Best Key Largo Dive Sites

Island Ventures is located Oceanside in Key Largo Fisheries marina in the centre of Key Largo.  Our boats go to the Best Key Largo Dive Sites as far north as the beautiful Carysfort Reef to Snapper Ledge in the south and everywhere in between!

The reefs in Key Largo are all around 30 feet deep so are suitable for both divers and snorkelers. The reef systems are largely spur and groove and at some points are only feet away from the surface . This allows divers can get some depth in between the grooves and snorkelers can see the fantastic wildlife from the top to the bottom of the reef.

On average it takes 45 minutes to get from our dock to the Best Key Largo Dive Sites reef with the exception of Carysfort which is around an hour.

Carysfort Reef

Carysfort is furthest North Dive Site that we visit. This amazing reef is not visited by many dive operators from Key Largo so is uncrowded.  The reef is named after HMS Carysfort (1766), a 20-gun Royal Navy post ship that ran aground on the reef in 1770.  Built in 1852 its the oldest operational lighthouse in the US.

Watsons Reef

This is a series of patch reefs that is not visited by many dive shops as its quite far North and has no mooring balls.  However its a really Pretty reef with lots to see for both SCUBA Divers and Snorkelers.

Elbow Reef

 Elbow reef Dive Site has at least 4 historic wrecks and many artifacts from the wrecks such as train wheels, anchor chain and cannons. Check out our more detailed Elbow Reef write up and see the wrecks from satellite!

Key Largo Dry Rocks

North

The Statue of Christ of the Abyss is located on the north side of Key Largo Dry Rocks, its a popular snorkel and dive site. We visit the statue whenever its requested but due to its location we are restricted by the prevailing weather on the day.

South

There are some great snorkel and dive spots on the South side of Key Largo Dry Rocks. A large Spanish Anchor stands dug into the sand in 15 feet of water.  There are some beautiful coral heads that are great for snorkeling and we often go here to get shelter from the waves when the waves are too rough on the south side.

North Dry Rocks

Just North of Key Largo Dry Rocks

North North Dry Rocks

Just North of Key Largo Dry Rocks

North North North Dry Rocks

Yes we think that the cartographers ran out of ideas for names on this reef!

This site does not have any mooring bouys on it but is a great little snorkel site and it never crowded with boats due to its location

Higdons Reef

Located north and shoreward of Key Largo Dry Rocks.  The mooring balls on this site (4) had been removed by storms but have recently been restored by the sanctuary for use. Nice patch reefs and provides shelter when its windy.

Horseshoe Reef

A beautiful Reef near Key Largo Dry Rocks.  This is great for both snorkelers and SCUBA divers and one of our favorite reefs.

Grecian Reef

Grecian reef is one of our favorite  snorkel sites and has amazing wildlife a beauty. Check out of Grecian reef page to see videos.

Benwood Wreck

Benwood  dive site is a historic wreck that sank in 1945.  Lying in 25 to 45 feet of water this is a great dive with large schools of fish.

French Reef

French reef dive site has many swim throughs and great wild life. A little deeper than Molasses to the south and often more protected from wind and currents.

Spielgel Grove

Spiegel Grove dive site is a giant wreck 510 feet long and in 65 to 130 feet of water. This is an advanced dive and only for divers.

Duane

USCGC Duane was sunk as an artificial reef this ex coastguard cutter is in 130 feet with the deck at 100 feet of water. This is an advanced dive and only for SCUBA divers.

Molasses Reef

Molasses reef  dive site has over 30 places to moor there is much to see.  The reef area ranges from 15 feet near the tower out to 70 feet on the seaward side of the reef. This reef often has the largest amount of large fish and pelagic species but also can also have current (which is probably why the pelagic spices are there)

Pickles Reef

Pickles Reef dive site is the wreck with the pickle barrels that have long since gone.

Snapper Ledge

Snapper ledge dive site has an abundant amount of Snapper.