Why Key West Was Originally Named "Bone Island
The fierce Calusa Indians were said to leave the remains of their enemies on the beaches of Key West, thus creating Key West's first name, Cayo Hueso... Island of Bones.
Key West Sites
"Your user friendly guide to Key West Florida"
Key West Guided Diving Tours
There are more than 600 varieties of fish in Keys waters. Many of the reefs are literally crawling with spiny lobster and crabs, and it's not uncommon for divers to encounter stingrays, nurse sharks and spotted and green moray eels. |
Why should you go on a diving tour in Key West?
Key West has its own spur-and-groove reefs with abundant coral and plentiful marine life. There are two prime shipwrecks in Key West: the Cayman Salvage Master, a 187-foot Coast Guard buoy tender sunk in April of 1985; and the 75-foot vessel dubbed Joe's Tug. There are more than 600 varieties of fish in Keys waters. Many of the reefs are literally crawling with spiny lobster and crabs, it's not uncommon for divers to encounter stingrays, nurse sharks and spotted and green moray eels.
Do I need to have a SCUBA certification to dive?
Yes; you must complete a diving course before you can dive alone which usually consists of a short classroom session, a pool class learning the techniques of diving, and then lastly you take a couple dives under close supervision of trained guides.
Don't forget to bring your Certification Card and Log Book!
How long do the tours last and how much are they?
Most companies run tours three times daily. If you have your own gear dives cost from $55. If you do not have gear, charters can cost up and around $85.
What is the water visibility like in Key West?
On average about 60 to 80 feet; on good days it can be 120 feet.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, rental packages are available.
Can children go diving?
Please check with the diving company.
Other Advice:
Diving involves significant pressure changes and for your safety you must have normal, healthy, heart, lungs, ears and sinuses.
Make sure to inform the dive company about your flight plans; diving immediately after or previous to flying can be dangerous.
Key West Diving Charter Companies:
Aloha Keys
Legendary Diving in Key West, get general diving info, reservation info, photos, courses, and more.
Dive Key West Inc.
The largest professional dive center in Key West offering instructions, dive links, charters, lodging info, dive site information, and more.
Subtropic Dive Center
Includes Package information, instructions, dive camera info, and photos.
