floridakeys.noaa.gov · Official
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary page for the Davis Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area.
Dive Spot Guide•
Davis Reef
Protected Upper Keys reef with shallow ledges and easy boat access.
Local operator required
A charter boat is the practical way to reach the reef and get the site briefing right.
Off Islamorada, Davis Reef is a charter-access SPA with shallow coral ledges, gentle water, and a long reputation for easy, high-yield reef dives.
About Davis Reef
Davis Reef is a protected Florida Keys Sanctuary Preservation Area off Islamorada, known for shallow ledges, dense gorgonians, and easy boat diving. It is a charter-access reef with a calm, readable profile that works well for newer divers, snorkel charters, and night dives when conditions are settled. Expect strong buoyancy discipline, special sanctuary rules, and classic Upper Keys marine life around the Buddha statue and ledge system.
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Research Estimate At Davis Reef
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 18m
AccessSimple entry
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
Crowd / PopularityModerate
CurrentNo current
SurgeFlat calm
Where Is Davis Reef?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Davis Reef Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
5m - 12m
Depth Note
The ledges start around 15 ft and the reef features run to roughly 40 ft.
Best Season
Spring through fall, with summer and early fall often giving the clearest water.
Typical Conditions
Shallow ledges, very gentle current, minimal surge or drift, and easy navigation once on the reef.
Safety & Access At Davis Reef
Site conditions, restrictions, and access requirements.
Site Conditions
Boat trafficRestricted access
Safety Notes
Follow SPA rules, keep buoyancy tight over shallow coral, and brief the route before entering because the reef is easy to navigate but delicate.
Access Restrictions
Sanctuary Preservation Area rules apply; no fishing, harvesting, or removing anything from the reef.
Legal Notes
Davis Reef is an 88-acre Sanctuary Preservation Area in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Local Intel For Davis Reef
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Shallow ledges, excellent soft coral, and easy navigation make this a classic Upper Keys reef dive.
Freediving
Possible only for experienced breath-hold divers on calm days; the site is better suited to scuba and snorkel charters.
Snorkeling
Calm-water snorkel charters can work over the shallow top and ledges when visibility is good.
Wildlife at Davis Reef
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Davis Reef
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Davis Reef
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility18m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
