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KEY LARGO REEF
SITES
Molasses
Reef
- one of the world's most popular reefs.
Molasses reef consists of several
different types of reef structure, and is spread out over 14-17 acres.
The population of reef creatures is always changing, and includes frequent
visits by many different pelagic
species. Molasses has more than 25 Buoys
(each one marking a different site), and is known for sites such as Fire
Coral Cave, the Spanish Anchor, and the Winch Hole. -
one of the world's most popular reefs.
Molasses reef consists
of several different types of reef structure, and is spread out over 14-17
acres. The population of reef creatures is always changing, and includes
frequent visits by many different pelagic
species. Molasses has more
than 25 Buoys (each one marking a different site), and is known for sites
such as Fire Coral Cave, the Spanish Anchor, and the Winch Hole.
Depth range 20-50 ft.
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French
Reef
- popular for it's coral caves
and "swim-throughs", French Reef offers the chance to observe many species
of fish and other reef creatures. Some never leave the shelter of the coral
caves, and tunnels. Well known sites on the reef include: Hourglass Cave,
Christmas Tree Cave, and Sand Bottom Cave. French Reef has large
formations of elk horn and stag horn corals.
Depth range 25-65 ft.
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Key
Largo Dry Rocks (Christ Statue)
- site of the famous "Christ
of the Deep" Statue, this is one of the Keys' most popular diving and snorkeling
locations. Key Largo Dry Rocks, is a fairly shallow site, and offers close
viewing of many types of fish.
Depth range 20-30 ft.
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North
Dry Rocks
- in relation to Key Largo
Dry Rocks, this is "the next reef to the north." A relatively shallow location,
this reef contains the popular "Minnow Cave" - known for it's large seasonal
population of glass minnows.
Depth range 25-35 ft.
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Grecian
Rocks
- the next reef south from Key Largo Dry
Rocks, this reef offers frequent sightings of some larger reef inhabitants,
such as the southern stingray and, spotted eagle rays. The word "rocks"
in the names of many sites is due to their being so close to, or even breaking
through, the surface of the water. At low tide, the top of this reef rises
out of the water and offers a rather unique view. -
the next reef south from Key Largo Dry Rocks, this reef offers frequent
sightings of some larger reef inhabitants, such as the southern stingray
and, spotted eagle rays. The word "rocks" in the names of many sites is
due to their being so close to, or even breaking through, the surface of
the water. At low tide, the top of this reef rises out of the water and
offers a rather unique view.
Depth range 0-35 ft.
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Pickles
Reef
- home of such sites
as The Pillar Coral Patch, and The Barrel Wreck, this low-profile reef
offers a unique view of soft corals, sponges, and a number of crustaceans.
Several species of lobsters and crabs may be openly observed here, often
unconcerned about the activities of divers and snorkelers. As a rule, if
you don't present a threat (by getting "too close") you will be able to
observe these creatures as they go about their normal activities.
Depth range 5-35 ft.
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The
above sites are within the
Florida
Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
The collection
of artifacts
(shells,
coral, etc.) and the
"harassment"
of reef creatures
are prohibited.
We share
the goals of the
Sanctuary
Program, and assist
it's
officers in any way we can.
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WRECK SITES
BENWOOD
- a Norwegian freighter that
was grounded after colliding with another ship during World War II. At
the time, allied vessels often ran "lights out" at night, to avoid detection
by German U-boats. This collision was the result of that practice, and
the Benwood now provides shelter and a home for a number of reef
fish, and other creatures.
Depth range 20-65 ft.
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| USCGC
BIBB
and DUANE
- these two "Secretary Class"
Coast Guard cutters were put down as artificial reefs in November 1987.
They have since become home to a wide variety of pelagic and reef fish,
and host to numerous types of coral formations.
The Bibb
lies on her starboard side, with her bow pointing
to the East Northeast. Upon descent, a diver will encounter her hull at
a depth of 85-90 ft. The depth of the superstructure is 95-120 ft. The
massive hull provides a stable platform, for divers who prefer to have
a "deck" under them. Penetration of the superstructure is possible, though
it CAN be disorienting, and a "tight fit" with SCUBA gear.
Depth range 85-130 ft
Photogallery of Duane
The Duane
sits upright, and offers a unique dive; the fact that
everything is intact and properly oriented, gives many divers an increased
sense of "ease" about the dive. Her main deck level is at about 100 ft.
with structure as high as 50 ft. This gives one an opportunity to plan
and make multi-level dives, safely extending bottom times.
Depth range 50-125 ft.
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| NOTE:
The Cutters are 327 ft. long, rest in 120-130 ft. of water, and
were originally closed from the main deck level down. Unfortunately, some
divers who have felt the need to "get inside" have damaged or removed the
barriers, allowing creatures such as turtles, as well as inexperienced
divers to get into these lower levels where they may become trapped;
at times, this has proved fatal to both.
It
is our policy to recommend against
any/all
"penetration" dives, without the
proper
equipment and training.
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The
above sites are within the
Florida
Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
The collection
of artifacts
(shells,
coral, etc.) and the
"harassment"
of reef creatures
are prohibited.
We share
the goals of the
Sanctuary
Program, and assist
it's
officers in any way we can.
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Scuba Classes:
Specialty Classes:
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Key Largo Diving - We offer diving
photo on a reef!
Cayman Islands Diving
Belize Diving
Email Us Now
PADI Master Instructor Monte Lee Thornton offers the courses.
Please Email US
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