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.

Top Dive Sites Map

Mares

★★★★☆ Coffins Patch

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.

644
Logs
398
Divers
8.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Morada

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.

119
Logs
94
Divers
9.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Kylie's Reef

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

84
Logs
53
Divers
13.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Cheeca Rocks

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.

52
Logs
37
Divers
7.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Donut

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.

66
Logs
52
Divers
8.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Davey Crocker Reef

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.

1,855
Logs
1,250
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Fire Coral Cave

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.

883
Logs
765
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★★ Coral Restoration Foundation Nursery

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.

377
Logs
187
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Horseshoe Reef - Florida

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.

2,043
Logs
1,518
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ John Pennekamp State Park

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.

886
Logs
395
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Mike’s Wreck (Hannah M. Bell)

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.

1,120
Logs
852
Divers
9.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Jules Undersea Lodge

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.

1,612
Logs
665
Divers
8.0 m
⌀ Depth
3.0 m
⌀ Visibility

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.

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.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Sea Dwellers Dive Center

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

Captain Hook’s Marina & Dive Center

11833 Overseas Highway, 33050 Marathon, FL - USA

Ocean First, LLC

51 Shoreland Drive, 33037 Key Largo, FL - USA

Conch Republic Divers

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

Quiescence Diving Services Inc.

103680 Overseas Highway, 33037 Key Largo, FL - USA

Horizon Divers

105800 Overseas Hwy, 33037 Key Largo, FL - USA

Key Dives

79851 Overseas Highway, 33036 Islamorada, FL - USA