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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 & Tavernier
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
game fish: 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.
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Diving In The Keys  |
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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MARATHON DIVE SITES |
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".
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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,
whih is awash on
most tides. 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.
|
MARQUESAS KEYS
Depth Range: 5-30 feet
Experience Level: All Channels
The only known atoll
in the Atlantic
Ocean. The circle of
islands is about 3.5
miles across and 22
miles west of Key
West and like most
of the lower Keys is
a bird sanctuary and
National Wilderness
Area. Wrecks in this
area attract large
marine life and huge
clusters of coral
heads can be found
off the entire
southern edge of the
islands in about
8-12 feet of water.
Several of the
islands have long,
white, sandy beaches
and excellent
anchorages can be
found. |
|
|
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