Carysfort Reef Light

Shallow double reef with corals, ridges, and swim-throughs.

Boat Access
3m Avg Depth
5m Max Depth

About this dive site

This dive site, Carysfort Reef, is located within The Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary and boasts a unique "double reef" configuration. Shallow corals thrive near the lighthouse, providing excellent snorkeling opportunities before gradually thinning with depth. South of the Carysfort Lighthouse, you'll discover Carysfort South, a substantial shallow reef dominated by elkhorn coral. Further offshore, massive star corals create a dramatic underwater landscape, interwoven with ridges, gullies, and occasional swim-through tunnels. The area offers a diverse habitat for marine life.

DivingFreedivingSnorkeling

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Good
Macro Marine Life Very Good
Landscape Quality Excellent
Water Visibility Very Good Viz

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Plan Your Visit

coral reefswim-throughbeginner friendlyturtlewide anglemacro photography

Marine Life

  • Spiny Squat Lobster Spiny Squat Lobster
  • Blue-Barred Parrotfish Blue-Barred Parrotfish
  • Snapper Snapper
  • Sea Turtle Sea Turtle
  • Nurse Shark Nurse Shark
  • Goliath Grouper Goliath Grouper
  • Elkhorn Coral Elkhorn Coral
  • Star Coral Star Coral
  • White Grunt White Grunt
  • Barracuda Barracuda
  • Yellowtail Damselfish Yellowtail Damselfish
  • French Angelfish French Angelfish

Things to Note

Difficulty:

Beginner

Very shallow maximum depth and easy conditions suit all divers.

Hazards:
boat trafficcurrentmarine life
Current Strength:

Mild

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