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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.

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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.

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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.

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 approx.: 27

Barracuda

Barracuda

1.3k Sightings
J
85
F
55
M
74
A
106
M
122
J
137
J
226
A
123
S
93
O
91
N
70
D
91

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

Total number of species approx.: 200

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

520 Sightings
J
44
F
31
M
41
A
59
M
46
J
41
J
81
A
25
S
30
O
45
N
36
D
41
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

137 Sightings
J
9
F
7
M
10
A
20
M
5
J
11
J
17
A
10
S
4
O
11
N
19
D
14

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

Total number of species approx.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

116 Sightings
J
3
F
3
M
6
A
6
M
14
J
8
J
34
A
11
S
9
O
5
N
8
D
9
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle

70 Sightings
J
1
F
3
M
8
A
20
M
0
J
17
J
13
A
4
S
0
O
0
N
3
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 25

Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray

37 Sightings
J
4
F
4
M
1
A
4
M
4
J
1
J
9
A
2
S
3
O
0
N
2
D
3

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

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

874 Sightings
J
48
F
35
M
52
A
58
M
69
J
86
J
214
A
95
S
65
O
53
N
50
D
49

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

812 Sightings
J
51
F
22
M
38
A
51
M
70
J
83
J
205
A
76
S
69
O
51
N
45
D
51

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

Total number of species approx.: 250

Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets

655 Sightings
J
50
F
29
M
52
A
70
M
69
J
58
J
111
A
58
S
36
O
53
N
25
D
44

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

Total number of species approx.: 110

Snapper

Snapper

452 Sightings
J
36
F
11
M
18
A
52
M
33
J
48
J
106
A
43
S
21
O
27
N
26
D
31

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

Total number of species approx.: 2

Nurse Shark

Nurse Shark

416 Sightings
J
21
F
22
M
24
A
56
M
46
J
45
J
85
A
37
S
18
O
16
N
17
D
29

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

413 Sightings
J
20
F
20
M
16
A
33
M
31
J
49
J
112
A
35
S
29
O
18
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 approx.: 12

Lionfish

Lionfish

401 Sightings
J
31
F
20
M
20
A
37
M
31
J
32
J
71
A
37
S
34
O
32
N
11
D
45

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

278 Sightings
J
17
F
17
M
17
A
16
M
15
J
24
J
53
A
29
S
23
O
15
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 approx.: 55

Lobster

Lobster

278 Sightings
J
14
F
8
M
16
A
17
M
33
J
29
J
37
A
50
S
18
O
21
N
18
D
17

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

Total number of species approx.: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts

268 Sightings
J
11
F
10
M
11
A
13
M
22
J
44
J
71
A
20
S
24
O
9
N
22
D
11

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

Total number of species approx.: 85

Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish

220 Sightings
J
12
F
10
M
13
A
15
M
20
J
23
J
66
A
13
S
22
O
10
N
7
D
9

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

Total number of species approx.: 350

Damselfish

Damselfish

216 Sightings
J
2
F
7
M
16
A
18
M
22
J
15
J
36
A
28
S
18
O
10
N
22
D
22

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

Total number of species approx.: 80

Stingrays

Stingrays

210 Sightings
J
25
F
11
M
13
A
31
M
20
J
31
J
23
A
16
S
9
O
10
N
12
D
9

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster

194 Sightings
J
7
F
10
M
24
A
11
M
13
J
2
J
51
A
33
S
18
O
9
N
9
D
7

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

Total number of species approx.: 40

Triggerfish

Triggerfish

168 Sightings
J
10
F
12
M
12
A
16
M
9
J
20
J
24
A
9
S
20
O
9
N
19
D
8

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

Total number of species approx.: 3

Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish

164 Sightings
J
15
F
2
M
9
A
15
M
17
J
18
J
39
A
22
S
6
O
8
N
4
D
9

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

Total number of species approx.: 40

Jackfish

Jackfish

135 Sightings
J
14
F
3
M
8
A
7
M
19
J
5
J
41
A
4
S
9
O
4
N
13
D
8

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Goatfish

Goatfish

130 Sightings
J
5
F
6
M
8
A
2
M
3
J
21
J
38
A
15
S
8
O
3
N
11
D
10

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish

128 Sightings
J
5
F
1
M
9
A
15
M
14
J
18
J
16
A
8
S
11
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 approx.: 28

Clownfish

Clownfish

84 Sightings
J
1
F
5
M
7
A
7
M
1
J
9
J
21
A
11
S
4
O
3
N
10
D
5

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Soldierfish

Soldierfish

83 Sightings
J
2
F
4
M
2
A
11
M
8
J
0
J
24
A
13
S
1
O
2
N
6
D
10

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

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

Crab

73 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
6
A
15
M
6
J
2
J
6
A
17
S
6
O
2
N
5
D
4
Moon Jellyfish

Moon Jellyfish

68 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
5
A
11
S
37
O
3
N
5
D
3
Grey Reef Shark

Grey Reef Shark

51 Sightings
J
5
F
5
M
2
A
5
M
18
J
4
J
4
A
1
S
0
O
2
N
5
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 25

Boxfish

Boxfish

47 Sightings
J
1
F
9
M
0
A
6
M
2
J
4
J
8
A
1
S
3
O
5
N
1
D
7