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Carysfort Reef Has 3 Key Largo Diving Sites Worth Exploring

When diving Key Largo, don't miss reef diving at Carysfort Reef which includes the deeper trench north of the lighthouse.

The deeper level, along with the shallower waters around the lighthouse make this a top snorkeling and scuba diving Florida Keys location.

Even though this is a further out Florida Keys diving destination, the combination of the three areas make it well worth the trip.

There are also several other quality diving sites within easy reach.

This makes it possible to plan a very productive diving trip out to this area.

Carysfort Trench

Carysfort Trench
http://floridakeys.noaa.gov




At-A-Glance Reef Diving Description
And GPS Coordinates

Name
Carysfort Trench/Wall/Ledge
Location
Just north of Carysfort North Reef
GPS Co-ordinates
25 14.48N 080 12.79W
Markers
2 buoys
Level
Intermediate
Depth
80'
Visibility
Good
Dive Site Description
Unusual double spur formation, with the first and smaller formation comprised of live coral. The second spur is made up of older and deeper fossil coral ridges with sand channels. Rapid drop off to ocean floor and the descent is filled with staghorn, brain and sheet coral
Marine Life
Vast variety and number of tropical fish, squid, eel, game fish, staghorn, brain, sheet coral, grouper and large barrel sponges

Carysfort North, South and Carysfort Lighthouse Map

Carysfort North, South and Carysfort Lighthouse Map
Courtesy of http://floridakeys.noaa.gov




At-A-Glance Reef Diving Description
And GPS Coordinates

Name
Carysfort North Reef
Location
Well marked by the 100' lighthouse. Reef is 6 miles northeast of Key Largo FL at the northern boundary of Key Largo's Existing Management Area and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
GPS Co-ordinates
25 14.91N 080 12.14W
Markers
Numerous buoys
Level
Novice - Intermediate
Depth
5 - 40'
Visibility
Good
Site Description
Named for the HMS Carysfort that grounded in 1770. Less frequented due to it’s further out location. This is one of the largest reefs in standard spur coral formation. It's more dangerous for boats and ships because of it’s shallower depths and size. Good underwater photography site
Snorkel Site
Florida Keys snorkeling is best at the base of the lighthouse where water is 5 feet deep and elkhorn and fish are plentiful
Marine Life
Abundant eklhorn and staghorn coral and amazing variety of game and tropical fish. Barracuda swim in the area at the base of the lighthouse


Florida Keys snorkeling at Carysfort Reef

Florida Keys Snorkeling At Carysfort Reef Lighthouse
State Archives of Florida, Florida Memoryo, Department of Commerce




At-A-Glance Reef Diving Description
And GPS Coordinates

Name
South Carysfort Reef
Location
Just south of the Carysfort North and Light Reef
GPS Co-ordinates
25 12.482N 080 13.162W
Markers
Numerous buoys
Level
Novice
Depth
7 - 22'
Visibility
Good
Dive Site Description
Double reef with a ridge of large amounts of coral, and ocean sponges. Canyons and alleyways make up most of this Key Largo diving site. Popular wreck diving site, the HMS Winchester, is located south of the reef. Good photography area
Snorkel Site
Good Florida Keys snorkeling site as water is shallow all around the reef and coral heads almost reach the water surface
Marine Life
Star and elkhorn coral, sponges, numerous tropical fish including blue parrotfish, damselfish, as well as grunts, eel, shark and sturgeon are found




Despite the extra distance, Carysfort Reef, with it's north and south location and the further north trench, make a diving trip here worthwhile.

Of course the HMS Winchester and the HMS Carysfort remains are also nearby. These popular wreck diving sites add to the excitement of a scuba diving trip to this coral reef area.



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