Sand Key sits in the Atlantic Ocean southwest of Key West, within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary's Sand Key Sanctuary Preservation Area, where fishing restrictions help sustain the reef. The sites here span shallow coral reef, wreck, and artificial reef terrain, with depths ranging from very shallow to moderate, making the area well suited to beginner divers arriving by boat. Spur-and-groove reef formations dominate the natural sites, hosting sea turtles, nurse sharks, eagle rays, and a broad mix of reef fish. Spring and autumn typically offer favourable conditions, while winter brings cooler water and often excellent visibility.
Monthly water temperature across Sand Key's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water stays warm throughout the year, peaking in summer and cooling modestly in winter without becoming cold. Winter months can deliver some of the clearest conditions and fewer boats on site, though a thin wetsuit is worth considering. Hurricane season runs through the second half of the year, so divers should check weather forecasts closely during that period.
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Water temperature around Sand Key ranges from about 25°C in January to 29°C in July, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 29°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Sand Key; in the coldest months (about 25°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 6 sites in Sand Key (6 scuba diving sites).
Across Sand Key's dive sites, March, April, May and June are most often reported as the best months to visit.
4 more sites to explore
