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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 & 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.
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".
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, 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.
We
are committed to providing the best all inclusive Florida Keys
sailing charters and scuba charters available. Our crewed
Florida Keys catamaran charters are all inclusive with your own captain
and chef its a luxury vacation adventure in paradise. Our
Florida Keys scuba charters includes unlimited scuba and sport fishing
on a modern yacht with your own private spacious
cabin, bath & shower facilities. Your charter is equipped with
the most modern navigation and technology and staffed with an
experienced crew. On our Florida Keys sailing charters you will enjoy sailing,
fishing and scuba
diving in the most exotic destinations. You will sail and sport
fish in the tropics, delight in balmy breezes and sunshine,
snorkel and scuba dive vibrant coral reefs. All food and beverages
are included. Our sailing charters are truly
ALL
inclusive.
Scuba diving, treasure hunting on Spanish Galleons, deep sea
fishing and snorkeling are just some of the
activities
we offer.
Our
Florida Keys sailing charters provide more amenities and larger,
more comfortable cruising accommodations. The shallower draft
of our catamaran allows entry into a world of anchorages in Key
West that deeper draft monohulls were not able to enter. Our
Florida Keys catamaran charters are truly an Exhilarating Sailing
Performance.
All inclusive
Florida Keys catamaran charters and sailing vacations
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Our
crewed catamaran charters and sailing vacations provide more amenities and larger,
more comfortable cruising accommodations. We offer unlimited
scuba diving, snorkeling and sport fishing on our all
inclusive catamaran charters. |
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