Marine Conditions

A funnel cloud extends from a thunderhead to the ocean's surface
A water spout reaches down from a thunderhead, a common site during summer in the Florida Keys. Photo: Ben Edmonds/NOAA

Before heading out for any activities in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, you should always check the weather conditions, including tides. If weather conditions do not look favorable in the area, or at the destination, consider altering your plans until conditions improve. If in doubt, don't go out! Wind and weather can change rapidly around the Florida Keys.

If you're already out on the water and need updates on marine weather conditions, use a VHF radio to tune to:

  • Channel 2 (Lower Keys)
  • Channel 5 (Middle/Upper Keys)
  • Channel 4 (North Key Largo-Ocean Reef)

When considering the tides, remember that the greatest range of tides (shallowest and deepest water) occurs during a full moon and new moon. Use extra caution when boating on a low tide.

a person in a hard hat and life jacket deploys a large yellow buoy from a ship into the ocean

NOAA National Data Buoy Center

Description: NOAA's National Data Buoy Center maintains several buoys in the Florida Keys that collect information such as air and water temperature, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure.

a line graph with red and blue lines showing water levels and predictions

NOAA Tides and Currents

Use NOAA's tides and currents map to access real-time meteorological and oceanographic data and look up information on local tides from NOAA stations.

radar map of florida keys

National Weather Service Florida Keys

Visit the National Weather Service to obtain the latest marine weather conditions, forecasts, and possible warnings or advisories.

Recommended Gear for Marine Activities

Emergencies

If you feel you are in a distress situation, do not hesitate to call for help. The U.S. Coast Guard monitors VHF Channel 16 for marine emergencies.

If your previously reported distress situation improves, notify the Coast Guard to reduce false alarms and ensure Coast Guard rescue crews are ready to respond to actual distress situations.