Western Sambo Reef

20 minutes directly south of Key West is the Western Sambo Reef. This reef is located inside the Western Sambo Ecological Reserve and is fully protected from all types of fishing. The reef is approximately nine square miles of spur-and-groove type coral formations. The reef ranges from 10-4 feet’ in depth.

6 miles to the south of Key West is Cannonball Cut. This dive site does not have a mooring ball which makes it a good place for drift diving. This site consists of continuing fields of coral. Maximum depth is 18m/60 feet. This site is good for drift diving as well as lionfish hunting.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Training lagoon for College of the Florida Keys. Permission and fees required for use. Restricted to use by the college or local dive shops after screening.

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’.

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.