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Aerial Photos of Reef
| MileMarker: | 99 |
| Location: | Lat 24 57.11 Long 80 27.57 8 mile E of Windley Key; 3.5 Miles SW of Pickles Reef; 4 miles from Tavernier Key; 7 miles from Snake Creek |
| Markers: | Red marker bouy #12 is 600 yard NW from recommended dive area; no mooring buoys; |
| Depth Range: | 2 to 100 feet deep |
| Skill Level req.: | beginner to intermediate |
| Risks/Warnings: | SPA area [Sanctuary Preservation Area], no fishing or lobstering allowed |
| History | |
| Conch Reef derives its name from the large numbers of Queen Conch that inhabit the sand and grassy flats here (pronounced "konk"). | |
| Dive Description | |
| The upper section of Conch Reef is somewhat shallow, ranging from 15 to 20 feet. It is filled with interesting spur and groove coral formations, sea fans, and prolific sea life, including both large and small fish. Conch Reef is a deeper reef than many in the Sanctuary, dropping to about 90 feet before flattening out into a sand bottom. The dropoff, known as Conch Wall, is somewhat unique for the plethora of marine life at these depths. Huge barrel sponges, some larger than 5 feet high, cover much of the reef area. These slow-growing creatures are fairly rare, and the relatively heavy concentration at this reef is remarkable. Larger specimens may be over 100 years old. Gorgonians and pelagic fish fill the scene. Huge purple sea fans catch the currents, joined by sea rods, whips, and plumes of gorgonians. Dead stumps of pillar coral testify to the sad harvesting that decimated coral populations on this reef decades ago. Conch Reef is the home for the University of North Carolina-Wilmington's Aquarius Underwater Habitat. That facility has its own page in this website. Researchers spend several days at a time underwater, doing long-term research. Divers should be reminded that Conch Reef is a designated SPA area [Sanctuary Preservation Area] and special care should be taken not to disturb any kind of marine life. Remember you are a visitor in a home that belongs to the animals and not to you! Fishing and lobstering as well as any other collection activity is strictly prohibited. Note that collection of any kind of coral or conch anywhere in Florida is strictly forbidden by state law. |
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| Divesite info by: Jonathan Brinkman | |
Divelog for Conch Reef
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