Dive-site story
Located off Key West within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Haystacks takes its name from large, mounded brain and star coral heads that rise dramatically from the sandy seabed like farm haystacks. The shallow reef tract features spur-and-groove channels, limestone ledges, and scattered gorgonians. Divers and snorkelers explore the wide sand gullies weaving between these tall coral formations while searching undercut ledges for resting marine life.
Distinctive domed coral heads rising off the sand floor
Spur-and-groove sand channels offering straightforward navigation
Frequent encounters with resting nurse sharks and large green morays under ledges
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late spring through early autumn provides the warmest water and calmest seas off Key West.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse sharkGinglymostoma cirratum | Common | ||||||||||||
| Green moray eelGymnothorax funebris | Common | ||||||||||||
| Stoplight parrotfishSparisoma viride | Common | ||||||||||||
| Southern stingrayHypanus americanus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Caribbean spiny lobsterPanulirus argus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Yellowtail snapperOcyurus chrysurus | Common |
Marine forecast
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