If your diving the Keys the outside reefs are a must dive for the more
experienced diver. They are about 1/2 mile to 1 mile into the gulf stream.
They are found all along the gulf side of the Keys. Moving away from Sand
Key when you get to a depth of about 65 feet it drops off. The area at top
of the drop off you find the rarely seen deep water corals, and fish. Over
the edge the light level drops off and the growth thins out. The base of
the reef varies from 100 to 210 feet. Here you find a rubble zone then the
bottom gradually slopes off to the oceans abyss. The current can be strong
but it is usually moderate. With the water temperature about 75 degrees F
all year round because of the Gulf Stream.
