Scuba Diving at Whiskey Stump Key

Diving atWhiskey Stump Key (United States)

Whiskey Stump Key is part of the extensive Florida Keys archipelago, a chain of islands stretching off the southern coast of Florida, United States. While precise topographical mapping for Whiskey Stump Key's immediate underwater environs isn't consistently reported, the broader region typically presents a diverse seabed. This includes shallow reef formations and expansive seagrass beds, characteristic of many Upper to Middle Keys locations. Its exact features beneath the surface would determine the specific dive profile.

Early observations for Whiskey Stump Key report a surface air temperature of 27°C. The water surface is currently presenting wave heights of 0.1 m. Consider these environmental metrics before beginning your descent.

Dive Site Location & Key Facts

Everything you need to know about this dive site.

Max Depth--
Entry Type--
Water Type--
Dive Types
--

Dive Site Overview

Imagine descending into the vibrant, warm waters characteristic of the Florida Keys. While specific dive site details for Whiskey Stump Key are limited in available reports, the broader marine environment here typically offers recreational diving opportunities.

Divers exploring the surrounding areas can anticipate a diverse underwater landscape, often encompassing coral patches and healthy seagrass ecosystems within recreational depth ranges. Between May and September, water temperatures in the Keys generally hover around 27-29°C (80-85°F), with air temperatures averaging 26-28°C (79-83°F). Wave heights during this period are typically below 0.2 m (0.7 ft), and winds are generally calmer, averaging 15-18 km/h (9-11 mph).

Winter months see water temperatures cool by 5-8°C (10-15°F), making a thicker wetsuit advisable. The experience at Whiskey Stump Key would largely align with the general diving characteristics of the Florida Keys, where clarity often allows for excellent visual exploration of the diverse aquatic life.

Whiskey Stump Key

Conditions are Good

8/10
Confidence: 8/10
Indicates meteorological model agreement and data availability.

Best Dive Window

07:00 - 14:00

Optimal conditions expected

06:12
18:45
H: 10:45
L: 16:20
Air / Sea Temp
27° / 30°
Wave Height
0.2 m
Wind Speed
14 km/h WSW
Rain Chance
100%

Current conditions near Whiskey Stump Key show 27° air, 30° sea temperature, 0.2 m waves, and 14 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.

Radius: ~12km
Updated: Jun 11, 2026, 21:46 local time
MARINE: OPEN-METEOWEATHER: YR.NO

Best Time to Dive

Optimizing a dive trip to Whiskey Stump Key, much like other Florida Keys locations, often centers on achieving peak visibility. This is frequently observed from May through September when conditions are at their calmest. During these months, water temperatures consistently hover around 27-29°C (80-85°F), providing optimal comfort without requiring heavy thermal protection. Air temperatures during this peak season are comfortably warm, averaging 26-28°C (79-83°F). Wave heights typically remain low, often below 0.2 m (0.7 ft), contributing to superior underwater clarity. Wind speeds are generally lighter, averaging 15-18 km/h (9-11 mph), and rainfall, while present, is usually characterized by short, intense showers rather than prolonged periods. Conversely, winter diving can still be excellent, though water temperatures drop by 5-8°C (10-15°F) and seas can be rougher due to higher winds, averaging 17-21 km/h (11-13 mph), which may impact visibility on certain days. Rainfall in winter is generally minimal.

PEAK SEASON SCORE

93/100
Excellent

Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.


BEST MONTHS TO DIVE

MAY
JUL
SEP
DIVE SCORE
(0–100)
85
JAN
88
FEB
90
MAR
92
APR
93
MAY
92
JUN
93
JUL
91
AUG
93
SEP
91
OCT
93
NOV
89
DEC
AIR TEMP (°C)
15
17
21
24
26
27
28
28
27
24
21
18
WAVES (M)
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.2
0.3
WIND (KM/H)
19
17
20
21
19
18
15
17
16
20
17
18
RAIN (MM)
2.1
3.0
2.6
1.7
3.0
4.6
5.3
6.7
4.3
4.3
0.9
1.7
DIVE SCORE GUIDE (0–100)
Excellent (90–100)
Very Good (80–89)
Good (70–79)
Moderate (50–69)
Poor (30–49)
Not Recommended (0–29)

Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.

Dive Experience & Conditions

Upon descending into the waters near Whiskey Stump Key, divers can generally anticipate conditions typical of the Florida Keys. Water clarity across the region frequently exceeds 27 m (90 ft), especially during calmer periods, offering expansive views of the underwater environment. Given the general characteristics of Keys dive sites, shallower sections might present easy entry, transitioning into deeper areas within recreational limits. While specific current reports for Whiskey Stump Key are not consistently detailed, currents in the broader Keys can vary, occasionally requiring moderate effort, particularly around more exposed areas or during tidal changes. The lack of detailed site-specific data means divers should be prepared for typical Florida Keys conditions, which range from calm and clear to areas with noticeable flow, depending on local geography and tidal influences. Depths are generally well within the recreational dive range for certified divers.

Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines

Approaching a dive at Whiskey Stump Key involves standard safety protocols applicable throughout the Florida Keys. Divers should always plan their profiles within no-decompression limits, especially since specific site depths for this key are not consistently reported. Maintaining situational awareness is critical, particularly concerning boat traffic which can be present in these popular waterways. Monitoring currents, which can vary depending on local conditions and tides, is an important consideration. Divers should ensure their equipment is well-maintained and always dive with a buddy, following established safe diving practices. Respect for the marine environment is paramount; avoid touching coral or disturbing marine life. Always carry your certification card and consider utilizing reputable local dive operators for guided excursions.

Recommended Equipment

  • Dive Computer

This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Whiskey Stump Key, United States. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.

Recommended Dive Suit

Experienced divers often bring flexible gear options.

Environmental readings suggest that the waters surrounding Whiskey Stump Key are about 30°C (86°F) at the moment. Surface air temperatures are resting at 27°C (80°F). Divers who spend longer periods underwater often choose dive skin or rash guard.

The next few days appear likely to bring similar environmental conditions.

Whiskey Stump Key conditions last reviewed: 21:46 local time (UTC-5), Jun 11, 2026

Due to technical issues with our weather providers, data hasn't been fetched for over 48 hours. The data above reflects the conditions at the time of the last successful fetch.

Emergency & Medical Support

Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Whiskey Stump Key.

Hyperbaric Chamber

Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.

Before diving, it's recommended to:

  • confirm nearest medical facilities
  • check emergency procedures with local dive operators
  • ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
24/7 Available

Divers Alert Network

Diving emergency assistance available through DAN World.

+1-919-684-9111
  • 24/7 emergency hotline
  • Diving medical assistance
  • Evacuation coordination
View official DAN emergency contacts

Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.

Marine Life at Whiskey Stump Key

Entering the underwater realm around Whiskey Stump Key, one would immediately notice the general abundance of marine life characteristic of the Florida Keys. While specific inhabitant reports for this individual key are not consistently detailed, the surrounding waters are home to a diverse array of tropical fish. Angelfish and parrotfish are commonly sighted across the region, navigating coral formations and seagrass beds. Spiny lobsters often hide within crevices, and various damselfish species populate the shallower areas. Occasionally, larger pelagics like jacks or graceful rays might pass through, adding to the dynamic underwater scenery. The overall ecosystem supports a vibrant mix of invertebrates and fish, typical of a healthy Florida Keys environment.

Image contributors:Nick Hobgood, Ewa Barska
Want to contribute photos or local dive knowledge? Learn how to contribute

Dive Centers Near Whiskey Stump Key

Calypso Divers of Tampa Bay, LLC
30.8 km away

Calypso Divers of Tampa Bay, LLC

4.5| 137 reviews
Today: Closed
SunClosed
Mon11:00 - 18:00
Tue11:00 - 18:00
Wed11:00 - 18:00
Thu11:00 - 18:00
Fri11:00 - 17:00
Sat11:00 - 17:00

Nearest Airports

Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.

Tampa International AirportTPA
22 km
St. Petersburg Clearwater International AirportPIE
30 km
Lakeland Linder International AirportLAL
42 km
💵Currency:USD

Search Flights

Check available flights and routes on Expedia, using the nearby airports listed in this section.

Search Flights on Expedia
Accommodations near Apollo Beach

Plan Your Stay

Looking for a place to stay for your dive trip? Explore hotels, stays, and vacation rentals for dive groups near Apollo Beach.

Dive Navigator may earn a commission from these links at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water temperatures in the Florida Keys?

Water temperatures in the Florida Keys range significantly by season. From May to September, expect warm waters between 27-29°C (80-85°F). During the winter months, temperatures cool by 5-8°C (10-15°F), making a thicker wetsuit more comfortable.

Is Whiskey Stump Key suitable for beginner divers?

While specific details for Whiskey Stump Key are limited, many dive sites in the Florida Keys feature shallow reefs suitable for beginners. Given this trend, it's likely that sections around Whiskey Stump Key could also offer accessible diving, but direct confirmation is advised.

What kind of visibility can be expected in the Florida Keys?

Visibility in the Florida Keys is generally excellent, often exceeding 27 m (90 ft), especially during the calmer summer months from May to September. Conditions can vary, however, with stronger winds or recent rainfall potentially affecting clarity.

Are strong currents common around the Florida Keys?

Currents in the Florida Keys can vary from mild to strong, depending on the specific location, tide, and weather conditions. While not consistently reported for Whiskey Stump Key, divers should be prepared for potential currents, particularly in more exposed areas.

What marine life might be seen generally in the Florida Keys?

The Florida Keys are known for a rich diversity of marine life. Divers frequently encounter colorful reef fish like angelfish and parrotfish, as well as spiny lobsters and various damselfish. Occasional sightings of larger species such as jacks or rays are also possible across the region.

What certification level is typically needed for diving in the Florida Keys?

Most recreational dive sites in the Florida Keys are accessible to Open Water certified divers. However, some deeper wrecks and advanced sites may require Advanced Open Water certification or specialized experience. Always check site requirements with a local dive operator.

Planning to dive Whiskey Stump Key?

Send one inquiry and receive offers directly from the best verified local dive operators.

Fast, free, and secure booking.

Share this dive site