It’s more than warm breezes, towering palms and charming locals that bring people to Key West. All those reasons are great, but for those with an affinity for all things of the sea, diving should always be on the ‘ol “Key West Things to do List”. Key West has long been a beloved diving spot, and with the only true coral reefs in the continental waters off the coast of the United States, it’s little wonder that divers from the world over come to escape into the deep blue. On top of incredible coral reefs, myriad tropical species and amazing visibility, Key West is teeming with wreck sites. So here are 5 sites that need to make your “Key West Things to do List”:
Eagle & Alligator Reef
Some 20 miles south of Key West, just off the shores of Islamorada sits the Eagle and Alligator Reef. Sunk in December 1985, the Eagle lies 110 feet below the ocean's surface. Divers can begin their exploring at approximately 65 feet, and making it the perfect transition for novice divers to delve into more intermediate dives. Carpeted in marine growth brought in from tall, surly seas, this site sees a fury of Tarpon, Angelfish and plenty of other colorful species. The exposed gunwale is also home to myriad arrow shrimp, brittle stars, octopi and sea sponges.
Looe Key
Located in the Lower Keys, Looe Key is a 5.3 nautical-mile-long stretch is home to a stretch of spur and groove reef formations. Protected from fishing or shell collecting, Looe Key is considered to be one of the most beautiful coral reefs in North America. Home to a wide range of tropical fish, corals, shellfish and hydroids, this site also offers a variety of depths, making it a perfect site for novice divers and snorkelers.
Western Sambos
If there is any dive site that needs to make it to your top “key west things to do list”, the Western Sambos, just south of Key West, is one of the most popular dive sites in the United States. As of 1997, Western Sambos is part of a protected ecological reserve, and is recognized by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for it’s extreme diversity in flora and fauna. Coral reefs grow at 25 feet, and as the water deepens, larger stand-alone coral heads rest on the ocean floor.
Alexander’s Wreck
For novice divers, Alexander’s Wreck is the perfect foray into the world of wreck diving. And with over 300 feet to explore, it’s also an exciting wreck for the intermediate to advance diver. This wreck is actually broken into two main pieces, located approximately 150 feet apart. Under water for some three decades, the wreck can be likened more to an artificial reef than a powerful destroyer.
Adolphus Busch Sr.
With a reputation as being the “least touched by man”, the area stretching from above Bahia Honda State Park to Boca Chica Key, is home to the Adolphus Busch Sr., a 210-foot-long freighter with some serious Hollywood affiliation. Standing upright in 110 feet of water, it was once featured in the Rita Hayworth and Robert Mitchum film, “Fire Down Below”. The wreck is conveniently located close to the the beautiful Looe Key Reef.
It’s hard to believe that these 5 sites are a mere sampling of what’s lurking in the waters off the coast of Key West. If you're in the midst of planning a dive trip to the region, don't forget to put these on your “Key West things to do” list! Jot them down because your dive experience will be all the richer for it.
