Pirates Cove Watersports
(305) 453-9881
103800 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY
KEY LARGO, FL
DIVE SITES
SS Benwood
Average Rating: 4.1667
Average Depth: 30 ft.
Max Depth: 55 ft.
History:
Located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is
the SS Benwood. This 360-foot long, 51-foot wide 1910
English-built ship sailed a crew of 38 with 12 rifles and one
four-inch gun.
The actual sinking of the Benwood, which occurred on April 6th, 1942, has been a subject of much controversy. One account goes as follows. The freighter was torpedoed during World War II by a German submarine off the Florida Keys. As she sailed in search of shallower waters, she was again hit, this time by a passing ship, the Robert C. Tuttle. Five shells on board exploded ending this ship’s possibility for being salvaged. A second more likely account claims the two ships, the Benwood and the Tuttle, collided. Rumors of German U-boats in the area required her to travel completely blacked out. The Robert C. Tuttle, also blacked out, was traveling in the same area, bound for Texas. The two ships were on a collision course, and the bow of the Benwood collided with the port side of the Tuttle.
After she sank, her bow was destroyed to avoid navigation hazards and her hull was used for bombing practice. The remains of her bow now lie in 25 feet of water and provide a home to many fish. Depths of this dive range down to 55 feet at her stern. Goatfish, grunts, moray eels, glassy sweepers, snapper, lobster, grouper and hogfish frequent this wreck. The site is home to a healthy collection of sea fans, sea whips, brain coral, sponges and fire coral. Be careful to avoid contact with the potentially harmful fire coral and with all corals as contact will result in damage to the organisms. The still and careful observer will be able to see tiny jawfish emerge from their protected homes.
Bioluminescent creatures create the nighttime beauty of this location. Divers should be aware that a moderate current is often present at this site. Night diving is meant for the more experienced diver while divers at all levels will find this a great day-time dive.
Although her location is a bit hard to describe, she lies between French Reef and the Dixie Shoals and is marked by a spar buoy and four mooring buoys.​​
USCGC Bibb
Average Rating: 4.5
Average Depth: 95 ft.
Max Depth: 130 ft.
History:
The USCGC Bibb wreck is a former Coast Guard ship built in
1937. The Bibb served in patrols and as a convoy escort during
World War II. She took part in the invasion of Okinawa and was
in service in Vietnam. The 327-foot vessel had a beam of 41 feet and drew 13 feet of water. The ship is in pristine condition.
In 1987, the Bibb and another cutter, the Duane, were stripped and prepared for sinking. The doors above the main deck were removed, but the hull was sealed. The Bibb rests on her starboard side in 130 feet of water. The port railing can be reached at 95 feet. Penetration is not recommend as there are many possible entanglements and obstructions, and often extremely strong currents.
The Bibb is close enough to the Gulfstream to have incredible visibility and some very large marine life. Sharks and Goliath Grouper are routinely spotted here, as are hordes of smaller fishes and barracudas.
For the advanced wreck diver, the Bibb is a dive not to be missed!
Carysfort Reef
Average Rating: 4.6
Average Depth: 5 ft.
Max Depth: 80 ft.
History:
The Carysfort Lighthouse marks the main body of the four
mile long Carysfort Reef system. The lighthouse is the oldest
functioning lighthouse of its type in the United States. It’s an
impressive 112 foot tall structure constructed in 1852.
Carysfort Reef is named for one of its earliest victims, the twenty-eight gun frigate HMS Carysfort, which ran aground in 1770. Since that time, the reef has claimed many other ships, which is why this reef is home to the oldest reef lighthouse. Thirteen mooring buoys surround the lighthouse, each marking a beautiful dive spot.
The lighthouse lies six miles off of Key Largo. The shallow reefs surrounding the base of the lighthouse prohibit a close approach by boat. Snorkeling near and around the lighthouse is fantastic with good visibility, magnificent coral and plenty of fish.
Carysfort Reef is one of the best developed reef systems in the Keys, and contains a wide variety of reef features including well-developed stands of elkhorn coral. Reef development is enhanced by the water quality, temperature, and salinities of the Gulf Stream, which sweeps close to the seaward edge of the reef.
Located ENE of the tower is “Carysfort Trench” (a.k.a., “Caryfort Wall”), a beautiful wall of Staghorn, Brain, and Sheet corals. The wall drops 65-80 feet to a sandy bottom. Five cannons from the 1800s rest in 15 feet of water approximately 1/2 mile to the north of the tower. And two large anchors thought to be from an 1800s frigate rest in 30-40 feet of water four hundred yards NNW of the tower.
Carysfort/South Carysfort Reef is accessible from the Ocean Reef community and from Card Sound through Angelfish Creek.
Christ of the Abyss
Average Rating: 4.05
Average Depth: 25 ft.
Max Depth: 60 ft.
History:
Christ of the Abyss is a 8 1/2 foot, 4,000 pound bronze
sculpture of Jesus Christ that stands in 25 feet of water off of
Key Largo, Florida. It is located near Dry Rocks, about six miles
east-northeast of the Key Largo Cut, in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
This reef is a very shallow dome shaped reef which breaks the surface at low tide on the landward side, and slopes to 25 feet on the seaward side. The statue is one of three cast from a mold by an Italian sculptor Guido Galletti. It was originally made for Egidi Cressi, the dive equipment manufacturer and later donated to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in 1966.
The original “Il Christo Degli Abissi” statue was placed in the Mediterranean Sea off Genoa, Italy, in 1954. In 1961, a second statue “Christ of the Deep” was cast from the same mold. The Cressi family of Italy donated the statue to the Underwater Society of America, which in turn donated it to the Florida State Park Service, in recognition of the conservation efforts involved in the creation of America’s first underwater park.
The Christ Statue is one of the most famous and visited underwater sites on earth, accessible to divers and snorkelers alike! Shallow high profile spur and groove coral formations are surrounded by relatively flat, coral and sponge encrusted hard bottom, and sand. Large Spotted Eagle Rays and Southern Stingrays are often sighted near the sandy perimeter.​
City of Washington
Average Rating: 4.4286
Average Depth: 20 ft.
Max Depth: 25 ft.
History:
One of the most popular wreck spots on Elbow Reef is the
City of Washington. This schooner turned steamship was built
in 1877 with two masts and a small engine. She had three decks,
a length of 320 feet, and a 38-foot beam. City of Washington transported both passengers and freight between New York, Cuba, Panama and Mexico. In 1898, City of Washington was anchored near the USS Maine in Havana’s Harbor when the Maine blew up. Washington’s crew jumped into action and rescued 90 crewmen. The dining salon became a makeshift hospital for the injured. The deckhouse and lifeboats of the Washington were damaged by burning debris from the Maine.
With the Spanish-American War in full swing, the City of Washington became a transport for troops to Cuba. A much larger engine was added in 1898. After the war, the ship was converted to a coal barge in 1911. As she was being towed on July 10th, 1917, the City of Washington struck Elbow Reef and sank within minutes.
The wreck is greatly deteriorated, although the hull and keel shapes are still visible. Debris spans an area 325 feet in length. The shallow depths make City of Washington a great spot for snorkeling and for night dives. Marine life is abundant. Divers may spot black grouper and many tropicals. The barracuda, morays, and nurse sharks that hang out in the coral that has grown in the washout under the wreck have been hand-fed for many years and have very little fear of divers.​
USCG Duane
Average Rating: 4.7083
Average Depth: 95 ft.
Max Depth: 130 ft.
History:
The USCG Duane is a 329-foot Coast Guard cutter that was
decommissioned on August 1st, 1985, as the oldest active U.S.
military vessel. The ship was intentionally sunk on
November 27, 1987, to create an artificial reef. This ship was sunk deep down to ensure that it would not conflict with navigation in the area. The Duane lies outside of the reef line and can have a ripping current. Because of its deep depth and strong currents this is a dive for advanced SCUBA divers with wreck-diving experience.
Many consider the USCG Duane to be the perfect wreck dive. Before sinking, the ship’s hatches were opened and the holds pumped full of water to sink the ship. The USCG Duane sits upright on the sandy bottom at 120 feet offering nearly 70 feet of relief. On clear days the outline of the hull can be seen from far above. The crow’s nest and mast become visible just 50-60 feet below the surface. Many decks and rooms were intentionally left open to allow divers room to explore the interior of the cutter. Bring a dive light if you plan to penetrate the interior. The hull structure is completely intact with the original rudders, screws, railings, ladders and ports.
This wreck is even more impressive because the waters are so clear that visibility is often 100 feet. It is closer to the Gulfstream than most wrecks and reefs and some very large fish such as Barracuda, Amberjack, Black Grouper, and Cobia are often spotted swimming around the wreck. In addition to the fish, It is very common to see variety of sharks and rays in the sand patches on and around the wreck.
Elbow Reef
Average Rating: 4.5
Average Depth: 20 ft.
Max Depth: 55 ft.
History:
Elbow Reef is a popular dive spot because of its beautiful
reefs that have grown up around some very old shipwrecks.
The Gulf Stream passes closer to Elbow than many other Key
Largo reefs which means in exchange for a bit of current, the water on Elbow is usually clear blue. The area is sometimes called “wreck reef” because of the many ship remnants that have been found at this spot. Some of the wrecks have been down for over 100 years and have fostered a great deal of coral growth. A large variety of sea creatures inhabit Elbow.
Elbow is marked by a 36-foot light tower. On the east-northeast side of the tower lies the shipwreck, City of Washington, which is the most intact ship in The Elbow and went aground in 1911. This is a great spot for snorkeling. Hannah M. Bell (Mike’s Wreck) is also nearby and is in 18 to 25 feet of water. The “Civil War Wreck” is close to the tower and is a favorite spot of photographers. The wreck is nearly disintegrated except for piles of timber with bronze fastening pins. The area is small but home to lots of colorful fish and invertebrates. Tonawanda, a 300-foot long steam freighter sank in 1866 and lies in 20 to 30 feet.
Another great feature to look for is a 25 to 35 foot anchor chain in 25 feet of water and a concrete mooring block. A ship carrying train wheels sank on the reef and a train wheel, as well as part of the wreck, can be seen 20 to 30 feet down.
There are many coral fingers in this spur-and-groove formation. There are also ledges for exploration which shelter large amounts of marine life. Expect to see beautiful elkhorn and schools of snapper, porkfish, goatfish, angelfish, and butterfly fish. Hawksbill and loggerhead turtles are often spotted in the 20-35 foot range throughout the Elbow.
The deepest portion of the reef is the southern section which is marked by a buoy. Here the bottom slopes toward a ledge known as “Nelson’s Ledge”. At the ledge the bottom drops more steeply to sandy bottom at 85 feet. Giant barrel sponges, brain and star corals cover the bottom.
French Reef
Average Rating: 4.625
Average Depth: 15 ft.
Max Depth: 100 ft.
History:
French Reef is one of the most spectacular reef areas in the
Florida Keys. There are dozens of ledges, tunnels, and caves to
explore; most large enough to swim through.
French Reef is northeast of Molasses Reef and is marked by buoys inscribed with the letter “F”. The location has a .1 square nautical mile triangular Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) which includes a rubble field and several of the caves and arches.
You may want to bring an underwater light to French Reef to explore the tunnels and caves that it has to offer. Photographers should also visit this reef because they won’t want to miss the opportunities for close-up shots. The unique limestone cliffs in the area are home to many corals and the gullies and crevices that line them are home to yellowtails, porkfish, moray eels, cooper sweepers and grunts. The many tunnels provide opportunities for swim-throughs.
The Hourglass Cave is located 50 feet inshore from buoy F1 and the Christmas Tree Cave is located 50 feet inshore of buoy F3. Each cave offers a chance to uncover hidden sea life. Christmas Tree Cave is filled with the namesake Christmas tree worms and also with moray eels and grouper. While buoy F5 marks a sandbank with coral ridges around, F6 marks a swim-through and inshore of F7 is a ledge near and old anchor. Located in the center of French Reef is the “White Sand Bottom Cave” which is the largest cave in the area. Each cave offers new opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Grecian Rocks
Average Rating: 4.1429
Average Depth: 10 ft.
Max Depth: 25 ft.
History:
About 3/4 of a mile south-southwest of the Christ of the Deep
lay Grecian Rocks. Mooring Buoys marked with a, “G” outline
this shallow reef which is a prime location for snorkeling. The
4 to 6 foot depth in many areas draws snorkelers looking to experience strands of elkhorn coral and large amounts of tropical fish. The entire area ranges in depth from 4 to 25 feet. 75 feet south lies an old Spanish cannon that was placed there several years ago. The reef itself is half a mile long and during low tide, part of the area is awash. Many of the fish as well as queen conch in this area can be seen on the white sand plateau that joins the reef. There is a beautiful cluster of star coral on the shoreward side of the reef.
The reef also contains a Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) which is .3 square nautical miles. Due to the shallow nature of this area, many have been seen coming in contact with the coral and causing harm. It is important to remember that pelagic life is fragile and the diver is merely a visitor to the area.
Molasses Reef
Average Rating: 4.3529
Average Depth: 15 ft.
Max Depth: 40 ft.
History:
This is arguably the most beautiful collection of reefs in all
of Florida! Rather than a single site, Molasses is an extensive
reef complex with diving depths from about 10 feet to more
than 70. At depths ranging from 10-40 feet, Molasses Reef features high profile spur and groove coral formations. At 40-60 feet down, seaward sand chutes separate a gently sloping hard flat bottom adorned by hard and soft corals, along with a variety of sponges. The “drop-off” begins in the 50-60 foot range, and extends downward at various angles to the 70-100 foot range. Excellent drift diving can be found here.
Certain areas have distinct features for which they have been named, such as Spanish Anchor, Winch Hole, Fire Coral Caves, Hole in the Wall and many others. Snorkelers will enjoy the shallow spur and groove formations typified by Elkhorn and Boulder Corals punctuated by seafans. Divers will find plenty to occupy them as well. Visibility is generally excellent on this reef as it is “rinsed” by the currents of the nearby gulfstream.
This is probably the most visited site in the Florida Keys and possibly the United States. Because of this, Marine officers generally patrol this area. These officers make sure that divers understand that even touching coral reef can kill these beautiful organisms. This site houses massive brain coral, star coral, and other large barrier corals. Caves and ledges provide homes for lobsters, crabs, moray eels, parrot fish, angelfish, filefish, turtles, rays, and sometimes nurse sharks. Divers will be able to come fairly close to these creatures. Sandy patches divide areas of coral and create an amazing sight. An old ship winch and an eight-foot anchor help to create the unique and interesting nature of this dive. Boaters must tie off to one of the 40 mooring buoys surrounding the large tower marking the reef.
This area was harmed when the freighter, Wellwood, ran aground here in 1984. Damaged areas are marked and should be avoided. Part of the remaining rubble from Wellwood is contained in the .3 square nautical mile Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) which reaches down to 60-feet. This is a dive not to miss for anyone traveling to the area. Those looking to snorkel should stay to the northern, shallower end of the reef while divers will want to explore the southern end. This is also an easily accessible and highly used night-dive site.
Local legend suggests that Molasses is named for a barge that grounded here many years ago carrying a cargo of molasses barrels, but much of the strewn wreckage is probably from a wooden hulled Austrian ship named Slobodna, run aground here in 1887.
North Dry Rocks / Minnow Cave
Average Rating: 4.75
Average Depth: 10 ft.
Max Depth: 15 ft.
History:
Minnow Cave is one of the best-known coral caves in the
Florida Keys, and is home to many of the namesake species.
The cave is part of the Northern Dry Rocks, which is a shallow
reef with depths up to fifteen feet. The reef is smaller than the Key Largo Dry Rocks but offers everything except for the well-known Christ of the Deep statue. However, divers may prefer this site if they are not particularly interested in the statue and are looking for a less populated location.
The filtered sunlight and shallow depth also makes this a great spot for snorkeling. Divers at this site will be amazed by the slick movements of the glass minnows that hover around the opening to the cave. Groupers and great barracuda are also commonly seen here. Divers who choose to explore crevices will find Florida’s spiny lobster hiding away. This is a great dive for those looking to avoid heavy traffic but still experience a beautiful location.
The reef is marked off by three mooring buoys with the letter “N” inscribed upon them. This area contains a .05 square nautical mile Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) which is marked by yellow buoys.
Pickles Reef
Average Rating: 3.75
Average Depth: 15 ft.
Max Depth: 25 ft.
History:
Pickles is a large, shallow reef area where divers and snorkelers
can view well-formed corals. The name comes from
cement-filled pickle barrels sunk here during the Civil War.
These barrels are now covered with the largest pillar corals in the Keys. Numerous ledges and crevasses attract juvenile and tropical fish of many species. Look for purple sea fans, conchs, and the occasional lobster too.
Pickles is close to Molasses Reef, and the wrecks Duane and Bibb.
Snapper Ledge
Average Rating: 4.5385
Average Depth: 20 ft.
Max Depth: 25 ft.
History:
Snapper Ledge is a shallow reef in 25 feet of water off of Key
Largo. Because of the countless Yellowtail Snapper (hence the
name) found at the site, this ledge is a local favorite and a
highly recommended dive spot. Often, the schools of fish are so thick that you cannot see through them. You can usually count on seeing a few nurse sharks along with green and spotted Moray Eels. Other frequent sightings include Goat Fish, Hog Snappers, Trunk Fish, Sea Urchins, Crabs, Lobster, Nurse Sharks, Spider and Arrow Crabs, Rays, Octopus, Corkscrew Anemone, Eel, Cleaner Shrimp, Butter Hamlet, and Hawk Fish.
One of the largest and healthiest Boulder Brain Corals (Colpophyllia natans) in the Upper Keys can be found on Snapper’s Ledge. This site is an exceptional location for both snorkeling and diving — a serious “Must Dive” site in the keys.
USS Spiegel Grove
Average Rating: 4.8214
Average Depth: 80 ft.
Max Depth: 130 ft.
History:
The largest vessel ever intentionally sunk is the USS Spiegel
Grove, a 510-foot landing ship dock. To give a better visual
understanding of the immensity of this ship, she is roughly
equivalent in length to two football fields.
The Spiegel Grove was named after President Rutherford B. Hayes’s Ohio estate and was launched in 1955. She was later cleaned and sunk in 2002 in 130-feet of water near Dixie Shoals in Key Largo. Depths range from 60 to 130 feet with the majority of the ship lying between 80 and 90 feet.
The sinking of the Spiegel Grove is an extraordinary tale. Her sinking was scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2002 at approximately 2:00pm. However, she had a mind of her own and prematurely began to sink, rolled over, and remained upside down for several days with her bow protruding from the water. A salvage team managed to fully sink the vessel three weeks later, but she came to rest on her starboard side rather than keel-up as hoped. Later efforts to right the ship failed despite the best efforts of all involved, including two very determined tugs. Then three years later, much to the surprise of the entire diving community, Hurricane Dennis righted the 510-foot ship with seas over 20 feet and a driving current. She now rests keel-up, fully dignified and ready for new adventures!
The Spiegel Grove is the backbone of the artificial reef system that has formed in this area. Algae, sponges and coral mingle with 130 species of fish to create enormous biodiversity in this region. Divers may see Goliath Grouper, barracuda, large jacks, and a large colony of gobies.
Mooring buoys allow divers an easy tie-in and a steady hold. The lines are attached to the ship and allow divers to travel down them until they reach the hull. This is a very popular site. Divers will need multiple dives to become oriented and it may take countless dives for one to be able to experience all that this massive vessel has to offer. This is a great dive for using multi-level diving techniques and offers an incredible opportunity for exploration and excitement.
This is a dive not to be missed. The reef formation that has arisen is impressive and has fostered growth of much pelagic life.
