Key Largo is an amazing tropical paradise, with plenty to see and do both on land, and on the crystal blue seas that surround it. It calls itself “The Diving Capital of the World”, and once you arrive, you’ll more than likely be inclined to agree. Though the 33 mile long island is home to some spectacular wrecks, its reefs offer endless enjoyment as well. Whether you’re brand new to the addictive sport of scuba diving, or if you’ve been diving since the days of Jacques Cousteau, you’re certain to love all Key Largo has to offer. Let’s take a quick look at three of the area’s best dives.
Molasses Reef
Named in honor of the molasses barge that struck it a decade ago, this reef is without doubt one of the world’s best places to dive. Not just a single reef, it features a spur and groove formation, with lots of boulders and smaller patches of coral reef. With plentiful caves, ledges, and cracks to explore, it’s easy to see why divers flock to the location every day!
Depths range from five to eighty feet, and since the reef is away from shore, in the gulf stream, visibility is usually between 60 and 100 feet. There is normally a current present, however once you’re down inside the reef, the water is calm and you can simply relax and explore. Watch for green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles nibbling at the colorful sponges that grow everywhere, and keep an eye out for sharks, jack, and barracuda among the many smaller reef fish.
North Dry Rocks and Minnow Cave
Sometimes called by its original, and much less intriguing name of Double North, this site is marked with three mooring buoys, N1 through N3. It is a smaller, less crowded reef than other popular reefs nearby, so if you’re diving during high season or if you can only make it to Key Largo on a weekend, then this is a good place to experience a more relaxed and enjoyable dive, minus all those extra fins and bubbles!
Minnow cave is located right in the center of the reef, and is named for the swirling masses of glass minnows that love to form a living curtain right in front of its entrance. The coral here is fantastic, as are the rock formations which make up the reef. You’ll find big coral heads that are almost like small planets, rising up from the white, sandy bottom at about 30 feet.
Christ of the Abyss
Rising up from the seabed at 25 feet, with his hands outstretched in benediction, is the beautiful Christ of the Abyss statue. This is a replica of the famous Christ of the Abyss in Genoa, Italy, and is equally impressive.
As one of the world’s most popular dive sites, this is usually a very busy place, with lots of divers and snorkelers all trying to get a good shot of this amazing work of art. The Christ has been here since 1966, and has attracted quite a lovely amount of coral and sponge; and if you’re lucky enough to visit on a day when the site is less active, you’ll see plenty of fish in attendance!