Molasses Reef

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Molasses Reef is one of the most popular dive areas in the Florida Keys. There are 30-33 specific dive sites located on Molasses Reef alone. The reef is shallow and very clear with lots of life, making it a great area for divers of all levels and snorkelers as well.

All of the typical Caribbean reef fish species are represented here like parrot, trumpet, file, squirrel, grunt, and grouper fish species. Also look for nurse sharks, rays, and turtles

37

Wildlife Species

6

SSI Training Centers

11m / 36ft

Max. Depth

beginner

Level

This data is provided from the logbook information in the MySSI app

Affiliated Training Center

Dive sites nearby

Winch Hole

The Winch Hole is a spectacular dive site that has high profile coral around a large pit. A massive winch it lies in the pit and makes for great photo opportunities.

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Eagle Ray Alley

Eagle Ray Alley is located between North Star and The Winch Hole dive sites. This shallow site consists of a large of sand channel that runs seaward from Molasses Shallow to Logan’s Run. The high relief coral ledges on either side of the channel have deep undercuts offering protection for a variety of marine life.

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Spanish Anchor

At the far South end of Molasses Reef, at the base of mooring ball number 21, you will find the massive old Spanish Anchor. This end of Molasses Reef tends to get a bit of current, sometimes even making it not dive-able. You might see sea turtles, loggerhead turtles, Reef Sharks, Bull Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks

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Aquarium

Aquarium is a gorgeous dive site located on Molasses Reef. It always has a plethora of fish life around the high-profile coral formations. While current can sometimes be a factor to consider here, the coral is high enough to hide behind for the majority of the dive.

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USCG Duane (Wreck)

The Duane is a retired Naval ship that was sunk November 26, 1987 as an artificial reef approximately one mile south of Molasses Reef in Key Largo. This is an advanced to expert dive only!

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Fire Coral Cave

Fire Coral Cave is a long narrow swim through located toward the southern end of the Molasses Reef Sanctuary Protected Area. It varies in depth from 15ft to 30ft.

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French Reef

French Reef is a Sanctuary Protected Area located about seven miles southeast of Key Largo. It ranges in depth from about fifteen feet to forty feet. It’s known for having winding channels and a plethora of fun swim throughs.

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Christmas Tree Cave

Christmas Tree Cave is a fun swim through located in the French Reef Sanctuary Protected Area. It’s named Christmas Tree Cave for the large Star Coral Formation on the top.

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Pickles Reef

Pickles Reef is not as well known as the other, larger reefs nearby but, due to its relatively shallow depth, it is an ideal site for both divers and snorkelers.

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SS Benwood (Wreck)

The Benwood is a 360ft World War II wreck that sank April 9, 1942. She was carrying a cargo of phosphate rock and running blacked out to avoid German U-boats that were rumored to be in the area. The ship Robert C. Tuttle was also running blacked out and the two ships collided.

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The dive spots and related content on MyDiveGuide are provided for informational and promotional purposes only. This information, including user-generated content, is not definitive advice or recommendations. Divers are fully responsible for planning their dives, ensuring adequate safety equipment, verifying diving permissions, and complying with local laws and regulations. SSI, MyDiveGuide, and affiliates assume no responsibility or liability for divers' actions, choices, or any incidents. Always dive within your training limits, prioritize safety, and confirm that diving is permitted at your chosen location.