The Molasses Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area contains some of the most aesthetically valuable and heavily visited reefs in the continental United States. It is part of the Florida Reef Tract, the third largest barrier reef system in the world. Congress recognized the significance of this area when it designated the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary in 1975. It was later incorporated into the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in July 1997.

This cache, like most virtual caches is more about where it is than what it is. The item you are searching for is the only man made thing on the bottom, it should be a fairly easy find. It is 7 miles off shore in 20 feet (6 meters) of water so you do not need SCUBA gear to reach and enjoy this cache. The cache is quite reachable with snorkel gear or even just a mask (in order to see the info on the cache).

1. What is it?
2. According to the info on the item, why is it there?
3. When was it installed?

Please remember that you are in a Reef Sanctuary so do not touch or mark any part of the reef. Remember the hiker's creed may be "leave nothing but tracks" but the diver's creed is "leave no trace". Please practice proper buoyancy and restraint so others can enjoy.

Additional Hints Hints

11/25/2006 by Grumpier99
While enjoying the Key Largo area visited the cache location by boat. Interesting bit of history. E-mail on the way.

10/15/2006 by tiki-4
email sent.

This brought back lots of memories! Havent been back here since 1980, when i came with the HS dive club. Basic was an actual qual back in those days, and we locals only got it because the shops were getting tough with air fills.

The kids loved the amount of reef fish they could see, so i had to take each of the younger two on a one on one tour.
The older two just took off and explored the whole reef. I had missread what i was originally looking for at this cache, as i thought we were at the more famous location which turned out to be 6 miles to the North. This was well worth the trip out and she still looks as grand as she did 26 years ago. Swear i saw the same cuda that was there the last time....only bigger!

7/13/2006 by KIP Scouting It
Have visited John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park a few times and love to dive this reef, as it is one of my favorites out there to scuba. Great place for a virtual! TFTC

6/4/2006 by pbooda
Found with husband mbooda.

6/4/2006 by mbooda
Have actually visited this site twice. First time was in 1991 with some Navy divers, on an informal visit to check on reef restoration seven years after the "event". Second time was very shortly after placement of the disc. An Advanced Open Water PADI diver for about sixteen or seventeen years.

Decoded Hints

Brass Disc