Explore Upper Keys

Diving in the Upper Keys is a must for any diving enthusiast seeking a blend of adventure and tranquility. Renowned for its world-class dive sites, this area boasts a variety of experiences that cater to all skill levels. Key Largo, at the heart of the Upper Keys, is famous for its beautiful, clear, shallow reefs and impressive deep wrecks, making it a versatile dive destination.

The wrecks of the USS Spiegel Grove, the Duane, and the Bibb are particularly alluring for advanced divers with Wreck and Deep Diving certifications. These sites offer an exhilarating exploration into underwater history and marine life. For those new to diving, the Molasses Reef and French Reef provide relaxing, easy dives amidst vibrant coral gardens teeming with life. The iconic Christ of the Abyss statue adds a spiritual touch to any dive.

With the Upper Keys' enriching marine biodiversity and captivating underwater landscapes, divers should be prepared for strong currents and the common use of Enriched Air. The region's seasonal variations ensure diverse experiences that surprise and delight throughout the year, making it a top-tier dive destination.

Courses and Events

Open Water Instructor (Instructor Training Course ITC) Onboarding/Crossover

To join the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC), you must be a certified Divemaster or hold an equivalent qualification. This comprehensive program is part of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach. It begins with the Instructor Training Course combination, supported by immersive digital learning. After successfully completing the ITC, you will attend the Instructor Evaluation (IE) to become an SSI Open Water Instructor. As a certified instructor, you’ll be able to independently teach key SSI programs such as Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress & Rescue, and Dive Guide. Need more time or want to gain hands-on experience before becoming a full instructor? You can take the Assistant Instructor portion as a standalone step. This allows you to assist with real student courses, build valuable teaching experience, and then complete the Instructor Evaluation at your own pace. The possibilities are endless – start your scuba diving instructor career now!
On request

Assistant Instructor

5-Day Assistant Instructor Program This program will bridge the gap between leadership and instruction. You’ll gain experience teaching in the classroom, in confined water, assisting in open water, and developing your presentation and evaluation skills. Upon completion of this program, you will receive the following SSI certifications: -Assistant Instructor -Perfect Buoyancy Specialty Instructor -Computer Diving Specialty Instructor -Marine Ecology Specialty Instructor -Explorers Instructor Assistant Instructor Package Includes: - Transportation to and from Fort Lauderdale or Miami Airport - 6-night accommodation at Bungalow Bay (quad occupancy, queen bunk beds) - 2 Two-Tank Boat Dives (includes tanks & weights) - 4 Lagoon dives (includes tanks and weights) - 5 Days of Breakfast and Lunch - ITC Digital Kit (includes Assistant and Open Water Instructor) - SSI Instructor Resource package (slates, rash guard, extras)

16 February +3 More
EUR 1,887.15
USD 2,245.00

Open Water Instructor (Instructor Training Course ITC)

Take the final step toward becoming a professional educator with the SSI Open Water Instructor Training Course (ITC). This program prepares you to teach, evaluate, and inspire new divers while applying SSI’s educational system and digital learning platform. Upon completion of this program and the IE, you will receive the following SSI certifications: -Open Water Instructor -Perfect Buoyancy Specialty Instructor -Diver Stress & Rescue Specialty Instructor -Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty Instructor -Science of Diving Specialty Instructor -Dive Guide Specialty Instructor Open Water Instructor Package Includes: -Transportation to and from Fort Lauderdale or Miami Airport -5-night accommodation at Bungalow Bay (quad occupancy, queen bunk beds) -1 Two-Tank Boat Dive (includes tanks and weights) -3 Lagoon dive (includes tanks and weights) -4 Days of Breakfast and Lunch

23 February +3 More
EUR 1.02
USD 1.21

Dive Activity

Diving in Upper Keys

The Upper Keys in Florida offer some of the most exhilarating dive sites for enthusiasts. Among the top attractions is the USS Spiegel Grove, a notable wreck dive that lies 30 meters/98 feet underwater. This massive shipwreck is a haven for marine life and provides divers with an exciting exploration opportunity. Popular shore dives, such as the Molasses Reef, are known for their vibrant coral gardens and diverse aquatic species, making them ideal for both novice and experienced divers.

Unique underwater experiences are abundant in the Upper Keys. Night dives reveal the nocturnal behaviors of marine life, providing a different perspective on the underwater world. Special marine life encounters, such as sightings of the rare Goliath grouper, add thrill to the diving adventures. The balance between shore and liveaboard diving options allows divers to tailor their experiences, whether they prefer the convenience of shore dives or the extensive explorations offered by liveaboards.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Upper Keys

The Upper Keys, part of the Florida Keys archipelago, offer a vibrant marine life experience for divers. Common reef fish include the colorful parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, often seen darting among the coral structures. These species are typically present year-round, providing a consistent spectacle of motion and color.

Seasonal highlights in the Upper Keys include sightings of larger marine creatures such as sharks, turtles, and rays. During the warmer months, divers might encounter nurse sharks and loggerhead turtles, particularly around deeper reef areas and shipwreck sites. In late spring and early summer, eagle rays are occasionally spotted gliding gracefully near the sandy bottoms, offering a memorable sight for those fortunate enough to witness them.

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: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
638 Sightings
J
33
F
32
M
33
A
41
M
56
J
78
J
124
A
66
S
39
O
43
N
49
D
44

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
530 Sightings
J
39
F
17
M
29
A
34
M
67
J
69
J
87
A
47
S
38
O
46
N
33
D
24
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
283 Sightings
J
14
F
13
M
17
A
10
M
16
J
34
J
36
A
29
S
30
O
20
N
45
D
19

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
136 Sightings
J
3
F
3
M
3
A
7
M
9
J
30
J
34
A
10
S
11
O
11
N
11
D
4

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
902 Sightings
J
39
F
31
M
45
A
59
M
106
J
152
J
203
A
99
S
35
O
38
N
55
D
40

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
811 Sightings
J
54
F
29
M
50
A
63
M
86
J
121
J
139
A
95
S
46
O
48
N
43
D
37

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
712 Sightings
J
29
F
29
M
32
A
39
M
80
J
109
J
118
A
101
S
53
O
34
N
53
D
35

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
428 Sightings
J
18
F
13
M
14
A
17
M
32
J
82
J
86
A
56
S
30
O
21
N
35
D
24

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
414 Sightings
J
20
F
22
M
10
A
25
M
58
J
53
J
73
A
46
S
25
O
31
N
27
D
24

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
318 Sightings
J
29
F
15
M
17
A
22
M
26
J
58
J
57
A
40
S
20
O
9
N
14
D
11
Show More

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
315 Sightings
J
25
F
21
M
20
A
22
M
34
J
50
J
45
A
35
S
23
O
6
N
23
D
11

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
309 Sightings
J
22
F
14
M
10
A
18
M
38
J
35
J
62
A
38
S
21
O
20
N
24
D
7

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
286 Sightings
J
13
F
9
M
17
A
17
M
25
J
41
J
64
A
27
S
14
O
30
N
17
D
12

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
233 Sightings
J
8
F
11
M
8
A
14
M
25
J
33
J
57
A
20
S
20
O
10
N
15
D
12

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
229 Sightings
J
13
F
14
M
11
A
11
M
26
J
47
J
33
A
13
S
21
O
12
N
14
D
14

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
228 Sightings
J
10
F
12
M
2
A
7
M
38
J
37
J
42
A
32
S
16
O
19
N
9
D
4

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
193 Sightings
J
10
F
8
M
5
A
4
M
16
J
33
J
36
A
20
S
19
O
15
N
13
D
14

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

Total number of species: 55

k

Lobster
193 Sightings
J
10
F
11
M
4
A
25
M
21
J
26
J
35
A
20
S
8
O
11
N
13
D
9

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
192 Sightings
J
18
F
5
M
3
A
16
M
34
J
10
J
54
A
17
S
14
O
9
N
3
D
9

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
161 Sightings
J
8
F
12
M
8
A
7
M
25
J
11
J
26
A
18
S
11
O
9
N
19
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
125 Sightings
J
4
F
8
M
11
A
6
M
13
J
13
J
16
A
10
S
8
O
14
N
17
D
5

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

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
105 Sightings
J
14
F
4
M
0
A
9
M
7
J
27
J
17
A
3
S
8
O
6
N
6
D
4

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
79 Sightings
J
0
F
4
M
1
A
3
M
22
J
8
J
19
A
7
S
1
O
7
N
4
D
3

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
76 Sightings
J
4
F
1
M
0
A
1
M
12
J
1
J
10
A
9
S
14
O
8
N
15
D
1

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
66 Sightings
J
5
F
3
M
0
A
4
M
5
J
7
J
11
A
10
S
9
O
1
N
10
D
1

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
64 Sightings
J
1
F
3
M
4
A
3
M
7
J
15
J
0
A
2
S
9
O
11
N
9
D
0
AdobeStock-_italo

Moon Jellyfish
61 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
0
A
1
M
1
J
1
J
1
A
14
S
17
O
16
N
7
D
0

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

The best Monthst to dive in Upper Keys

The Upper Keys offer excellent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 21°C–30°C/70°F–86°F. This tropical climate ensures comfortable diving throughout the year. Visibility typically spans 15–30 meters/49–98 feet, especially during the calm summer months.

Diving is possible all year, but wind and currents can affect conditions, particularly in winter. While summer offers the clearest waters, the hurricane season from June to November may bring unpredictable weather, making late spring and early winter more stable and favorable for diving enthusiasts.

Dive Centers

Sea Dwellers Dive Center, Sea Dwellers Dive Center, Inc.

105 Laguna Ave, #E5, 33037 Key Largo, FL - USA

Key Dives

79851 Overseas Highway, 33036 Islamorada, FL - USA

Ocean First, LLC

51 Shoreland Drive, 33037 Key Largo, FL - USA

Captain Hook’s Marina & Dive Center

11833 Overseas Highway, 33050 Marathon, FL - USA

Horizon Divers, Horizon Dive Adventures Inc.

105800 Overseas Hwy, 33037 Key Largo, FL - USA

Quiescence Diving Services Inc., Full Service Dive Center with Charter Boats

103680 Overseas Highway, 33037 Key Largo, FL - USA

Conch Republic Divers

90800 Overseas Hwy, Ste 9, 33070 Tavernier, FL - USA

Dive Sites

Mares

Coffins Patch (★4.2)

Coffins Patch Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) is located approximately four miles off Key Colony Beach and offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Middle Keys. Maximum depth is about 25-30 feet/ 7 -9m.
Aqualung

Morada (★4.2)

20-25 foot dive – This is a very purple reef (“morada” means purple in Spanish). From the flowing purple gorgonians to the swaying purple soft corals, this site is a customer favorite if you like a lot of color. This site is also home to Bonnethead sharks for the better part of the year.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

Kylie's Reef (★4.4)

18-20′ – If coral is what you’re after, this reef is for you. This shallow patch has absolutely incredible stands of stony coral. Massive starlet coral, symmetrical brain coral, knobby brain coral, elliptical star coral. This site was named after our in-house coral doctor, Dr. Kylie Smit
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Cheeca Rocks (★4.3)

An inshore patch reef system with a variety of hard and soft corals which attract a variety of marine life. The smallest Special Protected Area (SPA) in the Florida Keys NOAA system. No touch or take of any kind.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Donut (★4.2)

High profile boulder and branching coral surrounding a sandy center - like a donut. Healthy coral reaching within a few feet of the surface makes the site suitable and enjoyable for both divers and snorkelers.
Mares

Davey Crocker Reef (★4.5)

An amazing, shallow reef dive great for snorkelers and newer divers. Davey Crocker Reef has one of the highest populations of fish life in this area. Schools of fish, nurse sharks, eels and turtles. This is a must dive.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Fire Coral Cave (★4.3)

Fire Coral Cave is a long narrow swim through located toward the southern end of the Molasses Reef Sanctuary Protected Area. It varies in depth from 15ft to 30ft.
Mares

Coral Restoration Foundation Nursery (★4.6)

The Coral Restoration Foundation Nursery can only be visited with special permissions. Divers can take classes with the Coral Restoration Foundation and volunteer to help at the coral nursery.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Horseshoe Reef - Florida (★4.2)

This patchy reef site sits just north of the famous Christ of the Abyss dive site, offshore from Key Largo and is one of the most diverse dive areas in the Keys.
Mares

John Pennekamp State Park (★4.4)

This site is part of the Florida State Park system and has protected status. It’s also home to the Boy Scouts of America SeaBase camp program. With shallow, clear water, plenty of reef life, and easy access just offshore, this site is a great dive for beginners and also snorkelers.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Mike’s Wreck (Hannah M. Bell) (★4.4)

One of the many wrecks of Elbow Reef, the Hannah M. Bell was for many years known as Mike’s Wreck. The shallow side is about 18 ft deep with the deeper side being about 30 ft. Perfect for reef divers, new divers, and a relaxing dive on an iconic wreck.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Jules Undersea Lodge (★3.5)

Home to Americas only underwater hotel, this site is great for confined and open water training. There is a shallow platform at about 6 feet (depending on the tides) and the deepest point is about 25 feet. There are 3 downlines and 3 exit points. Visibility is typically around 10 feet.