(20-40') French Reef, another beautiful reef system, provides a dramatic
maze of underwater canyons, cliffs, and gullies. It's coral arches and
swim-through caves provide shelter for many large fish, with grouper and
green morays a common sight.
Molasses Reef...
(10-40') A Spectacular coral reel formation in the shadow of the Molasses
reef light, this area features towering tongue-and-groove coral formations,
and a plethora of marine life! Special Link! Click
here for reef conditions at Molasses Reef, updated hourly!
The Benwood wreck...
(25-50') The BENWOOD was a 285' long freighter accidently rammed while
running without lights during WWII, then torpedoed by a German submarine
as it attempted to ground itself for later salvage. Her hull now lies in
a barren section of the reef-line in less than 50 feet of water. Huge grouper
are now permanent residents of this wreck, which makes a spectacular backdrop
for underwater photography.
Carysfort Reef...
(25-75') The northernmost reef system in the sanctuary, Carysfort Ledge
is a sloping wall of fascinating coral formations. Elkhorn, and Staghorn
corals give way to Brain and Sheet coral as the reef descends to a sandy
bottom 65-75' deep. Snorkelers may swim torward the lighthouse tower over
the shallow area of Elkhorn gardens.
City of Washington wreck...
(20-35') Just offshore of the Elbow reef lies the remains of the ship
"City of Washington". This wreck is known for exceptionally clear waters
and an abundant and friendly fish population. The scattered wreckage provides
an excellent backdrop for underwater photography.
Christ of the Abyss...
(4-30') The famous "Christ of the Abyss" Statue was donated to the Underwater
Society of America by an Italian diving group in 1961 and placed in the
park in 1965, dedicated to the marine life of our reefs. Eleven feet to
the hands and twenty-two to it's base, the statue is easily accessible
to both divers and snorkelers. It lies in an area of spectacular coral
formations directly in front of the shallow reefs of Key Largo Dry Rocks.
USCG Cutters Bibb and Duane...
(70-100') A deep wreck dive, the Coast Guard Cutters DUANE and Bibb
were sunk in 1987 as "artificial reefs." These 329' long military ship
were prepared especially for divers, with clear, open hatchways and many
open rooms to explore. ADVANCED CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED.