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

5 Day Assistant Instructor Course

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)

May 4, 2026 +2 More
$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

May 11, 2026 +2 More
$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 approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
655 Sightings
J
33
F
36
M
37
A
47
M
56
J
78
J
126
A
66
S
39
O
43
N
50
D
44

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

Total number of species approx.: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
542 Sightings
J
39
F
19
M
29
A
38
M
67
J
73
J
89
A
47
S
38
O
46
N
33
D
24
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
287 Sightings
J
14
F
16
M
15
A
11
M
16
J
34
J
36
A
30
S
30
O
20
N
46
D
19

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

Total number of species approx.: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
140 Sightings
J
3
F
3
M
6
A
9
M
9
J
30
J
34
A
10
S
11
O
11
N
10
D
4

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

Total number of species approx.: 2

AdobeStock-hakbak

Nurse Shark
919 Sightings
J
39
F
39
M
49
A
61
M
107
J
152
J
203
A
100
S
35
O
38
N
56
D
40

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

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
833 Sightings
J
54
F
30
M
63
A
71
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 approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
737 Sightings
J
29
F
31
M
46
A
48
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 approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
445 Sightings
J
18
F
13
M
22
A
26
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 approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
426 Sightings
J
20
F
26
M
13
A
28
M
58
J
54
J
73
A
46
S
26
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 approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
343 Sightings
J
22
F
20
M
26
A
29
M
38
J
35
J
62
A
39
S
21
O
20
N
24
D
7
Show More

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

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
340 Sightings
J
29
F
17
M
30
A
29
M
26
J
58
J
57
A
40
S
20
O
9
N
14
D
11

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
332 Sightings
J
25
F
22
M
27
A
31
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 approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
308 Sightings
J
13
F
9
M
34
A
22
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 approx.: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
245 Sightings
J
10
F
12
M
13
A
13
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 approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
242 Sightings
J
13
F
14
M
16
A
19
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 approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
234 Sightings
J
8
F
11
M
3
A
21
M
25
J
33
J
57
A
20
S
20
O
10
N
14
D
12

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
207 Sightings
J
10
F
9
M
12
A
10
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 approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Spiny Lobster
201 Sightings
J
18
F
7
M
15
A
11
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 approx.: 55

Shutterstock-RLS Photo

Lobster
195 Sightings
J
10
F
11
M
9
A
20
M
21
J
27
J
35
A
20
S
8
O
11
N
14
D
9

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

Total number of species approx.: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
164 Sightings
J
8
F
13
M
9
A
7
M
25
J
11
J
26
A
18
S
11
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.: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
127 Sightings
J
4
F
8
M
15
A
8
M
10
J
13
J
16
A
10
S
8
O
14
N
16
D
5

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

Total number of species approx.: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
107 Sightings
J
14
F
4
M
0
A
11
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 approx.: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
86 Sightings
J
4
F
1
M
6
A
5
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 approx.: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler

Crab
80 Sightings
J
0
F
4
M
2
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 approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
68 Sightings
J
1
F
3
M
8
A
3
M
7
J
15
J
0
A
2
S
9
O
11
N
9
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
65 Sightings
J
5
F
3
M
1
A
4
M
5
J
7
J
11
A
10
S
9
O
1
N
8
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Squirrelfish
59 Sightings
J
6
F
0
M
6
A
2
M
4
J
5
J
4
A
8
S
4
O
7
N
9
D
4
AdobeStock-_italo

Moon Jellyfish
59 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
1
J
1
A
14
S
17
O
16
N
6
D
0

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 - United States

Ocean First, LLC

51 Shoreland Drive, 33037 Key Largo, FL - United States

Key Dives

79851 Overseas Highway, 33036 Islamorada, FL - United States

Horizon Divers, Horizon Dive Adventures Inc.

105800 Overseas Hwy, 33037 Key Largo, FL - United States

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

103680 Overseas Highway, 33037 Key Largo, FL - United States

Conch Republic Divers

90800 Overseas Hwy, Ste 9, 33070 Tavernier, FL - United States

Captain Hook’s Marina & Dive Center

11833 Overseas Highway, 33050 Marathon, FL - United States

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 (★4.3)

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 (★4.7)

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 (★3.6)

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.