Western Sambo Reef
Conditions & tides
Scored by DiveConnect's site-physics model
Marine forecast via Copernicus Marine. Score is a rule-based guide from swell/wind vs. the site's exposure — always dive your own assessment.
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About this site
Western Sambo Reef is a protected reef site located approximately 9 miles southeast of Key West, Florida, within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and part of the Sambo Ecological Reserve.
The reef runs from 10 to 40 feet (3 to 12.2 metres) deep and is noted for holding some of the healthiest coral in the Florida Keys. Its protected status as an ecological reserve has helped sustain strong coral coverage across the site.
Western Sambo suits beginner scuba divers and is also a popular destination for conservation-focused tours, making it a good choice for divers with an interest in reef ecology alongside those simply looking for a solid Keys reef dive.
Marine life here
Confirmed by our research team, reported by independent divers, or observed nearby via iNaturalist — each entry is labelled with its source.
Caribbean Bluehead WrasseThalassoma bifasciatumReported here · unconfirmed
Striped ParrotfishScarus iseriReported here · unconfirmed
Bicolor DamselfishStegastes partitusReported here · unconfirmed
Slippery DickHalichoeres bivittatusReported here · unconfirmed
Yellowtail SnapperOcyurus chrysurusReported here · unconfirmed
Redband ParrotfishSparisoma aurofrenatumReported here · unconfirmed
Yellowhead WrasseHalichoeres garnotiReported here · unconfirmed
Brazilian Ocean SurgeonfishAcanthurus bahianusReported here · unconfirmed
White GruntHaemulon plumieriiReported here · unconfirmed
Atlantic Blue TangAcanthurus coeruleusReported here · unconfirmed
Durable tips from divers — access, hazards, marine life, facilities. For day-of conditions, use the report tool in the conditions card above.
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