All destinations
Florida & USA · United States
Key West
End-of-the-road island diving.
5.0Salty Reef rating
Destination snapshot
Best time
Year-round; best May–Oct
Water temp
76–86°F
Visibility
50–90 ft
Skill level
Intermediate
Flight time (US)
Direct
Great for
Wreck diving · Culture
Why visit
Vandenberg wreck, Sand Key Reef and Dry Tortugas day trips from the southernmost point in the U.S.
Key West offers big-wreck diving on the Vandenberg, shallow reefs and the wilderness of Dry Tortugas National Park.
Best dive sites
- USNS Vandenberg
- Sand Key Reef
- Western Sambo
- Dry Tortugas
Best snorkeling spots
- Sand Key
- Western Sambo
What you may see underwater
Sea TurtlesReef SharksNurse SharksGoliath GrouperCoral ReefsSchools of Fish
Interesting fact
The USNS Vandenberg, a 522-ft former missile-tracking ship, was sunk off Key West in 2009 and now hosts one of the largest artificial reef dives in the world.
Who this destination is best for
- Couples
- Groups
Frequently asked questions
- Best time to dive Key West?
- April–June for calmest seas and best visibility. Summer is warm but afternoon storms are common.
- Is the Vandenberg for beginners?
- No — the top deck is at 100 ft. Advanced Open Water and nitrox recommended.
- Other must-dive sites?
- Western Sambo, Sand Key and the Cayman Salvager wreck (90 ft, upright).
Ready to dive Key West?
Tell us your dates and experience level — we'll match you with the right resort and operator, and handle the details.
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