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Sambo

Reef · Key West

24° 28.782' N 81° 42.873' W

Open Water Open Water Max 41 ft Avg 15 ft Permanent Mooring Balls Today PMPoor

Details

Open Water
Minimum recommended certification
Max depth
41 ft
Average depth
15 ft
Access
Permanent Mooring Balls
Sea state today
AMPoor PMPoor

Video

🎥 Bottom Time

Pictures 2

Where it is

24° 28.782' N 81° 42.873' W

Next boats to this site 0

No confirmed trips to this site are listed yet.

Operators that dive here

Best Gas

atm
atm
Overlay Image
Gas prices
Aluminum 80 $10
Steel HP 100 $10
Steel LP 85 $10

Site description

Sambo Reefs, located near Key West, are a series of three interconnected reefs: Eastern, Middle, and Western Sambo. These reefs offer some of the best diving experiences in the Florida Keys, known for their diverse array of marine life and vibrant coral formations. Eastern Sambo Reef, the deepest among the trio, features a sharp drop-off to around 87 feet. This reef is ideal for more advanced divers looking for a deeper dive experience. The dramatic drop-off is home to larger pelagic species, such as barracudas and snappers, creating an exhilarating underwater adventure. The Middle and Western Sambo Reefs, though slightly shallower, are equally rich in biodiversity. These reefs typically range between 15 to 30 feet in depth, making them suitable for divers of all experience levels, as well as snorkelers. Sambo Reefs are part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and are protected, ensuring the preservation of their natural beauty and ecological significance. Divers visiting these sites can expect to see a variety of fish species, including colorful tropical fish, groupers, and angel fish, as well as an array of corals, sponges, and other invertebrates. The reefs are also known for their clear waters, offering excellent visibility, which enhances the overall diving experience. The marine life is not the only attraction; the reef structures themselves are a sight to behold, with intricate coral formations and rocky outcrops providing a stunning backdrop for underwater photography. The diversity and health of the corals at Sambo Reefs are remarkable, thanks to conservation efforts aimed at protecting these vital ecosystems from human impact and environmental threats. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner looking to explore the underwater wonders of the Florida Keys, Sambo Reefs offer a spectacular and immersive experience. The combination of vibrant marine life, stunning coral formations, and clear waters make it a must-visit dive site for anyone traveling to Key West.

Route & typical conditions

Route

There are 22 mooring balls in this dive site. As many other reef formations in the keys, this site offer spurs are grooves passages that are very entertaining to dive. Navigation can be confusing as most of the passages look very alike. Divers will be asked to return to the starting point of the dive in most cases (no drift).

Typical conditions

Conditions are typically excellent in this site. Visibility averages 80 feet (or more) and currents tend to be mild - an exception may be the deeper part of the reef which is more exposed.

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