Key Largo Florida Scuba Diving the Worlds Ultimate Diving Experience

Carysfort Reef South and HMS Winchester

This area of Key Largo, Florida, scuba diving site is long, shallow and narrow. Covered by elkhorn coral and teeming with colorful fish such as parrotfish, surgeons, damselfish etc.

There are plenty of interesting areas to explore.

North of Key Largo, Florida. Scuba diving this reef is fabulous but it is a must for all snorkelers as coral heads almost reach the surface in this area.

The fish are gorgeous with amazing colors, enough to brighten anyone's day.

The HMS Winchester

Discovered in 1938, The HMS Winchester is a 60 cannon, 145ft, 933 ton warship from the United Kingdom which was believed to have been wrecked in 1695.

It is located 1.5 miles southwest of Carysfort Lighthouse but there is nothing left other than some cannon balls. The rest of the ship is totally covered in corals and sponges and forms part of the reef.

Carysfort Reef is named after the lucky frigate HMS Carysford. This twenty eight gun frigate collided with the reef back in 1770 and was lucky to escape with minor damage and continue on her voyage.

If you do go to Key Largo, Florida, scuba diving then please remember that this extensive reef is located in the protected northern section of the National Marine Sanctuary and all corals and marine life comes under its protection.

It is some 6 miles from Key Largo and as a result is one of the less frequented dive sites.

It is easily identified by the 100ft high Carysfort lighthouse built in 1852.

One of the cleanest Key Largo, Florida, scuba diving sites. The waters here, fed by the Gulf Stream, are rich in food and high in quality. As a result this is probably the healthiest reef in the whole system, with tremendous coral formations and spectacular fish including some predators.

Scuba Diving 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 Carysfort Reef, it does give 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)...