Sombrero Reef

Best time to dive

January to December; May to September

What you might see

• Eagle rayLikely
• Nurse sharkPossible
• Sea turtleLikely

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.

Snorkelling

Snorkel-friendly - yes - widely marketed as Marathon's most popular snorkel site

Safety notes

Sombrero Key is a NOAA Sanctuary Preservation Area (15 CFR 922 Subpart P): no fishing, collecting, spearing, or touching/anchoring on coral - mooring buoys only. Boat traffic near the lighthouse, occasional current/chop on the ocean side, and sun exposure for surface snorkelers

Permits & fees

No fee for FKNMS mooring buoys (600+ sanctuary-wide, first-come first-served, no cost to boaters); no separate diver entrance permit/fee found

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Marathon