Diving in Key Largo

Key Largo Diving

Many call it the 'Diving Capital of the World'.

With the designation of the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary in 1975, Key Largo has been protected from spearfishing and coral collection for four decades. Now, as an integral portion of the 2,800-square-nautical-mile Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Key Largo features six unique Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPA's) where even hook and line fishing is prohibited. Nowhere on earth has more friendly fish than Key Largo, creating an absolute paradise for underwater photographers!

Some popular area dive destinations and wrecks:

• The Statue of Christ of the Abyss - This famed bronze statue rises so close to the water's surface that it can be easily viewed by snorkelers as well as divers. The statue is nestled between the coral formations of Key Largo Dry Rocks reef.

• Spiegel Grove - This 510-foot Navy transport ship was sunk in June 2002 as the latest addition to the Key Largo area's impressive shipwreck portfolio. She resides at a depth of 134 ft near Dixie Shoals in Key Largo. The depth at the highest point of the ship is 60-65 ft, depending on the tide level. It is is the backbone of the artificial reef system that has formed in this area. Algae, sponges and coral mingle with 130 species of fish to create enormous biodiversity in this region. Divers may see goliath grouper, barracuda, large jacks, and a large colony of gobies.

• Molasses Reef - High profile coral heads and massive congregates of tropical marine life define this popular reef.

• Benwood Wreck - A casualty of World War II, this shipwreck is now home to huge schools of grunt and porkfish. The actual sinking of the Benwood, which occurred in 1942, has been a subject of much controversy. She lies between French Reef and the Dixie Shoals and is marked by a spar buoy and four mooring buoys.

• The Elbow - This reef offers several historic shipwrecks, as well as the thrill of face-to-face encounters with friendly moray eels and barracuda.

• The Carysfort Lighthouse marks the main body of the four mile long Carysfort Reef system. The lighthouse is the oldest functioning lighthouse of its type in the United States. It's an impressive 112 foot tall structure constructed in 1852. Carysfort Reef is one of the best developed reef systems in the Keys, and contains a wide variety of reef features including well-developed stands of elkhorn coral.

• Bibb and Duane - These twin 327-foot US Coast Guard cutters were sunk intentionally as dive attractions in 1987 and now are virtually cloaked in colorful coral and gorgonian.

• Dive and Snorkeling

See:
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• Pennekamp Reef Information
• Diving Pennekamp Reefs
• Reef Animals & Fish
• Sailing