Conch Reef

Fast Facts:

• Average Depth:   50 ft. / 15 m
• Max Depth: 110 ft. / 34 m

Features:

• Coral Reef
• Mooring Buoys
• Good Snorkeling
• Marine Preserve

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Conch Reef is located approximately nine kilometers south of Tavern Key and eight miles east of Windley Key. It is one of the most thoroughly developed coral reef systems in the Florida Keys. Typical depths range from 20 to 100 feet. Conch Reef contains a Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) which is a rectangle approximately .07 square nautical miles. Some of the areas are marked as research only. Access to the reef can be done through Key Largo. Currents can run from moderate to strong, making the ease of the dive variable at times. During times of strong currents, this area can be an adequate site for drift dives.

There are many acclaimed shallow dive sites near Conch Reef. Depths at the mooring buoys average 16 feet. Also within the conch reef system are two noteworthy sites: the NOAA “Aquarius” Habitat and the Conch Wall. The former is located in 60 feet of water and is within the system. It is a research vessel which attracts many tropical fish, jacks, and tarpon. Although the availability of this dive site fluctuates, it is currently off limits to divers. The Conch Wall slopes from 50 to 110 feet. Its main features are large marine life and barrel sponges. Highlights of the reef include rare pillar coral, octorals and basket sponges as well as thousands of conch shells. Many observe a variety of gorgonians and, due to the depth of the site, pelagic fish can also be spotted. This site is popular due to its year-round visibility and changing land contours.