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Molasses Reef

SnorkelingNo permitMooring buoys

Reef & coral · Also good for diving

The Florida Keys, USMolasses Reef
Best time
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Water temp.
22–30 °C
Marine life
Coordinates25°00′36″ N, 80°22′34″ W

Textbook spur-and-groove coral fingers in 3-12m with 20m+ visibility, big barracuda, southern stingrays, green and hawksbill turtles and enormous parrotfish. The 'Winch Hole' and the Spanish anchor are the landmark features. Roughly 30 named dive spots on one reef. Named for a molasses barge that grounded here. In 1984 the freighter Wellwood ran onto the reef and destroyed 1,300 square metres of coral, causing damage still visible today, the case established the legal principle that companies pay for reef destruction, and funded restoration science across the Keys. Anchorage: Sanctuary mooring buoys only. Day trip from Key Largo. Hazards: Heavy dive-boat traffic; fly a dive flag and watch for props.

Weather

°C°F

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