Sand Key
Diver Skill Level  All Levels
Depth 30 - 65 Feet
Current (Light to Moderate)
Visibility: 35' - 80'+ (depending on depth)

    Sand Key is a small island Just off Key West without any vegetation.
Its only feature is a red iron lighthouse that was built in 1853. This small
island is always being reshaped by the winter storms, and the summer
hurricanes. This is one of the most used  dive spots in the lower keys. But
with its size and diversity even on busy days it does not seem that crowed.
The reef itself is made up of Rock fingers and gullies 5-20 feet deep with
sandy channels running along their base. Here you will find lots of Elkhorn,
staghorn, and fire corals. Beginners use the northern side with its coral heads
and mixed rubble close to the lagoon. the south side slopes away to 65 feet.
Then it drops to about 90 feet in some places. the visibility can vary quite a bit.
It can be as bad as 15 feet to as good as 100+ feet . The average is 40-60
feet. With the best being in the late spring and summer when the Gulf
Stream moves closer.
A unique and interesting feature of this island was recorded by the Spanish early on and remains true; the island changes with the weather patterns. This means that each dive at this location is different from the next. There is also an incredible view of Key West if one desires to climb the nearby light tower. This key gets its beauty from the crushed coral and small shells that make the sand.