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.

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