Molasses Reef

Molasses Reef is one of the most popular dive areas in the Florida Keys. There are 30-33 specific dive sites located on Molasses Reef alone. The reef is shallow and very clear with lots of life, making it a great area for divers of all levels and snorkelers as well.

All of the typical Caribbean reef fish species are represented here like parrot, trumpet, file, squirrel, grunt, and grouper fish species. Also look for nurse sharks, rays, and turtles

Level

Level

  • Beginner
Visibility

Visibility

  • 16 m
Current

Current

  • Light Current
  • No Current
  • Strong Current
  • Ripping Current
DIVE TYPES

DIVE TYPES

  • Night Dive
  • Snorkel Diver
  • Macro Spot

Temperature & Visibility

Wildlife Diversity

Affiliated Training Center

Dive sites nearby

Eagle Ray Alley

Eagle Ray Alley is located between North Star and The Winch Hole dive sites. This shallow site consists of a large of sand channel that runs seaward from Molasses Shallow to Logan’s Run. The high relief coral ledges on either side of the channel have deep undercuts offering protection for a variety of marine life.

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Spanish Anchor

At the far South end of Molasses Reef, just at the base of mooring ball number 21, you will find the massive old Spanish Anchor. This end of Molasses Reef tends to get a bit of current, sometimes even making it not dive-able. You might see sea turtles, loggerhead turtles, Reef Sharks, Bull Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks

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The Duane is a retired Naval ship that was sunk November 26, 1987 as an artificial reef approximately one mile south of Molasses Reef in Key Largo. This is an advanced to expert dive only!

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Pickles Reef is not as well known as the other, larger reefs nearby but, due to its relatively shallow depth, it is an ideal site for both divers and snorkelers.

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Banana Patch Reef

Banana Patch is on the southern end of the Grecian Rocks area. The reef gets its name from a long sloping ledge that bends around like a banana as it heads out to sea. The top of the ledge is about 10 feet, and it runs off into about 40 feet. There are healthy hard and soft corals, and the colors are very bright.

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USS Spiegel Grove (Wreck)

The iconic Florida Keys wreck dive, the Spiegel Grove, has been a “must dive“ for Advanced Divers, Wreck Divers, and the occasional Open Water diver (if conditions are perfect) since the ship was sank in 2002 as part of an Artificial Reef project in the National Marine Sanctuary.

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Davis Reef

Davis Reef is one of the nicest reefs in this area. It’s known for an abundance of large green moray eels and a multitude of tropical fish. A great spot for night dives, new divers, and snorkelers. Also of special interest is the Buddha statue that was placed here there years ago.

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Christ of the Abyss

Probably the most requested and recognized dive site in the Florida Keys, the Christ of the Abyss is a 10 ft tall bronze statue of Jesus Christ sitting in about 25 feet of water, making this an excellent, easy dive for all levels including snorkelers.

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Horseshoe Reef

This patchy reef site sits just north of the famous Christ of the Abyss dive site, offshore from Key Largo and is one of the most diverse dive areas in the Keys.

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John Pennekamp State Park

This site is part of the Florida State Park system and has protected status. It’s also home to the Boy Scouts of America SeaBase camp program. With shallow, clear water, plenty of reef life, and easy access just offshore, this site is a great dive for beginners and also snorkelers.

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