Book a Blue Star charter
These operators teach reef-safe skills and fund conservation. Look for the current Blue Star placard.
Destination guide
Florida Keys
America's reef highway for wrecks, reefs, and road trips
Marine SanctuaryWreck TrekMooring BuoysBlue Star Operators
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Overview
America's reef highway for wrecks, reefs, and road trips
The Florida Keys are a year-round playground for reef, wreck, and snorkel adventures inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS). Expect shallow spur-and-groove reefs, photogenic swim-throughs, and some of the United States' most famous artificial reefs like the Spiegel Grove and Vandenberg. Mooring buoys protect living coral and make boat diving simple. Conservation is central here, with Blue Star operators certified to teach low-impact practices and Mission: Iconic Reefs restoring seven key sites. Winter brings wind and cooler water, summer brings glassier seas and warm water. Pair dive days with topside icons like Bahia Honda beaches, the Turtle Hospital, and Key West's sunset scene.
What makes the Florida Keys special
- A living marine sanctuary. The entire island chain sits within FKNMS with updated zoning and protections. Divers must avoid touching corals, anchoring on reefs, or collecting. Use mooring buoys wherever available.
- Wreck and reef variety. From shallow snorkel reefs around Key Largo and Islamorada to advanced wrecks off Marathon and Key West, you can plan sites for every level.
- Conservation you can join. Book with Blue Star operators that commit to reef-friendly practices, and watch restoration at Mission: Iconic Reefs sites.
Where to base
- Upper Keys (Key Largo-Tavernier). Classic reefs like Molasses and French plus wrecks Duane and Spiegel Grove.
- Middle Keys (Islamorada-Marathon). Patch reefs and lighthouse reefs like Alligator and Sombrero; Thunderbolt wreck nearby.
- Lower Keys-Key West. Looe Key reef, deep wrecks like Vandenberg and Cayman Salvager, and easy day trips to Dry Tortugas.
Conditions at a glance
- Water typically 22°C in winter to 30°C in late summer, with best surface conditions spring to mid-summer. Winter cold fronts raise winds; late summer to fall is hurricane season.
- Visibility often 15 m to 30 m on reefs; wrecks can see stronger currents.
Etiquette and rules
- Use mooring buoys, mind Sanctuary Preservation Areas, and practice no-touch diving and snorkeling to prevent disease spread and breakage. Rinse gear and keep distance from coral.
Highlights
Don't miss while you're here
Field notes from guides and contributors on what stands out immediately.
Keys Wreck Trek sampler
Pair Benwood and Duane in Key Largo, then add Thunderbolt or Vandenberg as conditions allow.
Mooring buoy etiquette
Approach upwind, rig a bow line, no stern ties in seas, and vacate if seas build. Never anchor on coral.
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