NW and SE of Cheeca Rocks, Alligator Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) bridges the shallow reefs of the Upper Keys and the deeper reefs of the Middle Keys. This rectangular SPA is a small bank reef protecting a spur-and-groove system, reef crest, and a portion of the northeast rubble ridge.

30-50’ – Not as deep as Crater but with similar features with a sandy area surrounded by spur and groove coral fingers. One of the few places we have seen batfish.

Built in Holland in 1962, the Eagle is 269 feet in length. The freighter was intentionally sunk in December of 1985 and can be found at 70-110 feet. Hurricane Georges split her hull in two in 1998.

Part of a double reef system offshore of the main Alligator Reef and separated by a wide sand channel. Depths can reach around 90 ft (30m) on the farther edges.

Huge schools of rainbow, midnight, and blue parrotfish off the west side. You will typically find green eels and nurse sharks under the ledges of this patch reef.

A deeper reef site with several uncommon species. 40-65’ (13-20m) with a nice range of coral. Located just off the southern tip of Islamorada. Suitable for all level of divers.

20-25 foot dive – This is a very purple reef (“morada” means purple in Spanish). From the flowing purple gorgonians to the swaying purple soft corals, this site is a customer favorite if you like a lot of color. This site is also home to Bonnethead sharks for the better part of the year.

As the name would imply, a great dive site to take in on the way back from some of the farther sites. Shallow enough for safe offgassing but with lots of critters!

A spur and groove reef interspersed with large coral heads known for its defining sand channel (the joint) running through it. Typical depths range from 35ft (10m) to 65ft (20m).

18-20′ – If coral is what you’re after, this reef is for you. This shallow patch has absolutely incredible stands of stony coral. Massive starlet coral, symmetrical brain coral, knobby brain coral, elliptical star coral. This site was named after our in-house coral doctor, Dr. Kylie Smit