Scuba Diving Florida Keys the Worlds Ultimate Diving Experience

Carysfort Trench (Also known as Carysfort Wall)

Carysfort Trench is located to the North of the lighthouse and is in 25 meters (80 feet) of water. The coral reef has formed a rapid drop off down to the sandy bottomed floor.

This site is fish heaven! Schools of fish around every corner. A must dive for those people who like to see a vast array of colorful fish.

There are two points of interest in the area. Just ½ mile north of the lighthouse in 9 meters (30 feet) of water lays two 18th century anchors, and ¼ mile NNW of the lighthouse, 5 cannons lie in 5 meters (15 feet) of water. These shallow depths make these ideal novice diver confidence building dive sites.

The wall coral here is amazing with
Staghorn coral
Sheet coral
Brain coral, and
Large sponges

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

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. An excellent dive site to go scuba diving Florida Keys.

Terence’s Notes

Carysfort Trench
Depth: 1-24m (6-80ft)
Visibility: 9-39m (30-130ft)
Diving coral wall face
Plenty of fish
Novice to intermediate
Snorkeling: Yes

terence the turtle Terence’s Log

When scuba diving Florida Keys I enjoy long trips out as it gives me time to top up my sun tan.Glorious weather on this trip giving good visibility.

An interesting dive with some fabulous coral formations and plenty of colourful fish. We came across some barracuda hovering in the currents, beautiful to watch.

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 Lighthouse and 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)...

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

This extensive reef is located in the protected northern section of the National Marine Sanctuary.

It is some 6 miles from Key Largo and as a result if you intend to go scuba diving Florida Keys, you will find this is one of the less frequented dive sites.