The Florida Keys
The 120-mile Florida
Keys island chain is home to North America’s only living-coral
barrier reef. This teeming backbone of marine life runs the
length of the Keys about five miles off offshore. Our coral
formations are famous for their abundance of fish, from
impressive schools of blue-striped grunts to toothy green moray
eels. The U.S. government established the Florida Keys National
Marine Sanctuary to protect our marine habitat. Preserving the
reef is a top priority for a good reason. There is no more
versatile marine destination in the world. We have
coral-encrusted ship wrecks and intricate natural coral
formations. We have shallow reefs for snorkelers, and a range of
deeper reefs for experienced divers. Most dive sites are
equipped with convenient mooring buoys to save the reef from
anchors and make it easy for boaters to tie off. Once you visit
the Keys, you’ll see why some of the most renowned dive
photographers, writers and artists in the world, including
internationally renowned artist Clayton Whitehouse, make this
their home base.
Key Largo &
Taviner
Key Largo, the
northernmost island of the Florida Keys island chain, lies only
an hour’s drive from South Florida’s two major airports. Yet it
is a world away. As you look at the tropical hardwoods, the
winding creeks, and the stunning coral formations, it is no
wonder Hollywood chose to film scenes from the movies “PT 109”
and “Key Largo” here. Key Largo is sandwiched between the watery
wilderness of the Everglades to the west and the fish-covered
coral formations of North America’s only living coral barrier
reef to the east. Locals consider their home the Diving Capital
of the World but the island is nearly as famous as a
sport-fishing destination. Some of the best charter captains and
fishing guides in the world work out of Key Largo. You can go
after sailfish offshore, bonefish along the Atlantic shallows,
or redfish and tarpon in Florida Bay. All this beauty, not to
mention the island’s rich history, has inspired a vibrant
community of artists who show there work at several local
galleries.
Six miles offshore
in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary you will find the
wreck of the Spiegel Grove, The Spiegel Grove lies on its side,
six miles off Key Largo in the Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary. Numbered mooring buoys provide easy tie-off points
for private boaters and charter dive operators. The buoy lines
are shackled to the ship along the length of its 510-foot hull.
The Spiegel Grove lies on its starboard (right) side with a
slight 15-degree list toward an upright position. The side of
the hull forms a slightly sloped, horizontal surface that has
taken on a yellowish sheen due to the layer of algae and other
life that is slowly enveloping it. Because the Spiegel Grove
measures 510 feet from stern to bow, on even the clearest days
it will be impossible to view the entire hull from end-to-end.
The deck now lies nearly vertical. Peering over that rail was
like looking over the edge of an eight-story building. At its
broadest point, the Spiegel Grove measures 84-feet wide. as you
look down, you see the superstructure, cabins, winches, all
sorts of devices. The Spiegel Grove is so wide that on many
days, the view of the super structure will fade into a
green-blue abyss. On the clearest days, the sandy bottom will be
visible at a depth of about 130 feet. Many divers compare it to
a natural underwater wall or cliff. There is no natural
formation in the Florida Keys that can match the dimensions of
the Spiegel Grove. The Spiegel Grove is an excellent multi-level
dive, meaning there is something for divers of all levels of
expertise. The ship’s starboard (right) side is imbedded in
white sand at a depth of about 130 feet. It’s stern has a
cavernous well deck, which now resembles an underwater cave, but
which once ferried amphibious landing craft around the
globe. The fact that the Spiegel Grove is lying on its side
allows a larger portion of the ship to be available in the
middle 48 to 62-foot range. The Spiegel Grove is on its way to
becoming as rich in coral and fish life as any wreck in the
Keys. But there always will be one difference. If I had to use
two word to describe it, I would say it’s huge.
Islamorada
& Long Key
Imagine two seas
brimming with the world's most sought-after gamefish: Sailfish,
tuna and dolphin in our Atlantic, and a grand slam shot at
permit, tarpon, and bonefish in the backcountry waters of
Florida Bay. You're in Islamorada the Sport Fishing Capital of
the World. An array of marine life inhabits the patch coral reef
alongside our islands, making Islamorada a favorite also for
divers. Landlubbers, on the other hand, may prefer viewing
acrobatic dolphin and other deep sea stars at Windley Key's
Theater of the Sea. The shops and galleries at Treasure Village
and the Rain Barrel on Plantation Key offer a colorful
collection of arts, crafts, and other creative island treasures.
At Long Key State Recreation Area, campers can kick back or
meander nature trails. Added trails are offered at Windley Key
Quarry Fossil Reef State Geologic Site, where acres of
fossilized coral and an environmental center are at-hand, and at
Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site-an island with the highest
elevation in the Keys: a dizzying 18 feet.
Marathon & Duck
Key
The blue-green
panorama of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, dotted with
lobster traps and sailboats, is not unlike the scene that
greeted passengers on Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad, which
linked the Keys to mainland Florida from 1912 until 1935. Those
passengers probably took little notice of the sparsely populated
island at the northeastern foot of the Seven Mile Bridge. Today,
this island offers some of the best fishing and sport diving
anywhere in the world. This is Marathon, the "Heart of the
Florida Keys. Marathon has blossomed into a small city centered
on the island of Vaca Key at the midpoint of the Keys island
chain. Before dusk, residents and visitors alike gather at boat
docks to survey fishermen's daily catch and often the entree for
their evening meal. You will dive, snorkel, fish and sail along
the only living coral reef in North America, several miles
offshore in the Atlantic Ocean.
Marathon is home to
Crane Point Hammock, a 63.5-acre land tract that is one of the
most important historical and archaeological sites in the Keys.
The area contains evidence of pre-Colombian and prehistoric
Bahamian artifacts, and once was the site of an entire Indian
village. On site is the Museum of Natural History of the Florida
Keys and an adjoining children's museum. Another historical
site, recently opened to the public is Pigeon Key, a tiny
five-acre island nestled below the old Seven Mile Bridge. Step
onto Pigeon Key and step back into history to the key that was
home to the men that built Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad.
Marathon also is home to the Dolphin Research Center and the
Turtle Hospital. Both play important roles in the preservation
of indigenous Keys' marine life. And just south of Marathon, the
new Seven Mile Bridge, which runs parallel to its venerable
forerunner, is the longest segmental bridge in the world.
Lower Keys &
Little Palm Island Resort and Spa
If you’ve had enough
of an overcrowded and weary world, the islands of the Lower Keys
are the place for you. Here, you can snorkel or dive over the
Looe Key coral reef, ride a bicycle through Key Deer country, or
take a fishing adventure in the deep blue waters beyond the
reef. The Earthy fragrance of mangrove forests and wetlands is
never far away.
The Lower Keys begin
where the Florida Keys island chain takes a graceful westerly
turn toward the sunset, shortly after the famous Seven Mile
Bridge. Tiny Little Duck Key, at mile marker 40 in the upper end
of the Lower Keys, boasts sandy beaches, picnic areas, and
pet-friendliness. Nearby, you will find Bahia Honda State Park
and Recreation Area at mile marker 37. With its white sandy
beaches and abundant wildlife, Bahia Honda Key frequently makes
the list of most beautiful beaches in America. At Big Pine Key
explore the National Key Deer Refuge. If you’re looking for an
off-shore adventure, Big Pine is also the jumping off point for
numerous snorkeling and dive charters to Looe Key reef.
Don’t forget about
the other islands of the Lower Keys. Look for intriguing names
such as Summerland Key, Big Torch and Little Torch Keys, Cudjoe
Key, Sugarloaf Key or Big Coppitt Key. The uninhabited
Saddlebunch Keys are a network of sandy lagoons and mangrove
islands that make the jaunt a memorable one, especially at
sunset.
Key West
You will discover a
city where real estate titles date back to the Kings of Spain.
Stroll the palm-lined streets, gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed
conch houses, the John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway's
home. Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Edison, Lou Gehrig, Harry
Truman, and Tennessee Williams. Gaze at the fabled treasure of
the galleon Atocha. Discover tomorrow's fine art treasures by
Key West's well-known and unknown artists.
Only in Key West
would the sun shine brightest when it sets. Everyone gathers for
the never planned, always varied Sunset Celebration on the
Mallory Dock. Once the sun is safely tucked away by jugglers,
mimes, musicians and street artists, the city moves to a
different beat. A night beat. The streets, filled with sidewalk
cafes, open-air bars, legendary pubs and world-class restaurants
come alive. Gourmets and gourmands alike treat their palates to
island specialties. Drama, musicals and comedy flourish on our
stages. As you enjoy these sights, you'll discover that modern
Key West is a warm-hearted place where all are welcome. The
city's vibrant Gay and Lesbian Community helped spearhead the
island's economic and social revival in the 1980's. In this city
of fascinating contrasts, you could easily find yourself wanting
to let go of mainland hassles permanently.
In Key West you can
use convenient public transportation, taxis, pedi-cabs, tour
trains, trolleys, bicycles or even your own two feet to see the
sights. However you choose to see the town, you'll discover
that old town Key West is one of America's true architectural
and botanical treasures. Key West has lots of history and many
museums to show for it. A good place to start would be a ride on
one of the tour trains or trolleys; the conductor will relate
stories with local color and you will get an idea of places you
will want to revisit to learn more. On even the tiniest lanes,
the locals have faithfully restored old wooden homes and adorned
them with lush tropical trees and flowers. New restaurants and
stores are popping up in the historic Bahama Village
neighborhood, which was settled in the 19th Century by Bahamian
immigrants. Hemingway loved coming here to mix with the
hard-working locals at boxing matches and arm-wrestling
contests. Key West’s waters also provide great diving and
snorkeling experiences for the more adventurous. The Florida
Keys is a fishing Mecca.
Diving In The Keys 
Reef Dives
Most Reef
dives in The Florida Keys are at 10-40 feet (6.1-12.2 meters).
We have 60 to 100 different sites to choose from; our captains
make the choice on any given day depending on conditions and
visibility
KEY LARGO DIVE SITES
TURTLE REEF
Depth Range: 25 feet
Experience Level: Intermediate
Located at the
northernmost site of the Key Largo Marine Sanctuary, most reef
species are represented here. Site is relatively shallow,
visibility usually good as it's location protects it from the
strong currents lying beyond but it is influenced by tidal
currents passing through Hawk Channel.
CARYSFORT REEF
Depth Range: 35-70 feet
Experience Level: Intermediate
Latitude/Longitude: 25º13.80 80º12.74
Because of its
distance from the more central dive sites, comparatively few
divers visit this reef although it is of exceptional interest
and beauty offering a variety of dive options from shallow to
deep dives. The shallow upper section of the reef abounds with
marine life and is perfect for snorkelers.
CARYSFORT SOUTH
Depth Range: 20 feet
Experience Level: Intermediate
Latitude/Longitude: 25º13.00 80º13.06
A natural extension
of Carysfort Reef, similar in its configuration and displays a
double reef structure. It's famous elkhorn coral gardens make
this reef a highly attractive location. South of the reef lies
the remains of the H.M.S. Winchester, a 933 ton British
man-of-war that sank in 1695 after running aground on the reef.
THE ELBOW
Depth Range: 12-35 feet
Experience Level: Novice
Latitude/Longitude: 25º08.82 80º15.19
Named for the
angular shape of the reef, it is a classic example of spurs and
grooves meandering down the slope of the reef. The coral fingers
are extremely well-defined and are separated by level passages
of clean sand; some of the spurs are high enough to be
considered miniwalls. Corals and fish abound here but wrecks
hold the secret to the appeal of this site. The Civil War Wreck,
a 752 ton steamer sunk in 1866 has lovely fingers of elkhorn
coral situated at depths of 6-18 feet. The remains of two more
wrecks, probably a tug and a barge are also scattered in this
area.
KEY LARGO DRY ROCKS
Depth Range: Shallow to 25 feet
Experience Level: Novice
By far the most
famous dive in the Key Largo Marine Sanctuary. The Statue of
Christ of the Abyss (also known as Christ of the Deep), rests on
a concrete base located within a short canyon. This area is also
celebrated for its marvelous specimens of brain coral and the
eastern side of the reef displays classic coral fingers which
are rich in marine life. Smoky, the celebrated barracuda, is a
regular here. This area also includes Grecian Rocks an extremely
popular reef among snorkelers.
GRECIAN ROCKS
Depth Range: Shallow to 25 feet
Experience Level: Novice
Grecian Rocks is an
exceptionally popular reef for snorkelers. The grass and sand on
the back side provide good anchorage, and the shallow reef
buffers the waves so the waters are very calm even on windy
days. It is very easy for snorkelers to swim from the boat up to
the reefline where the corals and brightly colored fish abound.
THE CHRIST OF THE DEEP STATUE
Depth: 25 feet
Experience Level: Novice
The Christ Statue
was cast in Italy and donated to the Underwater Society of
America by Egidi Cressi, an Italian industrialist and diving
equipment manufacturer. It is a 9 foot tall bronze duplicate of
the Christ of the Abysses statue, which stands in 50 feet of
water off Genoa, Italy. Set in a beautiful reef area known for
its outstanding brain corals, the figure of Christ stands
silhouetted against the blue waters of the ocean, His arms
upraised to the surface. This dramatic and memorable picture is
one that most diving visitors to the Keys shouldn't miss.
THE BENWOOD
Depth Range: 50 feet offshore, 20 feet inshore
Experience Level: Novice to Intermediate
Latitude/Longitude: 25º03.16 80º20.02
An English built
cargo vessel lost in a tragic chain of events in 1942. The
Benwood rests on a level expanse of sand noticeably lacking in
coral growth, so apart from the wreck itself there is
comparatively little to see. Its fractured stern lies directly
beneath the marker at a depth of 2 feet, while its bow points
offshore at a depth of 45 feet. The bow section looms up out of
the sand, in contrast with the rest of the ship which is almost
wholly submerged.
FRENCH REEF
Depth Range: Shallow to 100 feet
Experience Level: Novice to Advanced for deeper dives
Latitude/Longitude: 25º02.06 80º21.00
An exceptionally
beautiful site, the ever popular reef is crammed full of caves,
canyons, ledges, tunnels and swim-throughs. French Reef is home
to innumerable fish species.
BLUE HOLE
Depth Range: 30-70 feet
Experience Level: Intermediate
A relatively deep
site, slopes gently from a depth of 30 ft. down to the sandy
seafloor, depth 70 ft. To find the Blue Hole itself, look for
two sand chutes running from the slope of the reef to its base;
south of the chutes a type of mound thrusts its way upwards out
of a deep canyon. The seafloor is of clean sand, without the
well-developed staghorn and elkhorn colonies observed elsewhere.
MOLASSES REEF
Depth Range: Shallow to 40 feet
Experiece Level: Novice to Intermediate
Latitude/Longitude: 25º00.74 80º22.40
Reigns as the
world's most popular dive site. The reef comprises a classic
spur and groove system which begins near the surface and falls
of gradually to a depth of 55 ft. It is washed by the Gulf
Stream, so visibility is usually excellent. Impressive
concentrations of marine flora and fauna cover just about the
entire tropical reef spectrum.
BIBB &
DUANE
Depth Range: 50-130 feet
Experience Level: Advanced
Latitude/Longitude: 24º59.71 80º22.77 (Bibb)
Latitude/Longitude: 24º59.38 80º22.92 (Duane)
Twin 327' coast
guard cutters were painstakingly sunk in 1987 as part of an
artificial reef program sponsored by the Keys Association of
Dive Operators. The Duane, more frequently dived because of her
depth, lies upright with a slight list to starboard at a depth
of about 100 ft. The Bibb overturned while sinking and lies on
her starboard side; you will begin to reach the ship's exterior
at a depth of 95 ft. Both ships are a equally rewarding dive
with a fascinating history. With extremely powerful currents you
may occasionally have to postpone your dive.
ISLAMORADA DIVE
SITES
PICKLES REEF
Depth Range: 10-25 feet
Experience Level: Novice to Intermediate
Latitude/Longitude: 24º59.23 80º24.88
An elongated reef
with familiar spurs and grooves configurations; an excellent
place for a second dive. The combination of shallow reef and
sandy seafloor is full of possibilities for excellent macro
photography.
CONCH REEF
Depth Range: Shallow to 100 feet
Experience Level: Novice to Advanced
Latitude/Longitude: 24º57.11 80º27.57
The most remarkable
aspect of this reef is its proliferation of barrel sponges
covering much of the reef area; the second is its depth. The
upper section of the slope lies at an average depth of 50 ft.,
but its base extends to 90 ft. where a wide strip of sand
running parallel to the reef lends added definition to its
contours. You will observe a variety of gorgonians and reef
species, and thanks to the depth its not unusual to view pelagic
fish.
LITTLE CONCH REEF
Depth Range: 30 feet
Experience Level: Intermediate
Latitude/Longitude: 24º56.49 80º28.59
A level,
comparatively long reef full of coral heads, rocks, low profile
spurs and grooves, crisscrossed by ledges especially in its
western section. Tube sponges and seafan colonies grace the
area.
THE SAN JOSE AND THE INFANTE
Depth Range: 12-15 feet
Experience Level: Novice
Latitude/Longitude: 14º10.85 43º26.77
Two galleons
belonging to the famous Silver Plate Fleet of 1733 were lost in
a hurricane off the Keys and went down within a mile of one
another. Not much is left of the Infante except some timber
planking originally from the ship's deck and ballast stones of
all shapes and sizes scattered over roughly an acre. The San
Jose collided with the sand flats, her stern section
disintegrated and became detached from the main hull which sank
another 200 yards awsay with its ballast stones.
DAVIS REEF
Depth Range: Shallow to 80 feet
Experience Level: Novice
Latitude/Longitude: 24º55.58 80º30.10
A popular outer reef
on the edge of a flat shallow bank. Hugh schools of fish have
made this reef famous along with four green morays who are
permanent residents here. Another attraction adorning this reef
is a statue of a Buddha that sits on a concrete block in the
middle of a sand plain.
NOAA HABITAT, AQUARIUS U/W RESEARCH FACILITY
Depth Range: 40-60 feet
Experience Level: Novice - Advanced
The NOAA Habitat is
a manned sea lab resting in 62 feet of water. One of three
underwater habitats in the world (the other two are also located
in Key Largo!), this research facility is used to conduct
studies and record oceanographic data on our marine environment.
One of the "fishiest" places in the Florida Keys, this
artificial reef has become an extremely popular diving spot. Due
to mooring requirements, good knowledge of u/w navigation is
recommended. (Editors Note: The Habitat has been removed due
to our government's budget restrictions but we hope it will
return someday soon...towards that end we will continue to list
the area.....it is still a wonderful dive.)
CROCKER REEF
Depth Range: 40-80 feet
Experience Level: Intermediate
Latitude/Longitude: 24º54.20 80º31.60
An extensive
collection of formations which should probably be treated as a
series of individual dive sites each with its own name.
THE EAGLE
Depth Range: 75-120 feet
Experience Level: Advanced
Latitude/Longitude: 24º54.18 80º34.20
A 287' freighter,
sunk in 1985 as part of the Florida Keys Artificial Reef
Associaton program, forms an artificial reef which has brought
enjoyment to thousands of divers. She has remained generally
intact, apart from eight gaping holes in her side and although
the wreck rests at a depth of 110 ft, you will begin to
encounter her superstructure at 75 ft. Because of the Eagle's
comparatively remote location beyond the protective confines of
the reef, the state of the current will be a vitally important
factor in determining your dive plan here.
HENS & CHICKENS REEF
Depth Range: 20-22 feet
Experience Level: Novice
Latitude/Longitude: 24º55.90 80º32.90
A group of patch
reefs whose coral formations from the air appear to radiate
outwards from the center like a mother hen surrounded by
chickens. A shallow inshore site this reef displays a remarkable
proliferation of fish and corals.
ALLIGATOR REEF
Depth Range: 25-30 feet
Experience Level: Intermediate
Latitude/Longitude: 24º50.72 80º36.93
The reef was named
after the USS Alligator, a schooner which ran aground here in
1825 and whose remains are still visible in the open waters
southeast of its famous light tower. The reef displays spurs and
grooves coursing down a moderate slope as well as more isolated
coral heads. It is especially noted for its size, its deep
ravines and intricately patterned coral crevices.
SOMBRERO REEF
Depth Range: 6-25 feet
Experience Level: Novice
Latitude/Longitude: 24º37.50 81º06.50
Marked by Sombrero
Light, this beautiful reef features well-defined spurs or
fingers of reef building corals separated by wide channels of
gleaming white sand. Brilliant colors and diverse marine life
make this a most popular dive site along with a eight feet high
natural coral bridge known as "The Arch".
DELTA SHOAL
Depth Range: 6-25 feet
Experience Level: Novice
Latitude/Longitude: 24º37.78 81º05.49
Another popular dive
site eastward of Sombrero Light, features massive coral fingers
and broad expanses of sandy bottom that separate the spurs that
form this reef. Two interesting wrecks lie in this area - the
Delta Shoals Barge behind the east end features typical shallow
water soft corals and an abundance of fish life, perfect for
snorkeling. The other is the Ivory Coast Wreck, a sunken slave
ship lost in 1853, although little is recognizable any more.
MARATHON'S MIDDLE REEFS/COFFINS PATCH
Depth Range: 10-25 feet
Experience Level: Novice
Marathon has a wide
variety of prime shallow dive locations throughout their middle
reefs. Most are typically no deeper than 25 ft. and all feature
an abundance of fish and a variety of coral growth.
THUNDERBOLT
Depth Range: 75-120 feet
Experience Level: Advanced
Latitude/Longitude: 24º39.48 80º57.90
A 188 ft. research
vessel once used for studying lightning and sunk in 1986, rests
upright in 120 feet of water. At 85 feet, her bow is dominated
by a huge horizontal reel, dropping over the stern of the vessel
divers can examine huge twin props. Large hatches off the main
deck open into the engine compartments where it is possible to
descend into the hull to 110 feet.
LOWER KEYS DIVE
SITES
LOOE KEY REEF
Depth Range: 5-35 feet
Experience Level: Novice to Intermediate and Advanced
One of the loveliest
and most prolific reefs in the Keys. The frigate, H.M.S. Looe,
accidently ran hard aground in 1744; remains of the ship lie
between two fingers of coral near the eastern end of the reef
although only the ballast and anchor remain visible to the
trained eye. Totally unlike any of the reefs in the Keys,
containing a variety of corals, monastera, sea fans and
innumerable fish species this makes for an exceptional diving
experience. Looe Key is a designated marine sanctuary.
ADOLPHUS BUSCH
Depth Range: maximum depth 110 feet
Experience Level: Advanced
Located about 5
miles off shore of Cudjoe Key, it is 3 miles west of Looe Key.
The Adolphus Busch was cleaned and prepared for divers with
large holes cut for nice swim through and was sunk December 1998
as an artificial reef. There are three resident Jewfish living
on the wreck and are seen on many dives. The largest weights in
at about 400 pounds. The ship is 210 feet long and the maximum
depth is 110 feet, a very good dive for nitrox. This dive
should be considered an advanced dive and divers wishing to dive
the ship should have an Advanced Open Water certification or
plan to be accompanied by an instructor or divemaster.
CONTENT KEYS
Depth Range: 8-15 feet
Experience Level: Novice
Positioned on the
Gulf side southwest of Marathon, this area is sheltered by the
Keys and is a good alternative for shallow diving on a windy
day. Rounded starlet corals grow here and numerous potholes and
cracks in the coral rock make this an ideal home for both
lobster and stone crab.
SOUTH BEACH PATCHES
Depth Range: 15 feet
Experience Level: Novice to Intermediate
Scores of coral
patches and reefs run along the southern shore of Key West. The
most prominent ones are off the foot of Duval Street, Simonton
Street, Casa Marina Hotel, Bertha Street, main bathing beach and
off the airport. Almost any fish life that you might normally
find on the outside reef can be found here.
KEY WEST HARBOR
Depth Range: 30 feet
Experience Level: Advanced
Watch for heavy
commercial boat traffic in this harbor which has been in use
since the middle of the 16th century. At the north end of
Simonton Street is a public boat ramp and dingly landing area
that gives access to this advanced diving area. Interesting
artifacts have been found in this location.
SAND KEY
Depth Range: Awash to 3-65 feet
Experience Level: All Levels
Latitude/Longitude: 24º27.19 81º52.58
Probably the most
popular dive and snorkeling spots in the Lower Keys, it is a
simple ground-up coral and small shell island without
vegetation, topped by a red iron lighthouse bult in 1853 and now
on the historical register. The reef itself consists mostly of
rock fingers and gullies with sandy bottoms between cliff-like
structures and extensive areas of staghorn and elkhorn coral.
OUTSIDE REEFS
Depth Range: 40-210 feet
Experience Level: Intermediate and Advanced
For the more
experienced diver, all along the Keys south of the main shallow
reefs, are the Gulf Stream reefs. A prolific gallery of
deep-water corals and fish, these deep dives are different from
anything anywhere else in the Keys.
ROCK KEY AND EASTERN DRY ROCKS
Depth Range: 5-35 feet
Experience Level: All levels
Latitude/Longitude: 24º27.21 81º51.60 (Rock Key)
Latitude/Longitude: 24º27.50 81º50.44 (Dry Rocks)
Two popular dive
spots typical of most reef formations in the area with long
fingers of coral with sand and coral-filled canyons in between.
But their real claim to fame are their 19th century wrecks -
providing huge quantities of ballast and artifacts.
WESTERN DRY ROCKS
Depth Range: 5-120 feet
Experience Level: Novice to Advanced
Further away from
popular reefs closer to Key West, this area has not suffered the
reef damage associated with heavy usage. Large quantities of
elkhorn and staghorn coral, numerous crevices and caves, and
large marine life make this well worth a long trip.
ALEXANDER'S WRECK
Depth Range: 30 feet
Experience Level: Novice to Advanced
A destroyer escort,
purchased from the Navy and sunk by local commercial
salvor Chet Alexander, is a popular dive spot but only
occasionally visited by commercial dive boats. The wreck
is broken in half, with the stern section lying 150 yards
or so north of the bow. Despite the fact that part of the hull
is clear of the water, the wreck is difficult to see - a number
of captains have hit the jagged metal tear that juts above the
water, ruining props and rudders. This former navy vessel lies
on its side and is home for thousands of fish and the hull
itself is covered with Leavy oysters.
THE AQUANAUT
Depth Range: 75 feet
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced
One of Chet
Alexander's other dive sites is the wreck of the tugboat
Aquanaut. This 55' wooden salvage tug sits upright in 75
feet of water on the edge of the Gulfstream on a flat sandy
bottom. The tug is intact and in nearly perfect condition. The
wreck hosts a variety of fish life, when on the deck of the ship
a macro closeup lens is very useful.
JOE'S TUG
Depth Range: 65 feet
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced
A small tugboat,
discovered recently by a local diver, sits upright and is an
easy swim through. Open access to the wheel house and aft deck
make this an enjoyable dive. Visibility is usually good due to
its location outside of the reef and offers a great photographic
location with a wide variety of corals and marine life.
COTTRELL REEF (GULF SIDE REEF)
Depth Range: 3-15 feet
Experience Level: Novice or Intermediate
An excellent reef
for beginning snorkelers and an alternative dive spot when the
weather is bad on the Atlantic side of the Keys. Covered with
gorgonians and sponges, the ledges and banks of this reef
provide a wide variety of reef fish.
THE LAKES
Depth Range: 5-30 feet
Experience Level: All Levels
A fascinating
snorkeling area, this shallow area is a series of grassy flats
and banks completely encompassing a shallow lagoon protected by
a string of islands and reefs directly west of Key West.
All inclusive Key
Largo scuba charters
