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TURTLE
REEF |
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 Location: 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 Location: 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 Location: 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 Location: 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 Location: 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 Location: 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 Location: 24º59.71 80º22.77 (Bibb) Location: 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. ***** |
| SPIEGEL
GROVE Depth Range: 45 to 130 feet Experience Level: Advanced Location: 25°04.00' 80°18.65' (6 Miles off Key Largo) |
Sunk
June 10, 2002, the Spiegel Grove is largest vessel intentionally sunk to
make an artificial reef. The ship was designed to carry cargo and
craft for amphibious landings, and was retired by the Navy in 1989.
After more than three years resting on its starboard side, waves from
Hurricane Dennis pushed the 510-foot U.S. Navy ship Spiegel Grove into
an upright position, before the hurricane brushed the Florida Keys July
9, 2005 leaving no significant lasting damage. |
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