8723970 - Vaca Key, FL (VCAF1) — Live Marine Conditions & Buoy Data
NOAA station VCAF1, 8723970 - Vaca Key, FL, reports real-time marine conditions from 24.711°N, 81.107°W in the Gulf of Mexico (Florida). Readings refresh roughly every 10 minutes, and Big Buoy adds 7-day tide predictions, a solunar table, and a multi-day weather outlook for the area.
Florida Keys Marine Conditions — 8723970 - Vaca Key, FL is one of several stations in Florida Keys. See live tides, buoy data, and solunar for the whole area.
Current conditions at 8723970 - Vaca Key, FL
As of October 19, 2026 at 19:30 UTC, 8723970 - Vaca Key, FL (VCAF1) is reporting water temperature 83°F, air temperature 83°F, wind from the ENE at 16 mph gusting 20 mph, and barometric pressure 29.97 inHg.
- Water temperature
- 83°F
- Air temperature
- 83°F
- Wind
- ENE 16 mph (gust 20)
- Barometric pressure
- 29.97 inHg
Observed October 19, 2026 at 19:30 UTC from NOAA NDBC station VCAF1. Readings update about every 10 minutes.
What NOAA buoy VCAF1 measures
As a NOAA meteorological station, VCAF1 reports wind speed, gusts and direction, barometric pressure, air and water temperature, and — where wave sensors are fitted — significant wave height, swell period, and wave direction.
What to watch in the Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf’s shallow, broad shelf means seas build and lay down quickly with the wind — short-period chop is the norm rather than long ocean swell. Summer afternoons bring fast-developing thunderstorms, so watch barometric pressure and wind trends closely before heading out.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the water temperature at NOAA buoy VCAF1?
- Sea surface temperature at NOAA buoy VCAF1 was 83°F. Measured October 19, 2026 at 19:30 UTC by NOAA station VCAF1 (8723970 - Vaca Key, FL). NDBC measures this near the surface, at a depth that varies by station.
- What is the air temperature at NOAA buoy VCAF1?
- Air temperature at NOAA buoy VCAF1 was 83°F. Measured October 19, 2026 at 19:30 UTC by NOAA station VCAF1 (8723970 - Vaca Key, FL).
- What is the wind doing at NOAA buoy VCAF1?
- Wind at NOAA buoy VCAF1 was from the ENE at 16 mph, with peak gusts to 20 mph. Measured October 19, 2026 at 19:30 UTC by NOAA station VCAF1 (8723970 - Vaca Key, FL). NDBC records wind at the station’s anemometer height, which is not the 10 m height used in marine forecasts.
- What is the barometric pressure at NOAA buoy VCAF1?
- Sea-level pressure at NOAA buoy VCAF1 was 29.97 inHg (1014.9 hPa). Measured October 19, 2026 at 19:30 UTC by NOAA station VCAF1 (8723970 - Vaca Key, FL). NDBC reports pressure reduced to sea level rather than the raw reading at the station.
- Where is NOAA buoy VCAF1 located?
- 8723970 - Vaca Key, FL (VCAF1) reports from 24.711°N, 81.107°W in the Gulf of Mexico (Florida).
- How often is NOAA buoy VCAF1 updated?
- Station VCAF1 typically reports new observations about every 10 minutes. Big Buoy refreshes continuously so you always see the latest readings, alongside 7-day tide predictions and a solunar table for the area.
- What does NOAA buoy VCAF1 measure?
- Big Buoy shows wind, barometric pressure, air and water temperature, and wave height and period where available for 8723970 - Vaca Key, FL, plus 7-day tides, solunar peak windows, and a multi-day weather outlook.
- Is Big Buoy free to use?
- Yes. Live data for 8723970 - Vaca Key, FL and every other NOAA buoy is free with no account required. Big Buoy Pro adds the Wind Tab, the Depth Chart, satellite overlays (sea surface temp, chlorophyll, currents), 16-day forecasts, and forecast model switching.