Key Largo has earned its reputation as the Diving Capital of the World with its stunning natural coral reef formations, man-made reefs and wrecks and a local culture that allows snorkeling and diving to thrive on this first island of the Florida Keys Island Chain. Key Largo boasts more dive shops than any other location in the world. These dive shops offer transportation to the many offshore dive spots along Key Largo's entire length, as well as expert instruction, education and equipment rental. All of the dive shops' dive boats are regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard, guaranteeing that any dive shop excursion will be safe, and ecologically responsible. The reef systems near shore are shallow enough to offer some incredible snorkeling as well as beginning diving, and the offshore reefs of Key Largo are a must-dive destination for all intermediate and experienced diving enthusiasts. There are many areas of Key Largo that are protected from commercial and recreational boating, fishing, and spear fishing-ensuring the continued beauty and abundance of underwater life. This guide will detail some of the highlights of diving and snorkeling in Key Largo.
Molasses Reef
One of the most popular dive sites in the Florida Keys, Molasses Reef is teeming with huge schools of colorful fish. Grunts, snappers, spadefish, crabs, spiny lobsters, moray eels, sea turtles, rays, parrotfish and more inhabit this colorful reef system. The nearby gulfstream current helps cleanse the Molasses Reef of sediment so visibility is generally excellent. And the massive brain coral, star coral, elkhorn coral, fire coral, and sea fans create a Technicolor wonderland that is a feast for the eyes. With coral formations ranging in depth from 10-100 feet, Molasses reef is an excellent location for snorkelers, beginning divers, and intermediate and expert divers as well. Bring an underwater camera for some of the best undersea photography opportunities around.
Christ of the Abyss
Located in just 25 feet of water, Christ of the Abyss is an 81/2 foot bronze statue of Jesus Christ donated to the John Pennekamp State Park in 1966. Christ of the Abyss is one of the most popular dive sites in the Keys, and its location in such shallow water makes it an excellent snorkeling location as well. Beautiful coral formations surround the statue, and eagle rays and stingrays can be found gliding along the sandy bottom.
The Benwood
The Benwood is an English built ship that was sunk off the shore of Key Largo in 1942 after running into a passing ship. Now it is one of the best dive sites off Key Largo's shores. The hull was blown apart to prevent other ships from hazard, and it is now home to a very healthy population of local fish species. Grunts, moray eels, goatfish, spiny lobsters, and jawfish all live among the wreckage. Colorful coral and sea fans have also made the Benwood home. One of the Benwood's most unique and thrilling aspects is the bioluminescent species that reside here. Experienced divers are in for a real treat when they go on a night dive at the Benwood.
The Bibb and Duane
Just south of Molasses Reef is the product of a grassroots campaign by the local dive community to create a modern manmade dive site by sinking two decommissioned U.S. Coast Guard cutters, The Bibb and The Duane. The Duane, the more popular dive site, landed in an upright position in 120 feet of water, making it accessible to divers of all skill levels. The Bibb landed on its side in 130 feet of water. Both of these ships have become home to a great number of local fish and coral species and are a true modern reef building success.
