Key West offers world-class scuba diving experiences with its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and unique underwater attractions. The area boasts the third-largest living coral barrier reef system in the world, providing divers with stunning underwater landscapes to explore.

Dive Centers and Services

DiveMaster Key West

• Address: 3218 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
• Phone: (305) 292-4616
• Rating: 5.0
• Services: Dive shop, SCUBA instructor
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible parking and seating.

Key West Dive Center

• Phone: (866) 563-1805
• Rating: 4.3
• Services: Dive shop, Boat tour agency, Service establishment
• Boats: State-of-the-art dive boats, including a custom-built 50′ Newton Diving Boat.

Capt. Hook’s Dive Key West

• Address: 1708 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
• Phone: (305) 296-3823
• Rating: 4.3
• Services: Dive shop, SCUBA instructor, SCUBA tour agency
• Features: Women-owned, free parking, Wi-Fi.

Captain’s Corner Dive Center

• Address: 125 Ann St, Key West, FL 33040
• Phone: (305) 296-8865
• Rating: 4.9
• Services: Dive shop, SCUBA instructor, SCUBA tour agency
• Features: PADI 5 Star Dive Center, on-site training pool, variety of courses.

Finz Dive Center and Tackle Shop

• Address: 6003 Peninsular Ave Ste #4, Key West, FL 33040
• Phone: (305) 395-0880
• Rating: 4.9
• Services: Dive shop, Bait shop, Fishing charter, SCUBA instructor, SCUBA tour agency
• Features: Free parking, curbside pickup.

Services Offered

• Training: Most centers offer PADI courses, from Discover Scuba Diving to advanced certifications.
• Guided Tours: Daily trips to popular sites like the Vandenberg wreck and coral reefs.
• Equipment: Gear rentals and sales available at all major dive centers.
• Boat Trips: Custom dive boats with amenities like camera tables, rinse bins, and fresh water showers.
• Accessibility: Many centers offer wheelchair accessibility and other amenities like Wi-Fi.

What are the best dive sites in Key West

Vandenberg Wreck

• Location: Approximately 7 miles south of Key West.
• Depth: 140-150 feet.
• Features: The largest artificial reef in the Florida Keys, known for its massive structure and diverse marine life.

Western Dry Rocks

• Location: Near Key West.
• Depth: Varies, but generally shallow.
• Features: Vibrant coral formations and abundant marine life, including schools of fish.

Sambo Reefs (Eastern, Middle, Western)

• Location: South of Key West.
• Depth: 10-50 feet.
• Features: A collection of reefs with diverse marine life and coral formations. Western Sambo is particularly noted for its elkhorn coral.

Joe’s Tug

• Location: Six miles south of Key West.
• Depth: 45-65 feet.
• Features: A tugboat wreck known for its resident jewfish.

Sand Key

• Location: Seven miles southwest of Key West.
• Depth: 35-75 feet.
• Features: Known for excellent snorkeling and diving, marked by an old lighthouse.

Cayman Salvage Master

• Location: Five miles south of Key West.
• Depth: 67-93 feet.
• Features: An artificial reef and wreck dive known for large groupers and morays.

Eastern Dry Rocks

• Location: South of Key West.
• Depth: 18-25 feet.
• Features: A coral reef with a variety of marine life and coral formations.

Rock Key

• Location: Near Key West.
• Depth: 5-35 feet.
• Features: Part of the Sanctuary Preservation Area, known for its diverse marine habitats.

What are the top-rated dive sites for beginners in Key West

Middle Sambo Reef

• Location: Between Western and Eastern Sambo Reefs.
• Depth: Approximately 35 feet (10.5 meters).
• Features: Beautiful reef with diverse marine life, including lobsters and tarpon. Ideal for beginners due to its shallow depth and calm conditions.

Western Sambo Reef

• Location: South of Key West.
• Depth: Maximum depth of about 30 feet (10 meters).
• Features: Extensive reef with a variety of coral types and marine life. The area known as Cannonball Cut is particularly interesting for spotting lobsters and exploring a tugboat wreck.

Sand Key

• Location: Seven miles southwest of Key West.
• Depth: 35-75 feet (10.5-22.8 meters).
• Features: Offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. The site is marked by an old lighthouse and provides a great introduction to reef diving.

Joe’s Tug

• Location: Six miles south of Key West.
• Depth: 45-65 feet (13.7-19.8 meters).
• Features: A tugboat wreck that is open to all levels of divers. The wreck is covered in coral and sponges, hosting a variety of marine life like crabs, lobsters, and morays.

What are the best times of year to dive in Key West

Spring (March to May)

• Weather: Warm and calm, with water temperatures rising from the mid-70s to the mid-80s (°F).
• Visibility: Generally good to excellent.
• Marine Life: Abundant, with many species active during this period.
• Crowds: Peak tourist season, especially during spring break.

Fall (September to November)

• Weather: Calm seas and pleasant temperatures, with water in the high 70s to mid-80s.
• Visibility: Good to very good.
• Marine Life: Diverse, with larger game fish moving into the area.
• Crowds: Fewer tourists compared to spring, making it more relaxed.

Summer (June to August)

• Weather: Hot and humid, with water temperatures in the mid-80s to high 80s.
• Visibility: Generally good.
• Marine Life: Active, with many species spawning during this time.
• Crowds: Busy due to summer vacations.

Winter (December to February)

• Weather: Cooler, with water temperatures in the mid-70s.
• Visibility: Good to very good.
• Marine Life: Less active compared to warmer months.
• Crowds: Fewer tourists, making it a good time for those seeking quieter conditions.

Overall, the transitional seasons (spring and fall) offer the best balance of weather, visibility, and marine life for diving in Key West.

Are there any dive packages that include accommodations in Key West

Beachside Resort & Residences Key West

• Address: 3841 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
• Phone: (305) 296-8100
• Features: Offers upscale lodging with a pool and dining options. You can book accommodations here and separately arrange diving trips with local dive centers like Southpoint Divers or Key West Scuba Diving.

Hyatt Vacation Club at Windward Pointe

• Address: 3675 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
• Phone: (305) 293-5050
• Features: Oceanfront lodging with an outdoor pool. Similar to Beachside, you can book accommodations and organize diving separately.

Ocean Key Resort & Spa

• Address: 0 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
• Phone: (305) 809-8072
• Features: Waterfront hotel with dining and a lounge. This resort could be paired with local dive operators for a complete experience.

For a more integrated dive and stay package, you might consider contacting local dive centers directly, such as Southpoint Divers or Key West Scuba Diving, to inquire about potential partnerships with hotels or resorts for bundled packages