Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Monroe County

The top 49 dive and snorkel sites in Monroe County, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the Monroe County guide

dive sites: 49
dive shops: 32
reviews: 17

AreasKey Largo15 Key West11 Marathon9 Islamorada9 Naval Air Station Key West2 Cudjoe Key1 North Key Largo1 Big Pine Key1

49 sites, ranked by diver reviews

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Mike's Wreck

5.0(2 reviews)Key Largo, FL

If you plan to dive Key Largo, you'll find Mikes Wreck, or the now confirmed Hannah M. Bell, lying on Elbow Reef. Wreck. Once a mystery ship, this vessel rests near two other popular Florida Keys shipwrecks, the City of Washington and the Tonawanda The combination of Elbow Reef, along with three interesting wreck dives is why this is one of the best Florida Keys dive trips. With so many other wrecks nearby, crystal clear water, and an amazing coral reef to explore, this is scuba diving Florida Keys at it's best. When wreck diving the now confirmed Hannah M. Bell, you'll find her lying between buoy E2 and buoy E3. This position is only a few hundred feet from the Elbow Reef lighthouse which means night diving is possible. The Hannah M. Bell is also shallow at a maximum depth of 25 feet. This makes this Florida Keys wreck perfect for those interested in Florida Keys snorkeling or for those who want to learn to scuba dive.

BeginnerMax depth 25 ftBoat entry

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John Pennekamp

4.7(3 reviews)Florida, USA East

John Pennekamp is a 4.666666666666667-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Florida, USA East which is accessible from shore based on 3 ratings.

Shore entry

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Coffins Patch

5.0(1 review)USA, Florida, Keys, Middle Keys

This dive site is in the Sanctuary Preservation Area. 4 nm offshore of Marathon. 3.5 miles SE of Key Colony Beach.

BeginnerMax depth 9.8 ftBoat entry

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Eastern dry rocks

5.0(1 review)USA, Florida, Keys, Lower Keys

Popular dive site for scuba and snorkeling. SW of Key West

BeginnerMax depth 26.2 ftBoat entry

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Samantha's

5.0(1 review)USA, Florida, Keys, Middle Keys

Samantha's is most famous for the nurse shark giving this site its name. The 15- to 25-foot depth has plenty of ledges and remote coral patches offering great opportunities for photographers and casual divers alike. You can usually count on seeing a nurse shark or two here. Boat from Marathon Dive shops

BeginnerMax depth 18 ftBoat entry

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Hens & Chicken Reef

5.0(1 review)USA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

Hens & Chicken Reef is also known as Hens'n Chicken.

BeginnerMax depth 39.4 ftBoat entry

Bahia Honda State Park

4.4(5 reviews)Florida, USA East

The bridge at Bahia Honda State Park on Bahia Honda Key is a shallow (8 - 11 feet) but a good dive. It's almost too shallow for scuba but the viz is not quite good enough for prime snorkeling. Pull a dive flag and stay out of the boat channels. There's are lots of fish in numbers and variety, crabs and lobster and small nurse sharks eating the crabs and lobster. Look closely around the bridge pilings and there is grass and soft corals on the bottom. Bahia State Park is on Hwy 1 in the Florida Keys. Exit into the park and follow the park roads around to the base of the bridge.

IntermediateMax depth 11 ftShore entry

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Molasses Reef

3.0(1 review)USA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

You don't have to go far from the boat to see a large variety of animals of all sizes. Located in the National Marine Sanctuary, it is a protected reef, so no worries about tangles with spears or hooks; and very large game fish abound! Weekends do bring in a fair amount of divers, but there is enough to see in all directions so crowding can be avoided. Located less than 20 minutes from the Spiegel Grove wreck.

BeginnerMax depth 16.4 ftBoat entry

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Rock key

3.0(1 review)USA, Florida, Keys, Lower Keys

Popular dive spot. Most reef formations are with long fingers of coral, sand and coral-filled canyons in between. SW of Key West

BeginnerMax depth 32.8 ftBoat entry

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Looe Key Reef & HMS Looe

3.0(1 review)USA, Florida, Keys, Middle Keys

Looe Key Reef is one of the best but also most dived reefs in the Keys. This reef contains a Sanctuary Preservation Area. The HMS Looe Wreck sunk here in 1744. 10 nmiles SW of Bahia Honda Channel. Looe Key Reef & HMS Looe is also known as HMS Looe Wreck.

BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftBoat entry

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Horseshoe reef

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Middle Keys

This reef gets its name from its curved shape. There's a bunch of large coral heads that grew in a semi circle shape. This formation is on the northeast corner of the reef. There's a large area of sand in the middle that's the perfect place to observe creatures of the reef on a night dive. It's not uncommon to see octopus scurrying about during these night dive. This reef has several sandy ledges running east to west. This is a likely place to catch a sea turtle sleeping during the day. Nurse sharks like to hang out here too. Just in case you don't know, Turtles are a protected species. It's illegal to disturb them in any way. So don't try to touch them. This is a great dive site to bring along an underwater camera. That way you can take pictures of the turtles and sharks that are posing under the ledges of this Florida Keys reef just waiting on you to drop in.

BeginnerMax depth 15.1 ftBoat entry

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The Bib Wreck

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

The Bib Wreck is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

AdvancedMax depth 120.1 ftBoat entry

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The Elbow

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Middle Keys

The Elbow is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Florida, Keys, Middle Keys which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 29.5 ftBoat entry

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USS Vandenburg

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Lower Keys

523 foot WW2 Air Force Missle Range Instrumentation sunk as an artificial reef. She lies upright. There are a couple of radar dishes located on the upper deck but one has appariently broken free. Off Key West 6 miles

BeginnerMax depth 99.1 ftBoat entry

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Site D Coral Reef

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

Site D Coral Reef is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 20 ftBoat entry

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Adolphus Busch Wreck

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Middle Keys

The 210 foot former island freighter was sunk December 5th, 1998. The wreck is perfectly upright and intact at 108 feet deep. Good for a Nitrox dive. 5.5 miles southwest of Big Pine Key, it is also 3 miles W of Looe Key. Adolphus Busch Wreck is also known as Adolphus Busch Sr., Ocean Alley.

IntermediateMax depth 85.3 ftBoat entry

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Good patches

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

Good patches is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 9.8 ftBoat entry

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Spiegel Grove

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

Spiegel Grove sunk June 10, 2002. This is the largest ship ever sunk intentionally to be an artificial reef, and probably the most well known. Vessel size: - length: 510 feet - type: U.S. Navy Landing Ship Dock - tonnage: 6,880 tons It takes at least two dives to have a look of the wreck. The Spiegel is an excellent Nitrox dive, especially on double tank dives! In July of 2005, Hurricane Dennis forced the former USS Spiegel Grove onto her keel, right-side-up, which was the position originally intended when she was sunk. It is an amazing dive. Great areas for advanced and limited penetration. This wreck offers something for everyone multiple times. You could dive it 10 times and not see everything. 6 Miles off Key Largo. The Spiegel Grove wreck lies near Dixie Shoals into the Marine Sanctuary. Spiegel Grove is also known as LSD-32.

IntermediateMax depth 80.1 ftBoat entry

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Alligator Deep

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

Located to the southeast of Alligator reef, this is a deeper spur and groove system with a slow drop off to a ledge with a maximum depth of 95ft.

IntermediateMax depth 65.6 ftBoat entry

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Cannonball Cut

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Lower Keys

An area of coral heads and some spur and groove formation. Named after cannonballs found at the site and the cut made for a cable to Key West. Examples of brain, pillar and star coral. Some groups of coral and rock raise around 5 metres. By boat from Key West.

BeginnerMax depth 19.7 ftBoat entry

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Cayman Salvager

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Lower Keys

The Cayman Salvager now lies one mile southwest of the Nine-Foot Stake. This 187-foot steel-hulled buoy tender was built in 1937 for Coast Guard usage and was later used as a cable layer and for freighting. The US Government seized this vessel because she was carrying Cuban refugees during the 1979 Mariel boatlift. After being seized, she was sitting at the dock awaiting her fate when she sank unexpectedly. In 1985, she was raised and prepared to be sunk again as an artificial reef in 300 feet of water. But while being towed out for re-sinking, she prematurely sunk in just 90 feet of water where she currently resides. She settled on her side but was kindly righted a few months later in 1985 by Hurricane Kate. In preparation for her scheduled sinking, the Cayman Salvage had been cleaned and stripped to create a smoother structure to foster pelagic life. Because of the removal of restricting parts, penetration is possible but is considered dangerous. It is recommended that divers who desire to pursue such a mission do so during a return dive and not on the first exploration. Bar jacks and schools of silversides frequent this site. Divers have reported that a 200-pound jewfish and a six-foot green moray eel call this vessel home. Note that dangerous aspects of this location are strong currents and the depth. A careful diver will find this artificial reef a great chance for exploration and a unique dive. This site can only be reached by boat. Any Key West dive operator will take you to it.

IntermediateMax depth 80.1 ftBoat entry

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The Eagle Wreck

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

The Eagle is a 269 feet long freighter which was sunk (December 19th, 1985) intentionally near Lower Matecumbe Key, Florida, to become an artificial reef and diving spot. It was split in two by hurricane Georges in september 1998. A distance of about 100 feet now separates the two halves. History: 1962 - Built for Danish shipowners J. Lauritzen at Bijkers Shipyard, Gorinchem, The Netherlands; named 'Raila Dan'. 1969 - Sold to Dutch shipping company 'Poseidon' and renamed 'Barok'. 1974 - Sold again, renamed Carmela. 19xx - Renamed Ytai 19xx - Renamed Etai 1981 - Sold and renamed Carigulf Pioneer 19xx - Sold and renamed Arron K. 1985 October 6th - Arron K. damaged by fire when sailing from Miami to Venezuela; superstructure damaged beyond economical repair 1985 December 19th - Renamed Eagle Tire Co. and sunk as an artificial reef near Lower Matecumbe Key, Florida by the Upper Keys Artificial Reef Association 1998 September - Split in two by hurricane Georges 4.5 miles SE of Islamorada. Midway between Crocker Reef and Alligator light. The Eagle Wreck is also known as Raila Dan, Barok, Carmela, Etai, Ytai, Carigulf Pioneer, Arron K.

IntermediateMax depth 72.2 ftBoat entry

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Pirates Hide Out

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Marquesas Keys

a nice spot to hide your pirate ship Pirates Hide Out is also known as Pirates Place.

BeginnerMax depth 6.6 ftBoat entry

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Cannon Patch

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

It is a very shallow spot marked with a buoy. There are also 3 anker buoys. Not much to see but a great training dive. near Grecian Rocks

BeginnerMax depth 4.9 ftBoat entry

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The Benwood Wreck

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

The Benwood was a freighter, built in 1910. She was 360 feet long with a 51 foot beam. It sunk in 1942. The wreck is located 5 nm offshore. It is marked by 4 buoys (B1 to B4).

BeginnerMax depth 32.8 ftBoat entry

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French Reef

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

French Reef is located into the Sanctuary Preservation Area. Bring a light to explore the 4 caves of French Reef: - Hourglass Cave (near F1) - Christmas Tree Cave (near F3) - White Sand Bottom Cave (The largest cave, located at the center of the reef) - Five Caves (small caves, south end of the reef) 1 mile NE of Molasses Reef tower. It is marked by a black piling and 17 mooring buoys with the "F" letter.

BeginnerMax depth 32.8 ftBoat entry

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Key Largo Undersee Park

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

In addition to being the home of Jules' Undersea Lodge, Key Largo Undersea Park is one of the major Dive Training Facilities in South Florida, providing a sheltered deep-lagoon location for all types of basic and advanced underwater instruction.

BeginnerMax depth 18 ftShore entry

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North North Dry Rocks

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

North North Dry Rocks is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 15.1 ftBoat entry

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The City of Washington Wreck

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

The wreck site of the City of Washington is 325 feet long that sunk in 1891. An old and disintegrated wreck, but you'll find a plethora of marine life in and around this site. The wreck is located offshore of Elbow Reef, approx 6 miles off Key Largo, directly ENE of the Lighthouse (between bouys E9 and E10). Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

BeginnerMax depth 23 ftBoat entry

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Thunderbolt Wreck

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Middle Keys

The Thunderbolt ia a 190-foot wreck. It was intentionally sunk in 1986. The wreck is sitting upright in 115 feet of water. This is a nice wreck, totally intact with full of marine life. 5 miles SE offshore of Marathon. S of Coffins Reef. Note that the buoy is 15 ft underwater... Thunderbolt Wreck is also known as USS Randolph.

IntermediateMax depth 82 ftBoat entry

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9 Foot Stake

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Lower Keys

Another shallow spur and groove reef, which is often done in conjunction with Marker 32. The site has a large variety of reef fish and is home to a nurse shark. There are large specimens of Elkhorn, Bolder, Brain and Fan coral. Christmas Tree Worms can sometimes been found growing on these. The site is also popular for night dives, where lobsters and yellow rays can be seen. Half hour trip by boat from Key West.

BeginnerMax depth 19.7 ftBoat entry

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Sand key

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Lower Keys

Popular dive site off Key West. The reef itself consists mostly of rock fingers and gullies with sandy bottoms between cliff-like structures and extensive areas of staghorn and elkhorn coral. SW of Key West, mooring buoys on S side of key

BeginnerMax depth 9.8 ftBoat entry

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Marker 32 Reef

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Lower Keys

A spur and groove formation of reef including Elkhorn, Fan and Brain coral. Lots of life including Barracuda, Parrotfish and possible nurse sharks. Was originally called Marker 1 after the original marker, but is now called Marker 32 after the current buoy. Half hour boat journey from Key West. Site is buoyed with the number 32. Marker 32 Reef is also known as Marker 1 Reef, Toppinos Buoy.

BeginnerMax depth 19.7 ftBoat entry

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Western Sambos

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Lower Keys

A shallow reef with a good range of fish and coral. Some surge present due to shallow depths. Usual variety of coral including groups of purple fan coral and bolder coral. Part of the ecological reserve, so nothing can be taken from the site. By boat from Key West.

BeginnerMax depth 16.4 ftBoat entry

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200' Wooden Shipreck

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

Wooden Ship 200ft lots of coral/sea fan sargent majors chub jack gray snapper west side of ship center is exposed at low tide no Knowledge of wreck but not speagal grove as marked on google. Great family dive From Angelfish Creek Southeast 8.25 mi. SW of Carysfort light.

BeginnerMax depth 3.3 ftBoat entry

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Captain Grumphy

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

30' single hull diesel On 4/02/2010 I went to coordinates N24'53.111 W80 31.320. This site is in 170 feet of water. John. 20min out of the coast north-east of islamorada

BeginnerMax depth 29.9 ftBoat entry

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Hermans Behind

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Middle Keys

Herman's Behind is a nice middle-keys reef with shallow slopes, a small drop-off, living coral, and many numerous and diverse species of fish.

BeginnerMax depth 16.4 ftBoat entry

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Sombrero Reef

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Middle Keys

Sombrero Reef has been designated a Sanctuary Preservation Area; fishing and lobstering are strictly prohibited. 8 miles SW of Key Colony Beach. The best part of the reef is on the S side of Lighthouse.

BeginnerMax depth 19.7 ftBoat entry

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Western dry rocks

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Lower Keys

Popular dive site. SW of Key West

BeginnerMax depth 9.8 ftBoat entry

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Park Headquarters reef

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Dry Tortugas

Pretty reef in shallow water Near National Park Headquarters

BeginnerMax depth 13.1 ftShore entry

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Crocker Reef

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

4.5 miles from Snake Creek. 5.5 miles SE of Windley Key.

BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftBoat entry

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The Duane Wreck

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

The Duane sunk in 1987. She sits upright in 120 feet of water. Vessel size: - length: 327 feet - beam: 41 foot 6 miles offshore, approx 1 mile south of Molasses Reef tower dive site. The Duane Wreck is also known as USCG Duane.

IntermediateMax depth 65.6 ftBoat entry

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Davis Reef

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

This dive site is in a Sanctuary Preservation Area, no fishing or lobstering allowed! Davis reef is well known for its schools of fish; and the small Buddha statue that was placed here in 1989. 3 miles E-SE of Hens & Chickens Tower. 5 miles W of Snake Creek. Davis Reef is also known as Davis Ledge.

BeginnerMax depth 45.9 ftBoat entry

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Conch Reef

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

Conch Reef contains a Sanctuary Preservation Area, no fishing or lobstering allowed. 3.5 Miles SW of Pickles Reef and 7 miles from Snake Creek.

BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftBoat entry

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Delta Shoal & The Barge

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Middle Keys

Delta Shoals are home to several wrecks. The Barge (behind the east end of the reef), the Ivory Wreck... The reef also have great canyons and nice coral structures. 1.5 miles ENE of Sombrero Lighthouse. Delta Shoal & The Barge is also known as Delta Shoal, The Barge.

BeginnerMax depth 9.8 ftBoat entry

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Joe's tug

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Lower Keys

Joe's tug is a small steel tugboat (28m long) that sits upright. You can enter into the wreck easily and access to the wheel house and aft deck. SSE of Key West

IntermediateMax depth 82 ftBoat entry

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Train Wheel Wreck

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

Another area of wreckage at the Elbow. A tug and barge went aground in the 20s, dumping train track and wheels onto the reef. Little remains of the wrecks but the wheels. Huge formations of Elkhorn coral shelter schools of Goatfish, Snappers, and Porkfish. Colorful tropical fish are plentiful. This site is accessed by one of the many dive charters in Key Largo Florida Train Wheel Wreck is also known as Elbow Reef, Tug and Barge.

BeginnerMax depth 20 ftBoat entry

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Sombrero Beach

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Middle Keys

Beach dive site used for training

BeginnerMax depth 9.8 ftShore entry

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The Bibb Wreck

No reviews yetUSA, Florida, Keys, Upper Keys

The USGC Bibb was built in 1937 (Coast Guard vessel), and was sunk in 1987. She is 327 feet long, 41 foot beam. Approximately 6 nm offshore, near Molasses Reef tower. Key Largo. The Bibb Wreck is also known as USCG The Bibb.

IntermediateMax depth 88.6 ftBoat entry

Snorkeling & Scuba Map of Monroe County: numbered map of the top 20 dive and snorkel sites, with ratings — Numbers match the ranked list of Monroe County dive and snorkel sites. Full map with key

Top dive shops in Monroe County

All 32

Island Ventures

5.0 (83) · Key Largo

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Sail Fish Scuba

4.9 (292) · Key Largo

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BlueWater Divers

4.9 (135) · Key Largo

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Quiescence Diving Services, Inc.

4.9 (126) · Key Largo

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Monroe County diving guide

Ready to check out the best sites in Monroe County for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 49 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best dive and snorkel sites in Monroe County?

Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Monroe County are Mike's Wreck (5.0 from 2 reviews), John Pennekamp (4.7 from 3 reviews) and Coffins Patch (5.0 from 1 review).

Where is the best snorkeling for beginners in Monroe County?

The top-rated beginner sites are Mike's Wreck (5.0 from 2 reviews), Coffins Patch (5.0 from 1 review) and Eastern dry rocks (5.0 from 1 review).

Where can I shore dive in Monroe County?

John Pennekamp and Bahia Honda State Park are the top-rated sites you can enter from shore.

Are there dive shops in Monroe County?

Zentacle lists 32 dive shops in Monroe County. The top-rated are Island Ventures (5.0 from 83 reviews) and Sail Fish Scuba (4.9 from 292 reviews).