Safety · Destination Guide
America's first undersea park meets easy reef days and legendary wrecks
Updated Dec 13, 2025 • 12 sources
Key Largo is a protected-reef destination with boat diving norms. Safety and conservation are linked: stable buoyancy, correct mooring use, and strict no-touch behavior protect both divers and coral. Plan conservatively around weather and current, especially for wreck days.
The Upper Keys are served by local emergency services and hospital care. Mariners Hospital in the Upper Keys has hyperbaric services and is the usual regional reference point for dive injuries. Always confirm your operator's emergency action plan and closest chamber routing during the trip briefing.
Cold fronts can cancel boats
Winter cold fronts can bring fast-changing wind and rough seas. Keep a backup plan for bayside paddling, museums, or the REEF center.
Hurricane-season flexibility
Hurricane season runs June to November with peak risk in late summer and early fall. Build buffer days and book refundable options when possible.
Fire coral and stinging organisms
Fire coral can sting and seasonal jellyfish are possible. Wear a rashguard, maintain buoyancy, and avoid contact with the reef.
Boat traffic at shallow landmarks
Popular snorkel sites can get busy. Stay close to your guide, use a flag where required, and do not surface away from the group.
South Florida reefs experience heat stress and coral bleaching risk when water temperatures rise. In the warmest months, treat every dive as a low-impact dive: perfect buoyancy, no contact, no chasing wildlife, and careful finning to avoid sand and coral.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when cold fronts can cancel boats. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Services | Police, fire, medical emergency | 911 | 24/7 |
| Divers Alert Network (DAN) Emergency Hotline | Dive medicine consultation and evacuation guidance | +1-919-684-9111 | 24/7 |
| Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Wildlife Alert) | Report injured wildlife, violations, and wildlife conflicts | 888-404-3922 | Hotline |
| Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary | Sanctuary information and reporting non-urgent issues | +1-305-809-4700 | Business hours (non-emergency) |