Key West Scuba Diving Tours

Key West Scuba Diving Tours - What to Know

Key West scuba diving tours make it easy for you to dive into the impressive underwater world on your Florida vacation, whether you’re an experienced diver or trying it for the first time. Expert guides will help you spot the best marine life from the elusive octopus to the distinctive body of a barracuda, and the resting, docile nurse sharks. Our vetted dive shops carefully select dive sites based on the best conditions and visibility to ensure your shore or boat dive is successful! While diving is available year-round, hurricane season runs from June through November, with the peak intensity typically occurring from August to October. Winter months bring cooler water temperatures and rougher seas, and the Florida lobster mini-season in July draws large numbers of dividers and snorkelers, which can lead to crowded dive sites; unless you’re participating in the lobster hunting, it may be best to avoid these dates.

Why Choose Key West for Scuba Diving

Key West is home to the largest living coral reef ecosystem in North America, stretching over 350 miles (563 km). This underwater world is teeming with unique marine life, including the massive goliath grouper, which can weigh up to 800 lbs (363 kg), the colorful queen angelfish, the sleek green moray eel, and the divers’ favorite, the docile nurse sharks, often seen resting on sandy bottoms.

One of the standout dive sites is the renowned Vandenberg wreck, a former military shop that now serves as a colossal artificial reef, attracting divers from around the world. For a truly unique experience, consider a night dive where the reef comes alive in a completely different way—discover parrotfish cocooned in mucus bubbles, basket stars unfurling their arms to feed, spotted moray eels on the hunt, and spiny lobsters venturing out of their dens. With less crowding, night diving also offers dramatic photography opportunities, with the dark background and bright colors from your flashlight.

Where to Go Scuba Diving in Key West

The Vandenberg Wreck

Explore the world’s second largest artificial reef doubled as a shipwreck on our Morning Vandenberg Dive! The USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg was a retired naval ship intentionally sunk in 2008 to create Key West’s newest and largest artificial reef! At 520 ft (159 m) in length, the wreck sits on a sandy bottom at 140 ft (43 m)! The maximum depth on this dive will be 100 ft (30 m), which is the approximate depth of the ship’s deck. For ease and maximum safety, the crew will set up a line descent system using a traverse line to the main mooring line and then to the wreck!

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Explore the world’s third largest barrier reef and only living coral barrier reef within the United States! This is the ultimate way to explore the sanctuary’s 80 species of hard and soft corals. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the seven species of dolphins or an elusive West Indian manatee! A broad diversity of tropical and subtropical fish all await your entrance to the crystal-clear, warm waters!

Top Tips for Scuba Diving in Key West

• Best Time to Scuba Dive: While diving is available year-round, the best time is from April to August for the best weather, visibility, and calm seas. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with the peak intensity typically occurring from August to October. Winter months bring cooler water temperatures and rougher seas, and the Florida lobster mini-season in July draws large numbers of dividers and snorkelers, which can lead to crowded dive sites; unless you’re participating in the lobster hunting, it may be best to avoid these dates.
• Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Please use reef-safe sunscreen to avoid polluting the clear waterways! With so many visitors a year, it is essential to keep the waters as clean as possible for the wildlife!
• Respect Marine Life: Observe wildlife from a distance without chasing or harassing them. Never feed or touch animals, even if they approach you out of curiosity. Please stay off the reef at all times. Green sea turtles, seals, dolphins, and many more species are protected resulting in a fine or jail time if you’re found harassing them.
• Stay Hydrated: Swimming, diving, and relaxing on the boat in the hot Florida sun can be intense. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Follow Leave No Trace Principles: Keep all trash with you and secured down while on the boat or shore and dispose of it properly when you’re near a trash can or back at your hotel.
• Check Equipment Thoroughly: Even if gear is provided, it’s important to check everything thoroughly. Ensure your mask fits properly, your BCD inflates correctly, and your regulator is working well. Don’t hesitate to ask the crew for help if something doesn’t feel right.
• Listen to Your Dive Briefing: Pay close attention to the dive briefing given by your guide or instructor. They will cover important information about the dive site, safety procedures, and marine life you might encounter.
• Consider a Refresher Course: If it’s been a while since your last dive, consider taking a refresher course. This can help boost your confidence and ensure you’re comfortable with basic skills and equipment before hitting the water.
• Book in Advance: Popular dive tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Booking ahead ensures you secure your spot on the desired tour and at your preferred time.

Other Key West Adventures

Check out other Key West activities at Key West, FL Outdoor Adventures! These include snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and cruiser biking.