9 Foot Stake

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15 minutes south of Key West, FL lies 9 Foot Stake Reef. This reef is located next to Marker 32 Reef and is located in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary System; however, fishing and spearfishing are allowed. The depth of this reef ranges from 15’-30’.

This reef is home to turtles, rays, goliath groupers, sharks, yellowtail snapper, grunts, queen conch, and spiny-tail lobster.

45

Wildlife Species

2

SSI Training Centers

9m / 30ft

Max. Depth

beginner

Level

This data is provided from the logbook information in the MySSI app

Affiliated Training Center

Dive sites nearby

USS Vandenberg (Wreck)

This is one of the most famous dive sites in Key West. Sunk over 10 years ago this Ex-Military Missile Tracking Ship varies in depth from 70 feet to 100 plus feet and is for advanced and expert divers only.

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Rock Key

The crevices within the reef at Rock Key are deeper and wider than what is usually found at other coral reefs. These wider openings create the perfect hiding habitat for grouper, moray eel, and other Florida fish.

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Markers 32 Reef

6 Miles south of Key West is Marker 32 reef. This site is located adjacent to Western Sambos reef. This reef has two mooring balls on it. Very easy dive site with spur-and-groove style coral formations.

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Eastern Dry Rocks

The Eastern Dry Rocks reef is a popular spot for diving and/or snorkeling. It is also quite close to multiple other reefs including Sand Key and Rock Key, so it is common for divers and snorkelers to see multiple reefs on one outing.

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Cayman Salvager (Wreck)

Cayman Salvager is one of the three Key West dive sites that are part of the Florida Keys Wreck Trek program. This is a popular fishing and diving site a short distance from Key West.

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Joe’s Tug

Joe’s Tug - 60ft to 70ft Private mooring ball. Tug boat wreck scattered throughout a wonderful reef. Typically there is an eel in the stern section and many schools of yellowtail and other fish around the bow. We call this agreat reef with a wreck in the middle. Ask how it ended up getting its name.

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Sand Key Lighthouse

Sand Key is a Sanctuary Preservation area that was originally its own island. Due to erosion and hurricanes, it’s been reduced to a very small patch of sand surrounded by a coral reef. The sand is an especially nice feature you don’t usually have at other Florida coral reefs. Great dive and snorkel spot.

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State Harbor

Stone wall, steep drop. Protected harbor but also prone to oily residue from the boats. Suitable for night dives. Shore entry possible. Not a notable dive spot although many locals appear to lobster here.

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The Cable

The Cable is one of Key West’s most exciting outer reef dive sites. In the 1850’s it was the telegraph cable that started near the Southernmost Point buoy and stretched all the way to Havana Cuba. In the mid 1980’s it was disassembled by ATT.

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The Haystacks

Haystacks lies on the reef area known as the Western Sambo reef and is an excellent, shallow boat dive. Perfect for snorkelers and all levels of divers.

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The dive spots and related content on MyDiveGuide are provided for informational and promotional purposes only. This information, including user-generated content, is not definitive advice or recommendations. Divers are fully responsible for planning their dives, ensuring adequate safety equipment, verifying diving permissions, and complying with local laws and regulations. SSI, MyDiveGuide, and affiliates assume no responsibility or liability for divers' actions, choices, or any incidents. Always dive within your training limits, prioritize safety, and confirm that diving is permitted at your chosen location.