Key West may be best known for its rich history and epic nightlife, but the undersea life of Key West is just as lively. Key West has become a world-class diving destination with its many man-made and natural reefs, wrecks and coral caves. The Key West Marine Park boasts fantastic snorkeling just off shore. Many of the other great Key West dive and snorkel sites are located further offshore and there are many great dive and snorkel charters to guide you to the best action under water.
Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg
The newest dive site off Key West is one of the most exciting man-made reefs in the world. The Gen Hoyt S. Vandenberg was sunk in just 2 minutes time in 2009 in 140 feet of water. The 522 foot military ship is the second largest ship in the world to be sunk for an artificial reef. And the reef is thriving. Over 100 species of marine life have been confirmed here with gorgonian coral taking root on the hull and fish species from yellow tangs to sharks, snappers to parrotfish to many pelagic species all calling this undersea behemoth home. The depth of the structure ranges from 40 feet to 140 feet making the Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg a great scuba location for divers of all skill and experience levels. The rapid growth of the sea life and coral formations on the Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg has made it one of Key West's greatest modern reef-building successes.
Joe's Tug
An old-fashioned tug boat sitting in 65 feet of water, Joe's Tug is another great dive location in Key West. With goliath grouper, jacks, rays and barracuda living among the structure, Joe's Tug is a fun and unique diving experience for all skill levels.
The Cayman Salvager
In 1985, this 187 foot buoy tender was intended to be sunk in 400 feet of water, but accidentally sunk in just 90 feet as it was being towed and remains there to this day. Many interesting species now reside in her hull including a huge resident jewfish, giant moray eel, and healthy populations of grunts and silversides.
Kedge Ledge
One of the least visited dive sites on Key West due to its lack of markers; Kedge Ledge is most famous for its coral encrusted 19th century schooner anchors.
Sand Key
Sand Key's calm waters and varying depths make it one of the most popular snorkeling and diving sites in the Keys. Its many patch reefs and coral structures make it one of the most beautiful. Marked by a 110 foot iron lighthouse tower, Sand Key is teeming with colorful marine life.
Nine Foot Stake
Nine Foot Stake is a beautiful shallow water reef named for a nine foot tall piling in the shallows. Nine Foot Stake is a great location to spot many juvenile pelagic fish sheltering among the giant brain coral. Colorful reef fish thrive here as well including hogfish, yellow goatfish, blue tangs, and more. Nine Foot Stake is a fascinating location for both snorkeling and scuba diving. Night dives are popular as well.
Ten Fathom Ledge
Ten Fathom Ledge is home to a series of overhangs and coral caves that are home to many groupers, sharks, and eagle rays. The ledge ranges in depth from 35 to 50 feet and the wall drops to over 100 feet making it a great dive location for divers of all skill levels. The nearby gulf stream current helps provide water of exceptional clarity, making for great photography and sighting of many large fish species on the ocean side.
