The Best Scuba Diving Site in Florida, Molasses Reef

Planning to go to the best scuba diving sites in the USA? Then look no further, Florida has some of the best scuba dive locations in the world and Key Largo has one of the best diving locations ... Molasses Reef.

Located near the most southern part of The National Park Sanctuary this is probably the most popular and stunning collection of reefs in Florida.

Depths across this expanse of reefs vary from the shallows of 3m (10 feet) to the drop off areas which reach down some 30m (100 feet).

Best Places to Scuba Dive

You will really enjoy this dive site. Molasses reef is one of the best places to scuba dive in Florida or indeed the USA.

This is a heavily protected area. As one of the best scuba diving locations in Key Largo there are large numbers of people who visit this very popular dive site.

The shallow areas of Molasses Reef are adorned with Elkhorn and Boulder Corals, whilst the depths are adorned with Star Coral and large Brain Coral. There is also a selection of soft corals, sea fans and some beautiful sponges.

The marine life is friendly and spectacular. From the moment you leave the boat you will be surrounded with fish and with plenty of mini caves, nooks, crannies and ledges; lobsters, crabs and other crustaceans also thrive in the area.

You will realize why Molasses Reef is described as one of the best scuba dive locations when you see the abundance of marine life with rays, angelfish, parrot fish, moray eels, grouper snapper, yellowtail, turtles, sharks, need I go on….

This is a must dive with plenty to do and see across its vast expanse.

One of the main advantages of diving in the shallower areas is the minimal use of air giving you plenty of time to really explore those nooks and crannies for marine life.

This dive is nothing short of spectacular.

If you choose to dive in the deeper areas you will find this reef one of the best drift dives.

You will also find that Molasses Reef is a very popular site for night diving due to the shallow waters around areas of the reef.

If you choose to snorkel you will be best advised to explore the shallow northern parts of the reef which are well populated with marine life and some stunning corals.

Terence’s Notes

Molasses Reef
Depth: 6-27m (20-90ft)
Visibility: 9-39m (30-130ft)
Plenty of fish
Reef and Wreck Diving
Snorkeling: Yes

Terence’s Log

The best scuba diving site in Key Largo and one of my all time favorite dive sites.

What you will enjoy at this site is you get plenty of time to explore and indulge yourself in examining everything close up. The corals and macro marine life are stunning and every minute spent with them is a joy.

Do not forget your camera on this dive – probably the most photographed dive site in the world!

Key Largo is known as 'the diving capital of the world' and for good reason. There are numerous dive sites easily accessible and suitable for all abilities.

So if you're a novice just looking for some of the best scuba diving or wanting to improve to Padi Advanced, or maybe you fancy a wreck dive at the many wreck dive sites available.

Whatever you experience you will find that Key Largo has some of the best scuba diving locations.

One of the most famous dive sites in the world and one dive site where you will want to take your underwater camera or video.

You will find Molasses Reef to be a thriving community of corals and fish and certainly one of the most spectacular you are likely to see ....

Have a look at this short video to see what you may be missing and press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen...