Just seven miles off the coast of Key West lies Sambo Reef, one of the most spectacular locations for Key West diving and snorkeling. Part of the protected Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Sambo Reef is famous for its crystal-clear water, vibrant coral formations, and incredible variety of tropical marine life. Whether you’re an experienced scuba diver or trying snorkeling for the first time, Sambo Reef offers an unforgettable underwater adventure in one of the most beautiful reef systems in the United States.
Every trip to Sambo Reef is a new adventure. Made up of Eastern, Middle, and Western Sambo, this world-famous reef system offers something for everyone—from shallow, sunlit coral gardens perfect for snorkeling to deeper reef formations that attract scuba divers from around the globe. Protected as part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Sambo Reef is bursting with colorful coral, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and countless other marine species, making it one of the best places for Key West diving and snorkeling.
Key West’s premier watersports company to dive and snorkel in Key West and official PADI 5-Star Dive Center, offering all PADI scuba certifications, snorkeling, private charters, and more!
Lost Reef Adventures provides the essential snorkeling equipment, including a mask, snorkel, fins and an inflatable safety vest. To make your Sambo Reef snorkeling trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, bring:
Swimsuit
Towel
Reef-friendly sunscreen
Sunglasses with a secure strap
Hat or visor
Refillable water bottle
Rash guard or lightweight UV-protective shirt
Waterproof camera or GoPro
Dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
Light jacket for the boat ride
Sea sick medication, taken in advance when needed
A change of dry clothes
Cash or card for gratuities and purchases
Any necessary personal medications
Please avoid touching, standing on or collecting coral. Secure loose belongings before entering the water and follow all instructions provided by the captain and crew.
Certified divers should arrive prepared with the documentation and personal items needed for a safe and comfortable day of Key West diving:
Certified divers should arrive prepared with the documentation and personal items needed for a safe and comfortable day of Key West diving:
- Scuba certification card or digital certification
- Dive logbook, especially when returning after time away from diving
- Reef-friendly sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Rash guard or appropriate exposure protection
- Personal mask, dive computer or other preferred equipment
- Waterproof camera with a secure attachment
- Dry bag for clothing and valuables
- Light jacket or windbreaker
- Sea sick medication, when needed
- A change of dry clothes
- Cash or card for gratuities, rentals and purchases
- Any required personal medications
Divers should confirm what rental equipment is included when making their reservation. Remember to allow at least 24 hours between scuba diving and flying. Lost Reef Adventures also asks divers to bring their certification card and logbook.
- Approximately 30 years of local expertise: Lost Reef Adventures brings decades of experience exploring the reefs and wrecks surrounding Key West.
- Official PADI 5-Star Dive Center: Lost Reef is recognized as a PADI 5-Star Dive Center and offers professional scuba instruction and certification programs.
- Full-service Key West dive shop: Guests can arrange dive trips, snorkeling excursions, scuba instruction, equipment rentals, air fills and nitrox services in one convenient location.
- Twice-daily excursions: Morning and afternoon departures provide visitors with more flexibility when planning their Key West vacation.
- Experiences for different skill levels: Lost Reef welcomes snorkelers, newly certified divers and experienced scuba divers seeking reef or wreck adventures.
- Professional scuba training: Programs include Discover Scuba experiences, checkout dives and PADI certification courses.
- Knowledge of local dive sites: The team knows the reefs, wrecks and seasonal conditions surrounding Key West and selects destinations according to the day’s conditions.
- Small-group diving opportunities: Smaller groups can provide a more personal experience and more individual attention.
- Equipment available onsite: Scuba and snorkeling equipment is available for rent or purchase through the full-service shop.
- Convenient marina location: Lost Reef Adventures is based at the Key West Bight Marina in the Historic Seaport, making it easy to reach from Old Town.
- Safety-focused preparation: Guests receive instructions and guidance from trained professionals before entering the water.
- A complete Key West underwater experience: From first-time snorkeling to advanced reef and wreck diving, Lost Reef Adventures helps visitors discover the marine environment that makes the Florida Keys famous.