State Harbor

Type:

Scuba Diving

Entry:🏖️Shore Entry

Difficulty:Beginner

Tags:

Artificial ReefWall

About This Dive Spot

A protected harbor dive featuring a stone wall that drops off steeply. It’s considered a fairly ordinary site overall, but can be used for night diving. Boat activity in the harbor can leave an oily film on the water. The area is frequented by locals for lobstering, and lobsters are a common sight.

Planning details

Reported depth and seasonality.

Typical conditions

Protected harbor conditions with occasional oily residue from boats.

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Hazards

Boat trafficLow visibility

Safety notes

Harbor boat activity may be present, and surface conditions can include oily residue.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Tailored notes for different activities.

Scuba

Often used for night dives.

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Spots Near State Harbor

📍 2.5 km

CFK Lagoon

Not Set

A controlled training lagoon used by the College of the Florida Keys. Access is restricted and requires prior permission and fees, with use limited to the college or screened local dive shops. Marine life reported includes damselfish, some snapper and grunts, occasional grouper, turtles, and a couple of small octopus.

📍 3.9 km

Joe’s Tug

⚓

This site features a tugboat wreck scattered across a reef, creating a mix of wreck structure and reef habitat in one area. A private mooring ball is available. Divers often see an eel around the stern section, with schools of yellowtail and other fish commonly gathered near the bow.

📍 4.0 km

Marker 32 Reef

⚓

Marker 32 Reef lies about 6 miles south of Key West, next to Western Sambos Reef. It is described as a very easy dive with spur-and-groove coral formations and two mooring balls on the site. Marine life reported here includes nurse sharks, moray eels, spiny-tail lobsters, sergeant majors, blue tangs, and goliath groupers.

📍 4.7 km

The Haystacks

⚓

Haystacks is a shallow reef dive on the Western Sambo reef, accessed by boat. It’s described as suitable for snorkelers and divers of all experience levels. Divers can expect typical Caribbean reef scenery with plenty of fish life and regular sightings of sharks and rays, with turtles also possible.

📍 5.1 km

USS Vandenberg (Wreck)

⚓

A well-known Key West dive on an ex-military missile tracking ship that was intentionally sunk over a decade ago. The wreck sits in deeper water, with the site spanning roughly 70–100+ ft, and is described as suitable only for advanced to expert divers. Corals are beginning to establish on the structure, attracting a variety of reef fish and larger visitors.

📍 6.2 km

Cayman Salvager (Wreck)

⚓

Cayman Salvager is a wreck dive that is part of the Florida Keys Wreck Trek program and is located a short distance from Key West. It is described as a popular spot for both fishing and diving. As an artificial reef, it hosts typical Florida Keys marine life, including various reef fish and larger predators.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at State Harbor?

Entry at State Harbor is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving State Harbor?

Optimal conditions at State Harbor depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at State Harbor?

Depth and visibility information for State Harbor can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at State Harbor?

When diving State Harbor, respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.