. We call this agreat reef with a wreck in the middle. Ask how it ended up getting its name.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

The Haystacks (★4.1)

Haystacks lies on the reef area known as the Western Sambo reef and is an excellent, shallow boat dive. Perfect for snorkelers and all levels of divers.
Aqualung

Ball and Chain (★4.1)

Ball and Chain is one of Key West’s most historic outer reef sites. Made famous by old home made moorings called Bubba Buoys were used to moor ships off Key West for quarantine.