Sand Key

Sand Key is an offshore coral-and-sand island marked by the historic 1853 iron Sand Key Lighthouse and centered on a shallow spur-and-groove coral reef within a designated Sanctuary Preservation Area of roughly half a square mile. Alternating coral ridges and sandy channels create a complex terrain of hard corals, sea fans, sponges, ledges and gullies, producing a healthy coral garden and abundant fish life that make the site a popular, fish-rich dive for all levels. Diving is boat-only, using more than 20 mooring buoys (anchoring is prohibited), with surface entry at the reef from dive boats. Coral spurs generally lie 15–30 ft, while the deepest channels and the base of the lighthouse pilings descend to about 65–75 ft. Visibility is typically 65–100 ft, currents are generally light or nonexistent, and sea temperatures are warm (typically mid-70s to mid-80s °F in summer). Typical drift is negligible, so dives are usually planned along the reef contours; good buoyancy control is important. Fire coral is common and can deliver painful stings, and sanctuary regulations prohibit fishing, collection and any contact with the reef.