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| MileMarker: | 80 |
| Location: | Lat 24 51.07 Long 80 37.21 6 miles S-SW of Windley Key; 3.5 miles SE of Tea Table Bridge |
| Markers: | Marked by a 136-foot tower. |
| Depth Range: | 8 to 40 feet deep |
| Skill Level req.: | beginner |
| Risks/Warnings: | SPA area [Sanctuary Preservation Area], no fishing or lobstering allowed |
| History | |
| Alligator Reef is named for the USS Alligator. Built in 1821 to fight pirating in the Keys area, this schooner ran aground here in 1825 while escorting a convoy from Key West. After she was salvaged, the crew blew her up to prevent pirates from profiting from her demise. | |
| Dive Description | |
| At over 1/2 mile long, Alligator Reef is one of the largest
reefs in the Keys. Spur and groove formations course down its descending
slope, with numerous isolated coral heads as well. Divers will find all
kinds of hard
corals and soft
corals, as well as a plethora of sponges.
Grunts,
parrotfish,
grouper,
and many schooling fish are common residents here.The USS
Alligator is still visible a couple hundred yards SE (oceanside) of
the lighthouse. The most commonly dived area lies about 600 yards south of
the light tower. Alligator Reef is one of the most popular divesites visited by Islamorada diveshops. | |
| Divesite info by: Jonathan Brinkman | |
Divelog for Alligator Reef
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