Davis Reef

Davis Reef

Scuba diving Islamorada would not be complete without a visit to Davis Reef.

Davis Reef

If you go to Florida scuba diving Islamorada has some excellent reefs to explore. Davis Reef is located 3 miles east-southeast of Hen and Chickens another popular dive site.

Famous for the small Buddha statue placed here in 1989 next to a stunning Brain Coral, many a scuba diver arrives here to rub his belly or head fertility or wisdom.

The 5 to 10 foot high ledge that runs along the reef and is well known for the large schools of fish that frequent this dive site dominates Davis Reef.

Encountered here are large schools of grunts, yellow goatfish and many others. These large schools of fish shelter under the ledge swimming headfirst into the current forever on the watch for predators such as sharks.

Some of these fish must number in the thousands and are a fantastic site. A must see!

Other fish to be found here are Queen Angelfish, Rock Beauty Angelfish, butterflies and parrotfish.

The area is adorned with some gorgeous corals especially the giant Brain Coral and you will discover moray eels together with numerous nurse sharks.

Many centers diving Islamorada bring the students and novices to Davis Reef, as it is an excellent dive site for open water certification.

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 Davis Reef and you can see how friendly the fish are when scuba 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

Davis Reef (Rocks)
Depth: 3-7m (10-25ft)
Visibility: 9-39m (30 – 130ft)
Reef Dive
Plenty of fish
Novice
Snorkeling: Yes

Davis Reef is one of the reasons I enjoy scuba diving Ilsamorada. On my last dive here I encountered 4 nurse sharks and a stunning cousin of mine, the Green Sea Turtle.

I tried to capture some photos of the vast schools of fish swimming here but was disappointed with the results because it’s hard to capture the size and beauty of these schools of fish.

Marine life here is just so abundant it’s breathtaking!

I also took the opportunity to rub Buddha’s head but I’m sorry to say it failed to have any effect!