Alligator Reef

Alligator Reef

Scuba dive Florida Keys and you have to go to Alligator Reef…

Islamorada Diving – Alligator Reef

Scuba dive Florida Keys and Alligator Reef is one reef you must dive. located six miles south-southwest of Windley Key it is identified by a 136 foot tall lighthouse tower.

Over ½ mile long this is one of the largest reefs in the Upper Keys and is one of the most popular scuba dive and snorkeling sites in the area.

The reef is named after the 1821, 86 foot schooner, the USS Alligator, which ran aground here in 1822 whilst on a Navy mission escorting a convoy from Key West.

She was salvaged, then blown up to prevent any pirates in the area from profiting from her destruction.

The spur and groove formations provide great places for scuba divers to explore and with all kinds of hard and soft corals together with an abundance of sponges the reef is alive with all kinds of marine life.

Common fish found along this reef are grouper, grunts, angelfish, damselfish, snappers, butterfly fish, and parrotfish, with large schools of fish navigating the reef.

This marine life around this reef is fascinating and a study in 1960 determined over 500 species of marine life. How’s that for variety!

100 meters to the southeast of the lighthouse lays the wreck USS Alligator, another great scuba dive Florida Keys certainly has variety!

Islamorada Scuba Videos

One of the attractions of Florida Key scuba diving is that you will be able to take underwater photographs or underwater videos such as the one below. With excellent light and clear waters you will be able to get some excellent shots.

This video was taken at Alligator Reef and it gives you an idea of what to expect diving off the Florida coast (Press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen)…

Terence’s Log

Alligator Reef
Depth: 0-45m (3-150ft)
Visibility: 9-39m (30-130ft)
Novice
Reef dive
Plenty of fish
Snorkeling: Yes

I was told before the trip to expect a large variety of marine life and I wasn’t disappointed!

The reef is incredible with nooks and crannies everywhere to explore. It was an easy dive being shallow and so we had plenty of time to investigate the marine life and crustaceans that thrive here.

A really memorable dive and popular with snorkelers.