The Cable

Type:

Scuba Diving

Entry:⚓Boat Entry

Difficulty:Unknown

Tags:

Reef

About This Dive Spot

The Cable is an outer reef dive site off Key West associated with a historic telegraph cable route that once ran from the Southernmost Point area toward Havana, later dismantled in the 1980s. The site is known for a variety of Caribbean tropical fish and very large sponges in multiple forms. Sharks such as nurse sharks and Caribbean reef sharks are also seen here.

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Hazards

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Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Access, coral, life, crowds, and facilities.

Coral

Very large sponges of many types are present, with some reaching enormous size.

Aquatic Life

A wide variety of Caribbean tropical fish can be found here, along with nurse sharks and Caribbean reef sharks.

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Spots Near The Cable

📍 5.7 km

Ball and Chain

Not Set

Ball and Chain is a historic outer reef site off Key West, known for its long-standing association with early homemade moorings once used to hold ships offshore during quarantine periods. The reef is a spot where larger marine life may be encountered, including sharks, turtles, spotted eagle rays, and dolphins.

📍 5.8 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.

📍 7.3 km

State Harbor

🏖️

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.

📍 7.8 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.

📍 7.9 km

9 Foot Stake

Not Set

9 Foot Stake Reef is a shallow reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary System, located south of Key West and near Marker 32 Reef. Fishing and spearfishing are permitted in this area. Divers can expect reef scenery in depths around 15–30 ft and encounters with a variety of marine life including turtles, rays, groupers, sharks, snapper, grunts, queen conch, and spiny-tail lobster.

📍 8.2 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at The Cable?

Entry at The Cable 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 The Cable?

Optimal conditions at The Cable 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 The Cable?

Depth and visibility information for The Cable 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 The Cable?

When diving The Cable, 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.