floridakeys.noaa.gov · Official
Official sanctuary page with visibility, reef protections, and lighthouse context.
Dive Spot Guide•
Sand Key Lighthouse
Sand Key Lighthouse is a boat-access reef-light site with calm-water snorkeling.
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Shallow coral, protected water, and boat-only access make Sand Key Lighthouse a classic beginner-friendly reef outing.
About Sand Key Lighthouse
Sand Key Lighthouse is a boat-access reef-light site with shallow coral structure and calm-water snorkel conditions. It suits beginner divers and snorkelers when seas are flat, with the historic lighthouse marking a shallow sanctuary reef that is popular but still weather-sensitive. The boat ride and sanctuary rules matter more than depth.
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Research Estimate At Sand Key Lighthouse
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 25m
AccessModerate entry effort
CoralPristine, vibrant coral
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
Crowd / PopularityVery crowded
CurrentNo current
SurgeFlat calm
Where Is Sand Key Lighthouse?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Sand Key Lighthouse Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
1.5m - 7.6m
Depth Note
The reef is reported at about 5-25 feet deep.
Best Season
Year-round on calm days.
Typical Conditions
Shallow, protected reef water with boat access, strong coral habitat, and weather-sensitive clarity.
Safety & Access At Sand Key Lighthouse
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Boat trafficSharp coral
Safety Notes
Watch coral, check sanctuary rules, and expect visibility swings when wind or waves build.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; weather, wave action, and sanctuary rules shape when the reef is usable.
Legal Notes
The reef sits in a sanctuary preservation area, so removing or disturbing objects is forbidden.
Local Intel For Sand Key Lighthouse
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Beginner-friendly shallow reef diving works well here when the sea is calm.
Freediving
The shallow profile also works for experienced freedivers on calm days.
Snorkeling
This is one of the Keys' best-known snorkel reefs, with shallow coral and frequent fish sightings.
Recent Logged Visits At Sand Key Lighthouse
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Sand Key Lighthouse
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility25m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
