This spur and groove reef formation sitting 5 miles off of Big Pine Key, in the Florida Keys, is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Due to its protected status reef life is very healthy and active here.

The Adolphus Busch wreck was cleaned and purposefully sunk as an artificial reef in 1998 off the coast of the Lower Keys of Florida. Originally named the M/V London, the 210-foot coastal freighter sits at approximately 120ft (40m) with the deck at about 100ft (33m). Current and visibility can vary.

It’s called the “Horseshoe“ located at Mile Marker 35 in Big Pine Key. It was an old quarry which the dugout coral was used to build the Overseas Highway. At about 30 ft/10m deep in the middle, there is an ambulance and a small boat. Divers and Snorkelers use the location during poor sea conditions.

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.

15 minutes south of Key West is the Western Sambo Reef. This reef is one of two Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Ecological Reserves. It is fully protected from all types of fishing. Depth runs from 7-40 feet.

20 minutes directly south of Key West is the Eastern 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.

This is the middle reef dive site that makes up the Sambo Reef area near Key West, Florida. These reefs lie in a marine reserve and are home to healthy coral and lots of fish.

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.

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.

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.