Florida & USA · United States
Key West
End-of-the-road island diving.
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.
Best dive sites
- USNS Vandenberg
- Sand Key Reef
- Western Sambo
- Dry Tortugas
Best snorkeling spots
- Sand Key
- Western Sambo
What you may see underwater
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 — a Salty Reef Travel Concierge will match you with the right resort, operator, or liveaboard in Key West and handle the details. Always free to you.
Available 24/7 · 727-240-2242 · Our travel concierge service is always free to you.
At a glance
- Region
- Florida & USA
- Country
- United States
- Best season
- Year-round; best May–Oct
- Water temp
- 76–86°F
- Visibility
- 50–90 ft
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Flight from US
- Direct
Newsletter
One dispatch a month, straight from the water.