Elbow Reef

Elbow Reef: Scuba diving Key Largo is exciting with wrecks, caves, coral reefs and much more.

Elbow ReefElbow Reef also known as “Wreck” is 6 miles off shore from Key Largo and gets its name from the shape it makes when changing direction from south to southwest, from above it has the shape of an elbow.

The area is clearly identified by a 36ft light tower. It is also known as “wreck reef” due to the numerous old shipwrecks around this reef.

These wrecks, Mike’s Wreck, City of Washington, Tonawanda and the Train Wreck in turn have provided the bases for some beautiful coral reefs. The reef is also known for its coral formations and has a healthy growth of deepwater corals.

If you go scuba diving, Key Largo, you will find the clear blue waters of Elbow Reef is home to an incredible abundance of sea-life and therefore is a very popular dive site.

With its clear blue waters providing high visibility, this is a very popular site for photographers.

Elbow Reef is a large shallow reef, and is ideal for the many scuba diving Key Largo schools because of the variety of dives that can be accomplished in one area; training, wreck diving, drift diving and night diving.

This is also one of Key Largo’s best destinations for snorkeling with the crystal clear waters and shallow reef displaying a reef full of life and color.

With its fascinating coral formations, wrecks, ledges, and marine life, together with its remoteness and clear blue waters has ensured that this is one of the most spectacular scuba diving, Key Largo, destinations.

Key Largo 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 when scuba diving Key Largo at Elbow 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)…

Elbow Reef - TerenceTerence’s Log

Elbow Reef
Depth: 3-24m (10-80ft)
Visibility: 12-36m (40 – 120ft)
Wreck and reef Dive
Plenty of fish
Novice
Snorkeling: Yes

This is a fabulous area.

The elkhorn corals where gorgeous but I must admit the giant sponges and brain coral were my favorite.

A fantastic display of color by the abundant fish, angelfish, porkfish, snapper, and butterfly fish.

When I was getting ready to leave I was fortunate to spot two cousins of mine, Hawksbill turtles.

They were nearly as good looking as me!

Key Largo Dive Sites:

Leave a Comment