Things to do in Florida Keys, Florida Keys: The Best Reefs

December 4, 2021 Brain Ambrose

Stretching 126 miles south toward Cuba, the stunning Keys are a perfect escape. Highlights along the way include Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and the irrepressible Key West. Get up close with an amazing array of fish while snorkeling, diving or fishing in the warm turquoise waters. Creeks, coral and costumed spectacles are other lures along the way. Highway 1 is a spectacular ribbon tying together the islands and atolls of this paradise between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic.
Restaurants in Florida Keys

1. Carysfort Reef

FL
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Carysfort Reef

Located within the northern boundary of the National Marine Sanctuary, the depth range of this site is three to seventy feet, making it an excellent spot for beginner to intermediate divers.

2. Spiegel Grove

Key Largo, FL http://www.rainbowreef.us
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 523 reviews

Spiegel Grove

Retired 510-foot naval ship intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef for underwater diving enthusiasts.

Reviewed By mickj345

Two dives with my daughter, totally awesome experience. If you dive, this is a must for your logbook.

3. Vandenberg Wreck

Key West, FL +1 305-395-0880 http://www.finzdivecenter.com
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 398 reviews

Vandenberg Wreck

Reviewed By brianbO7783GW

Make the effort to see this incredible ship and artificial reef. The ship has many safe areas to explore and many fish and corals to explore

4. Thunderbolt

Key Colony Beach, FL
Excellent
33%
Good
67%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

A majestic shipwreck sitting at the bottom of the ocean floor. A perfect destination for scuba divers.

5. North Dry Rocks

Key Largo, FL
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 51 reviews

North Dry Rocks

This reef is a small maze of large limestone ledges that come up to 5 feet below the water surface, making it an excellent dive site for beginners.

6. Key Largo Dry Rocks

Key Largo, FL +1 305-394-5046 http://www.keylargochamber.org/snorkel.cfm
Excellent
64%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

Key Largo Dry Rocks

This inner bank reef is characterized by shallow water (depth range 1 to 25 feet,) calm seas and good visibility, and features the nine-foot, 4000 pound bronze statue "Christ of the Abyss."

7. Coffins Patch

Key Colony Beach, FL
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Coffins Patch

At a depth range of 15 - 30 feet, this dive site consists of a series of small patch reefs, and is where the Spanish Galleon Ignacio sunk in the 18th century.

Reviewed By Dave_Zarquon - Alexandria, United States

A lively reef, some coral and plenty of fish around (courtesy of the boat crew feeding them). It's shallow, so it's perfect for snorkelling.

8. Sombrero Reef

Marathon, FL 33050 +1 305-289-0614 http://captainpips.com/snorkeling
Excellent
75%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 453 reviews

Sombrero Reef

This is a spur-and-groove coral reef, sitting on the outer banks offshore of Vaca Key, characterized by large fingers of coral, separated by narrow sandbeds.

Reviewed By smlscorpio65 - Indialantic, United States

If your in the Keys this is an absolute Snorkeling Paradise. This reef is right on the edge of the barrier reef, and to reach it you catch a boat tour from the Marathon area on Vaca Key. We took Spirit Snorkeling out of Marathon and Captain Mike and Mate Jenna were great. If you have your own boat it is marked by a good size lighthouse so it is easy to find. Lots of mooring pins to tie to. Short boat ride from Captain Pip's Marina.where you can rent a boat reasonable if you choose. We were there around 9:30 am on a Saturday morning and spots were open. By 11 am they were full. Don't cheat yourself and go on a calm day because this reef is great. Visibility and water clarity is very good. We saw tons of parrotfish, from Yellowtail Parrotfish, Princess Parrotfish and Rainbow Parrotfish. We also found Grouper, Yellowtail Snapper, Gray Snapper, nice variety of Angelfish,stingray and my girlfriends favorite(as she squeezed my hand tight) a good size Barracuda. This goes down as one of my best snorkeling adventures.

9. Western Dry Rocks

Key West, FL
Excellent
55%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Western Dry Rocks

An excellent combination diving/snorkeling site with variable depths ranging from zero to 120 feet.

10. Grecian Rocks

Key Largo, FL http://www.oceandiversidc.com/html/grecian_rocks_p
Excellent
76%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 184 reviews

Grecian Rocks

This half-mile-long, crescent-shaped patch reef is an interesting dive site since it is highly developed and similar to those of most outer bank reefs in the Key Largo area.

Reviewed By wanderexploreinspire - Indiana, United States

Go on a sunny, non-windy day, and you will feel like you belong in the Little Mermaid movie. SHallow reef bursting with wildlife. Only regret is I forgot my GoPro to record all the beauty we took in.

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