Divers appreciate the 9 Foot Stake for its accessibility, diverse marine life, and excellent conditions for both diving and snorkeling.

Article at a Glance

• Location: Situated approximately 4 miles south of Key West, near Marker 32, making it easily accessible for divers.
• Depth: Features shallow depths ranging from 12 to 30 feet (3.7 to 9 meters), ideal for beginners and snorkelers.
• Visibility: Offers excellent visibility, typically between 10 to 30 meters (33 to 100 feet), enhancing the underwater experience.
• Marine Life: Home to diverse marine species, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, nurse sharks, and barracuda.
• Unique Features: Notable underwater structures include an I-beam, remnants of an old lighthouse, and a fallen telephone pole, adding interest to dives.
• Best Time to Dive: Optimal diving conditions are found in spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when weather and marine activity are at their best.
• Suitability: Primarily suited for beginners and intermediate divers, but can also serve as a relaxing second dive for advanced divers.

9 Foot Stake Key West

The 9 Foot Stake dive site in Key West is a popular location for both scuba divers and snorkelers, known for its unique underwater features and accessible depth. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

Overview of 9 Foot Stake Dive Site

• Location: Approximately 4 miles south of Key West, near Marker 32.
• Depth: The site ranges from 15 to 30 feet, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels, particularly beginners.
• Notable Features:
  • The site is named after a fallen telephone pole that lies submerged, measuring about nine feet in length.
  • Divers can also find remnants of a twelve-foot lighthouse and various iron bars and pilings that attract marine life.

Marine Life

The 9 Foot Stake is renowned for its rich biodiversity. Divers can expect to see:

• Fish Species: Hogfish, bar jacks, and barracuda.
• Marine Mammals: Playful sea turtles are often spotted, adding to the site’s charm.

Diving Experience

• Ideal For: Both scuba divers and snorkelers will find enjoyment here due to the clear, shallow waters.
• Photography: The clarity of the water makes it an excellent spot for underwater photography.
• Dive Charters: Various local dive shops offer trips to this site, including Southpoint Divers, which provides a range of diving experiences tailored to different skill levels12.

Accessing the Site

For those who wish to dive at the 9 Foot Stake:

• Boat Access: It’s recommended to have your own vessel for flexibility, as you can moor at one of two buoys.
• Dive Shops: Local dive centers can arrange trips if you do not have your own boat.

What Marine Life Can I Expect To See?

Common Marine Life

• Fish Species:
  • Tropical Fish: Schools of colorful tropical fish, including Spanish hogfish, blue tangs, and yellow goatfish.
  • Predatory Fish: Larger species such as barracuda, nurse sharks, and even hammerhead sharks can occasionally be spotted.
  • Bottom Dwellers: Snapper, grouper, and grunt species are commonly found around the reef.
• Other Marine Creatures:
  • Sea Turtles: These playful creatures are often seen swimming around the site.
  • Eels: Moray eels are frequent residents of the reef.
  • Crustaceans: Nocturnal hermit crabs and various other crustaceans can be observed, especially during night dives.
• Invertebrates:
  • Anemones and Nudibranchs: These colorful invertebrates add to the vibrant underwater scenery.
  • Brittle Stars: Often found hiding among the coral.

What Do Divers Say About This Site?

General Impressions

• Accessibility: The site is praised for its shallow depths, ranging from 15 to 30 feet, making it suitable for divers of all levels, including beginners and snorkelers. Many divers appreciate that it serves as a great second or third dive after visiting more challenging sites like the Cayman Salvage Master.
• Visibility: The clear waters at 9 Foot Stake provide excellent visibility, which is particularly beneficial for underwater photography. Divers often mention the unobstructed views of vibrant marine life, enhancing their overall experience.

Marine Life

• Diverse Species: Divers report seeing a variety of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, nurse sharks, sea turtles, and even the occasional barracuda. The presence of playful sea turtles is often highlighted as a memorable aspect of the dive.
• Unique Features: The site is marked by an I-beam and remnants of an old lighthouse, which provide interesting structures for marine life to inhabit. Divers enjoy exploring these features while observing how fish and other creatures utilize them as habitats.

Recommendations

• Ideal for Photography: Many divers recommend 9 Foot Stake as an excellent spot for those looking to practice underwater photography due to its shallow depth and rich marine life.
• Dive Charters: Several local dive shops offer trips to this site, making it easy for visitors to access the dive without needing their own boat. Reviews suggest that experienced guides enhance the diving experience by ensuring safety and providing insights about the marine environment.

Key Information

Highlights of Diving This Site?

• Shallow Depth: The site features depths ranging from 12 to 29 feet, making it ideal for novice divers and snorkelers. This shallow environment allows for easy exploration and is particularly appealing for those new to underwater photography.
• Diverse Marine Life: Divers can expect to see a variety of marine species, including:
  • Colorful Tropical Fish: Schools of snapper, grouper, and grunt fish are commonly observed.
  • Predatory Fish: Nurse sharks and barracuda often make appearances, adding excitement to the dive.
  • Sea Turtles: Many divers report encounters with playful sea turtles, which enhance the experience.
• Unique Underwater Features: The site is marked by an I-beam that stands nine feet tall, remnants of an old lighthouse, and various submerged structures like iron bars. These features provide habitats for marine life and interesting spots for divers to explore.
• Clear Visibility: The clarity of the water at 9 Foot Stake allows for unobstructed views of the vibrant underwater ecosystem, making it a great location for photography and observation.
• Accessibility: Located about four miles south of Key West, the site can be accessed by boat. It is often recommended as a second or third dive after visiting more challenging sites like the Cayman Salvage Master. Dive charters are readily available for those without their own vessels.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The shallow waters and abundance of marine life make it a suitable spot for families and groups looking to enjoy diving or snorkeling together.

Iconic Spots At This Site

• The I-Beam:
  • A prominent feature of the site, this nine-foot tall I-beam serves as a navigational marker and is a popular spot for divers to explore. It attracts various marine species and provides a unique backdrop for underwater photography.
• Remnants of the Old Lighthouse:
  • Divers can find remains of a small lighthouse within the reef. This structure not only adds historical interest but also serves as a habitat for marine life, making it an intriguing spot to explore.
• Fallen Telephone Pole:
  • The site is named after a submerged telephone pole that lies about nine feet long, which divers can discover while exploring. This unusual feature contributes to the site’s charm and serves as an artificial reef structure.
• Coral Reef Structures:
  • The surrounding coral formations are rich with biodiversity, providing homes for various fish species, including snapper, grouper, and hogfish. These coral structures are ideal for both diving and snorkeling.
• Mooring Buoys:
  • Two mooring buoys mark the dive area, allowing boats to anchor safely without damaging the reef. This accessibility makes it easy for divers and snorkelers to enjoy the site at their leisure.
• Marine Life Hotspots:
  • Throughout the dive, divers can expect to encounter playful sea turtles, nurse sharks, and schools of colorful tropical fish. The diversity of marine life is one of the main attractions of this site.

Environmental Conservation Efforts at 9 Foot Stake

Conservation Efforts

• Part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary:
  • The 9 Foot Stake is included in this sanctuary, which was established to protect the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. This designation helps to regulate activities that could harm the reef and its inhabitants.
• Marine Debris Removal:
  • Programs like Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys focus on removing marine debris from the sanctuary, which helps maintain a healthier environment for marine life. This initiative is crucial for reducing pollution and protecting the habitats of various species.
• Buoy and Marker Infrastructure:
  • The sanctuary has developed a buoy and marker system to guide boaters, which helps prevent damage to sensitive areas like coral reefs. This infrastructure supports sustainable recreational use and facilitates coral restoration efforts.
• No-Motor Zones:
  • The establishment of no-motor and idle-speed zones aims to protect seagrass habitats and reduce prop scarring, allowing damaged areas to recover. These measures are part of a broader strategy to enhance the health of marine ecosystems within the sanctuary.
• Community Involvement:
  • Local organizations encourage community participation in conservation efforts, fostering awareness and support for marine protection initiatives. Events like Save Spectacular celebrate achievements in conservation and engage the public in protecting marine resources.
• Research and Monitoring:
  • Ongoing scientific research and monitoring are conducted to assess the health of coral reefs and marine life populations. This data informs management decisions and conservation strategies to better protect these ecosystems.

Challenges

While there are significant conservation efforts underway, challenges remain, including:

• Overfishing: Continued pressure from fishing activities can impact fish populations and overall biodiversity.
• Pollution: Runoff from land can lead to nutrient loading, which adversely affects coral health.
• Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification pose ongoing threats to coral reefs globally, including those at 9 Foot Stake.

Maximizing Your Diving Experience at 9 Foot Stake

Site Characteristics

• Depth: The 9 Foot Stake features shallow waters ranging from 12 to 30 feet, making it ideal for divers of all experience levels, especially beginners and snorkelers.
• Visibility: The site is known for excellent visibility, typically between 10 to 30 meters, allowing for clear views of marine life and underwater structures.

Marine Life

• Diverse Ecosystem: Expect to see a variety of marine species, including:
  • Tropical Fish: Schools of snapper, grouper, parrotfish, and hogfish.
  • Larger Species: Nurse sharks, barracuda, and the occasional hammerhead.
  • Sea Turtles: These friendly creatures are often spotted swimming around the reef.

Iconic Features

• The I-Beam: A notable underwater marker that stands nine feet tall, providing a unique photo opportunity and a habitat for marine life.
• Remnants of an Old Lighthouse: Scattered remains add historical interest and serve as shelter for various fish species.
• Fallen Telephone Pole: This underwater feature is part of the site’s charm and contributes to its biodiversity.

Preparation Tips

• Choose the Right Time: Consider diving during early morning or late afternoon for optimal marine activity and lighting conditions for photography.
• Bring the Right Gear: Ensure you have appropriate scuba gear or snorkeling equipment. A camera is highly recommended for capturing the vibrant underwater scenes.
• Dive with a Guide: If you’re unfamiliar with the area, consider diving with a local charter or guide who can enhance your experience by pointing out significant features and marine life.

Additional Activities

• Fishing: If you have a Florida saltwater fishing license, you can also enjoy fishing at this site. Lobster season can offer additional opportunities for catch.
• Night Diving: For experienced divers, night dives can reveal nocturnal marine life like hermit crabs and anemones, providing a different perspective on the ecosystem.

Accessibility

• Boat Access: The site is accessible by boat, with two mooring buoys available for anchoring. Local dive shops offer charters if you do not have your own vessel.
• Combine Dives: Many divers choose to visit 9 Foot Stake as a second or third dive after exploring more challenging sites like the Cayman Salvager, making it a perfect addition to a day of diving.

Capturing Memories at 9 Foot Stake: Photography Tips

1. Choose the Right Time

• Optimal Lighting: Aim for early morning or late afternoon dives when natural light is softer and can enhance colors underwater. This is particularly important in shallow waters where sunlight can create beautiful patterns.

2. Use the Right Equipment

• Camera Gear: A waterproof camera or housing is essential. Consider using a DSLR or mirrorless camera for better quality images. Compact cameras with good macro capabilities can also work well.
• Lenses: Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing large scenes, while macro lenses are perfect for close-ups of small marine creatures.
• Strobe Lights: If you have access to external strobes, use them to illuminate subjects and reduce backscatter from particles in the water.

3. Adjust Your Settings

• White Balance: Adjust your white balance settings to compensate for the blue hues of underwater photography, which can help restore natural colors.
• ISO Settings: Use a higher ISO setting (400-800) in low-light conditions to capture more detail, but be cautious of noise in your images.

4. Get Close to Your Subjects

• Minimize Water Distortion: Move closer to your subjects to reduce the amount of water between your camera and the subject, which can distort images and reduce clarity.
• Focus on Details: The site is home to vibrant marine life like colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and unique coral formations. Capture these details by getting up close.

5. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

• Avoid Touching Marine Life: Maintain a respectful distance from marine creatures and avoid touching corals or other sensitive environments to protect the ecosystem.
• Watch Your Buoyancy: Good buoyancy control helps prevent accidental contact with the reef or stirring up sediment, which can cloud your photos.

6. Experiment with Angles

• Diverse Perspectives: Try different angles and compositions. Shoot from above, below, or at eye level with your subjects to create dynamic images.
• Capture Action Shots: If you see fish schooling or turtles swimming, be ready to capture those moments as they happen.

7. Post-Dive Editing

• Enhance Your Photos: Use photo editing software to adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance after your dive. This can help bring out the vibrancy of underwater scenes.

8. Practice Patience

• Wait for the Right Moment: Underwater photography often requires patience. Wait for marine life to come into view and be ready to capture spontaneous moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key West Dive Sites

• Western Sambo Reef Reserve
• Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary
• Sand Key
• Sand Key Light
• Ten-Fathom Ledge
• 9 Foot Stake
• Fingers Reef
• Kedge Ledge
• The Dry Tortugas
• Cottrell Reef
• Runway
• Sambo Reef
• Eastern Dry Rocks
• American Shoals  
• The Cayo Hueso Reef
• The Marquesas Keys