Cleanup Dives

Reef & Ocean Cleanup Dives in Islamorada

Help protect the Florida Keys while enjoying an unforgettable scuba diving experience. Key Dives’ reef & ocean cleanup dives give certified divers the chance to explore beautiful reefs while actively removing harmful marine debris.

What Are Cleanup Dives?

Cleanup dives are organized underwater efforts where divers work together to safely remove trash, abandoned fishing gear, and other debris off of our coral reefs, sandy bottoms, and nearshore areas. Marine debris threatens coral reefs and marine life, and your participation helps preserve these fragile ecosystems for future generations.

During each dive, participants:

• Search for and collect plastics, nets, fishing line, and other debris
• Sort and document what’s collected for submission to Project AWARE® Dive Against Debris program and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
• Learn about the impacts of marine debris and ways to reduce waste

Why Does This Matter

The Florida Keys are home to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. Coral reefs provide habitat for fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals, help protect coastlines from storms, and are a valuable source of food and medicinal compounds. Cleanup dives help to restore reef health, protect marine life, and support sustainable diving and fishing practices.

Partnership with Goal: Clean Seas

Key Dives works with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys program, a community-driven initiative with an aim to remove underwater marine debris from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and educate the public about its role in marine debris prevention. Your participation helps remove submerged debris and contributes directly to maintaining healthy reefs across the Keys.

When and How to Join

Cleanup dives take place every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. Open to certified Open Water divers ages 10 and up, with proper buoyancy control. Cleanup dives are typically conducted as a drift dive and requires divers to be comfortable descending and doing a safety stop without a down line. Experienced guides lead dives at a 1:6 ratio to ensure safety and effective debris removal.

Learn more about our sister non-profit's marine debris mission and other volunteer opportunities at the I.CARE Trash Derby: https://www.icaretrashderby.com/

Dive in, make a difference, and help protect the Florida Keys’ vibrant reefs and marine life — one cleanup dive at a time.