Key Largo Florida

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                                                Reef and Wreck Diving at Pennekamp State Park

Dive Trip Includes four nights lodging at the Suites of Key Largo; three one-half days diving in John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park; tanks and weights included.  Wreck diving on the Duane and Spiegel Grove are among available dives.  Advanced and Specialty Certifications are available through this Instructor-led trip.

 Advanced class is required for diving on the Duane and Spiegel Grove. 

Christ of the Abyss...

(4-30') The famous "Christ of the Abyss" Statue was donated to the Underwater Society of America by an Italian diving group in 1961 and placed in the park in 1965, dedicated to the marine life of our reefs. Eleven feet to the hands and twenty-two to it's base, the statue is easily accessible to both divers and snorkelers. It lies in an area of spectacular coral formations directly in front of the shallow reefs of Key Largo Dry Rocks.

Molasses Reef...

(10-40') A Spectacular coral reel formation in the shadow of the Molasses reef light, this area features towering tongue-and-groove coral formations, and a plethora of marine life! Special Link! Click here for reef conditions at Molasses Reef, updated hourly!

French Reef...

(20-40') French Reef, another beautiful reef system, provides a dramatic maze of underwater canyons, cliffs, and gullies. It's coral arches and swim-through caves provide shelter for many large fish, with grouper and green morays a common sight.

The Benwood wreck...

(25-50') The BENWOOD was a 285' long freighter accidently rammed while running without lights during WWII, then torpedoed by a German submarine as it attempted to ground itself for later salvage. Her hull now lies in a barren section of the reef-line in less than 50 feet of water. Huge grouper are now permanent residents of this wreck, which makes a spectacular backdrop for underwater photography.

Carysfort Reef...

(25-75') The northernmost reef system in the sanctuary, Carysfort Ledge is a sloping wall of fascinating coral formations. Elkhorn, and Staghorn corals give way to Brain and Sheet coral as the reef descends to a sandy bottom 65-75' deep. Snorkelers may swim torward the lighthouse tower over the shallow area of Elkhorn gardens.

City of Washington wreck...

(20-35') Just offshore of the Elbow reef lies the remains of the ship "City of Washington". This wreck is known for exceptionally clear waters and an abundant and friendly fish population. The scattered wreckage provides an excellent backdrop for underwater photography.

USCG Cutters Bibb and Duane...

(70-100') A deep wreck dive, the Coast Guard Cutters DUANE and BIBB were sunk in 1987 as "artificial reefs." These 329' long military ships were prepared especially for divers, with clear, open hatchways and many open rooms to explore. ADVANCED CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED.