It’s difficult for me to get out and dive in Key West. Running out to one of the offshore reefs in my little dinghy (9′ with a small 6 hp motor) means I can only head out on the calmest days. Those calm days always seem to happen on a work day. But a couple months ago I was able to get out to the Western Sombo reef which is due south of Stock Island.
This was my second trip out to the reef. The first trip I had to turn around just shy of the dive buoy as the wind had picked to 10 – 15 knots and 3’+ seas were starting to swamp the dinghy. This dive was at the D NW buoy which is at 24 33.50N and 81 43.10W. There are a total of 5 buoys you can tie up to at this reef with dive depths down to 60′. Having the buoys out here means you don’t need to worry about anchoring (and damaging the reefs) or having the boat float away while your on your dive.
This western edge of reef is a shallow 20 – 25′ dive, and on this clear and calm day visibility was about 40′ or so. Being a shallow dive you have better lighting but also have to deal with more of the surface conditions stirring up the sand and silt. There was plenty of wildlife including a good size barracuda that spent most of the dive following me around.
This was my first dive using my DJI Osmo Action. I also had a dome attachment that allows you to take above/under water split shots. For the Osmo I also have a regular waterproof case which allows me to use a light set up as well, but on this shallow dive I didn’t bother. Enjoy the photos.
