Snorkeling & Dive Charters
	Key West Boating & Marinas

Both PADI and NAUI certifications are accepted by the local dive shops, but make sure you bring your card with you. There are several charters that cater to scuba divers only, and many that take both divers and snorkelers. Nitrox diving, and instruction, are also available in the area.

Three-day PADI certifications courses and resort courses are can be scheduled in many locations.

Both SCUBA divers and snorkelers find that the primary destination for an excursion around Key West is Sand Key Lighthouse Reef. This ten-mile reef system, marked by a large iron lighthouse, has coral formations of varying depths.

Ten-Fathom Ledge is known for its caves and dramatic overhangs that provide shelter for all kinds of marine life, including lobsters and grouper. Kedge Ledge is a patch reef whose main attraction is the remains of a pair of coral-encrusted anchors from some 18th century sailing vessels.

Looe Key Reef Marine Sanctuary, a large “groove and spur” reef, is located only 30 miles away offshore of Big Pine Key.

If you are interested in wreck diving, there are only a few around Key West that are available to visitors. The Cayman Salvager was a 180-foot buoy tender and was intentionally sunk in 1985 to make an artificial reef. She is sitting upright and has cavernous open holds providing shelter for some large marine life like jewfish. Joe’s Tug is a classic tugboat that sits upright in 65 feet of water. New wreck coming Soon Info On Sinking the Gen. Hoyt S.Vandenburg!

The Atocha, discovered by Mel Fisher off the Marquesas Keys is in a different category than the rest. Mel searched for this Spanish wreck for years and, when his team finally found it, they brought up a fortune in gold, silver and jewels that was beyond imagination. Of course, this wreck is not available to the visiting diver.