Captain Arnos Reef
Prepare to be amazed by the diversity of marine life at this fish-rich site. Dive alongside nurse sharks, moray eels, and even the occasional turtle as you navigate through the depths. The vibrant underwater world also welcomes you with large schools of snappers, grunts, and huge parrotfish, creating a captivating and immersive experience.
Not only is this dive site teeming with marine life, but it is also home to a special coral outplanting and monitoring project conducted by I.CARE. As part of this important conservation effort, you can witness the resilience and growth of these fascinating corals, further enriching your dive experience.
With a visibility of 14m and a maximum depth of 11m, this dive site is accessible to both beginner and advanced divers. Whether you are just beginning your underwater exploration or seeking to expand your diving skills, this site offers an ideal environment for divers of all levels.
Situated in Windley Key, Islamorada, Monroe County, Florida, United States, this dive site showcases the captivating underwater wonders of the United States' coastal waters. Immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of this remarkable location, and embark on a memorable dive adventure that will leave you awe-inspired.
Diving Conditions Score for Captain Arnos Reef
Good diving conditions!
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Captain Arnos Reef
Depth
11m
Visibility
14m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Captain Arnos Reef
Wave Height
0.2m
Wind Speed
12.8 m/s
Water Temp
30.8°C
Visibility
23.5km
Cloud Cover
0%
Wave Period
4.05s
Air Temperature
29.5°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Dive Score Chart for Captain Arnos Reef
Best time to dive: 9:00 with score 8.324768217054263/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.34m, Wind 12.1 m/s.Best night dive time: 18:00 with score 7.901729411764705/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Captain Arnos Reef are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Score: 8.3/10
Waves: 0.34m (4.3s), Wind: 12.1 m/s
Score: 7.9/10
Waves: 0.24m, Wind: 8.4 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Captain Arnos ReefAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Captain Arnos Reef
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Captain Arnos Reef
Winter
Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.
Best Months for Captain Arnos Reef
Ideal Conditions for Captain Arnos Reef
Water Temp
22.5°C / 72.5°F
June
Visibility
20.1m / 65.9ft
October
Wave Height
0.2m / 0.7ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Captain Arnos Reef
Captain Arnos Reef shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with June being the warmest month (22.5°C) and December the coldest (18.5°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 0.2m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 21, 2026