This dive site, known as The Cable, is one of Key West’s most exciting outer reef locations, rich in both history and vibrant marine life. Its name originates from the telegraph cable laid in the 1850s, stretching from the Southernmost Point buoy all the way to Havana, Cuba. Though disassembled by ATT in the mid-1980s, the historical significance and the reef structure that once housed it remain a captivating feature for divers.
The Cable hosts a vast variety of Caribbean tropical fish, creating a colorful and active underwater scene. Divers will also encounter large, beautiful sponges of all types, with some reaching enormous sizes, contributing to a diverse reef ecosystem. Nurse sharks and Caribbean reef sharks are frequently spotted, adding an thrilling element to the exploration of this outer reef.
The best time to visit The Cable, like many sites in Key West, is generally year-round, with summer and fall offering the warmest water temperatures. Its maximum depth of 13 meters and average depth of 6 meters make it perfectly suitable for both scuba divers and freedivers seeking to explore a thriving reef. Snorkelers will also find this site highly rewarding due to its excellent visibility and abundant marine life close to the surface.
