Florida Keys Dive Sites - Upper Keys
The following is a list of the most frequented dive sites and all have mooring buoys - the preferred way to visit this very
fragile environment. The listing starts at the top of the Florida Keys and is in order - North to South.
fragile environment. The listing starts at the top of the Florida Keys and is in order - North to South.
North Carysfort Reef
Located off the coast at MM 116 is the first dive site of the Upper Keys - Carysfort Reef. It's easy to find, just look for the 100
foot tall steel lighthouse tower. There are approximately 10 mooring buoys at the reef and the depth range is from 3 to 70
feet. Carysfort Reef is located inside the SPA are (Sanctuary Preservation Area) so there is no fishing or lobstering allowed
there.
Carysfort Reef is named after the British Ship, H.M.S. Carysfort, which grounded here in 1770. Almost 80 years later, the first
lighthouse on a reef in the Florida Keys was built at this site.
Divers and snorklers can expect to see elkhorn gardens, staghorn coral, varieties of sponges, lettuce coral and brain coral.
There is a steep drop to 65 known as "Carysfort Wall". At the foot of this wall lies a wide channel which is covered with fine
sand. This sandy channel separates this main reef from a second reef that rises up to 35 feet below the water surface.
Located off the coast at MM 116 is the first dive site of the Upper Keys - Carysfort Reef. It's easy to find, just look for the 100
foot tall steel lighthouse tower. There are approximately 10 mooring buoys at the reef and the depth range is from 3 to 70
feet. Carysfort Reef is located inside the SPA are (Sanctuary Preservation Area) so there is no fishing or lobstering allowed
there.
Carysfort Reef is named after the British Ship, H.M.S. Carysfort, which grounded here in 1770. Almost 80 years later, the first
lighthouse on a reef in the Florida Keys was built at this site.
Divers and snorklers can expect to see elkhorn gardens, staghorn coral, varieties of sponges, lettuce coral and brain coral.
There is a steep drop to 65 known as "Carysfort Wall". At the foot of this wall lies a wide channel which is covered with fine
sand. This sandy channel separates this main reef from a second reef that rises up to 35 feet below the water surface.
South Carysfort Reef
Discovered in 1938, the HMS Winchester wreck lies scattered just past Carysfort South. This British ship weighed over 900
tons and carried around 60 cannons.
South Carysfort reef is a very shallow dive and boaters should be careful not to run on top of the elkhorn coral which is
sometimes partially above water. You'll find a few caves and swim-throughs in the area as well as a multitude of colorful
tropical fish.
This site is good for the beginner diver and is excellent for snorkeling.
Discovered in 1938, the HMS Winchester wreck lies scattered just past Carysfort South. This British ship weighed over 900
tons and carried around 60 cannons.
South Carysfort reef is a very shallow dive and boaters should be careful not to run on top of the elkhorn coral which is
sometimes partially above water. You'll find a few caves and swim-throughs in the area as well as a multitude of colorful
tropical fish.
This site is good for the beginner diver and is excellent for snorkeling.
North Dry Rocks is located about 1/2 mile northeast of Key Largo Dry Rocks (where the Christ statue is). You'll find 3
mooring buoys marked with the letter "N". If you head out to the Dry Rocks dive site and find that all the buoys are taken
(which is often the case) try this site. This reef is small but is an excellent spot. Lots of lobsters, fish and barracuda live on
this reef. And because North Dry Rocks is out of the SPA, if you have a lobstering permit, you can try your hand at catching
one of these tasty treats.
North Dry Rocks is for the beginner and intermediate diver and is also a good snorkeling location. The reef is from 5 to 25
feet deep.
mooring buoys marked with the letter "N". If you head out to the Dry Rocks dive site and find that all the buoys are taken
(which is often the case) try this site. This reef is small but is an excellent spot. Lots of lobsters, fish and barracuda live on
this reef. And because North Dry Rocks is out of the SPA, if you have a lobstering permit, you can try your hand at catching
one of these tasty treats.
North Dry Rocks is for the beginner and intermediate diver and is also a good snorkeling location. The reef is from 5 to 25
feet deep.
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In the Florida Keys, divers and snorkelers can choose from a variety of dive locations for scuba diving and snorkeling. We offer wreck diving, night diving, reef diving, beginner diving, advanced diving