Molasses Reef

Molasses Reef is one of the most-dived sites in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, located on the outer reef tract about six nautical miles southeast of Key Largo. The reef is a classic Caribbean spur-and-groove formation: long ridges of star, brain and elkhorn coral run perpendicular to the shore, separated by sand channels that funnel divers between coral heads. Average depth across the main mooring buoys (M1-M23) is 6 to 12 metres, making the site accessible to open water students while still offering interest for experienced divers along the deeper outer edge. A historic Spanish anchor, lost from a sailing vessel and now half-buried in coral, marks one of the most photographed corners. Resident marine life includes goliath and Nassau grouper, great barracuda, southern stingrays, green moray eels, hawksbill turtles and large schools of yellowtail snapper and sergeant majors. Currents are typically gentle but can pick up on the outer ledge with the prevailing southeast trade winds. The reef is moored, anchoring is prohibited, and conditions are best from late spring through early fall.