Molasses reef : the most popular reef in Key Largo for SCUBA Divers and Snorkelers.

Molasses Reef has an iconic light on the middle of the reef and has over 30 places to moor and SCUBA dive/snorkel. The south end of the reef often has a little current and is also the home of the larger pelagic species.

The Winchole

One of the popular spots at Molasses reef is the Winch hole. Here the winch from the Solobodna is located. The Solobodna ran aground on Molasses reef in March 1887, she was on route from New Orleans with a cargo of 4500 bales of cotton when she struck the reef in a storm.

A line was run out from the winch and anchored out the stern of the vessel to try and stabilise her during the recovery of cargo.

This is a survey and explanation of the sinking and cargo recovery with dive site maps made by Corey Rethorford.

Its a favorite place to take underwater photographs of your fellow divers.

Eagle Ray Alley

Eagle Ray Alley runs alongside of the Winch hole and you can get to either dive site from their moorings.

We often see larger Pelagic fish traveling along the Alley. Watch out for cruising reef sharks on the top of the alley walls too!

keep an eye out in the walls as there are often plenty of Spiny Lobster in holes. Note that you cannot catch lobster here. You will need to go on one of our lobster hunting tours for that!

The Aquarium

There is always lots to see at Molasses reef. The Aquarium for some reason seems to have more than most and hence its name. you can expect to see an abundance of marine life but sometimes it does suffer from current

We often dive this site and just sit underneath the boat watching the nurse sharks resting under rocks.

We run SCUBA and Snorkel tours to this reef daily.