Printer icon
Looking For Something Florida Keys Related?
Search here for what you want (ads also appear)

Further Out, Pelican Shoal Is Fun Florida Keys Snorkeling and Diving

For centuries, Pelican Shoal located 6 miles offshore of Boca Chica, was an important nesting area for the roseate and bridled terns.

The quarter acre island comprised of coral was high enough that the nests stayed safe.

The birds were surrounded by an abundance of food, and due to the further out location, the human traffic was minimal so the nests weren't disturbed.

However that all changed during the bad hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005.

This tiny island that had been an important part of these bird's life cycle was severely decimated. All that was left was a pile of rubble. Since then, there's been no sign of these birds returning to nest amongst the island's remains.

Due to the importance of this 'island', especially for the nesting habits of the roseate tern, the area has now been designated a critical Wildlife Management Area by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Pelican Shoal Map

Pelican Shoal Map
Courtesy of http://floridakeys.noaa.gov


This coral reef itself is a less developed spur and groove formation than what you would typically see in the area. In particular it lacks much of the development that is so obvious at the more heavily trafficked Looe Key Reef.

This site is also too far east for most dive centers from Key West FL to travel. Divers interested in a day trip here will have better luck contacting a Florida Keys dive centers located in Cudjoe Key or Summerland Key.




At-A-Glance Reef Dive Description
and GPS Coordinates

Name
Pelican Shoal
Location
6 miles southeast of Boca Chica
GPS Co-ordinates
24 30.01N 081 37.84W
Markers
4 mooring buoys, P-1 thru P-4
Level
Novice - Intermediate
Depth
4 - 36'
Visibility
Good
Reef Site Description
Area has been significantly reduced due to hurricane damage. Even though it's further out this is still a good Key West dive site. The area also has a tremendous amount of gamefish and tropical fish
Snorkel Site
Good snorkel site

Marine Life
Barracuda, spiny lobster,, coral including elkhorn, brain, and staghorn, sea sponges including orange elephant sponges, brown tube sponges, grouper, parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish, blue tangs, grunts, nurse shark, yellowtail, Queen conchs, butterflyfish





This is one of Florida Keys dive sites that's located further out. However that's proves to be one of it's advantages. Less traffic usually means more fish, and other marine life. This area has plenty of both and with it's easy depths, it a great Florida Keys dive spot for most divers and anyone interested in Florida Keys snorkeling.






Looking For Something Florida Keys Related?
Search here for what you want (ads also appear)


Comments!

Do you have anything to add? We look forward to feedback on what you've just read so leave me a comment in the box below.
Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

You May See Ads Here



You May See Ads Here





SAVE BIG WITH THESE
KEY WEST DISCOUNTS






Local Weather Zip Codes

Key Largo - 33037
Marathon - 33050
Key West - 33040