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Aerial Photos of Reef
| MileMarker: | 97 |
| Location: | N 25 deg 01.00 W 80 deg 22.53 5 mile S of South Cut |
| Markers: | 45-foot steel light tower; Mooring Buoys M1-M25 for snorkeling/shallow diving; Mooring Buoys M21-M23 for deeper diving |
| Depth Range: | 3 to 40 feet deep |
| Skill Level req.: | beginner to intermediate |
| Risks/Warnings: | SPA area [Sanctuary Preservation Area], no fishing or lobstering allowed |
| History | |
| This site was named after a barge that grounded here many years ago as it was carrying a load of molasses barrels. Near M8 lies the Windlass Wreck also known as "The Winch" or "The Winch Hole". It is believed that this winch once belonged to the Slobodana, a 170-foot (52-meter) wooden schooner. Only three years after the Sobodana was built (in 1884), it ran aground on Molasses Reef in 1887 and now lies scattered on the ground. M11 and M12 mark a site that was severely damaged in 1984 by the M/V Wellwood that ran high aground on this reef. The 400-foot (122 meters) freighter completely pulverized several very large star coral formations and to date is considered one of the worst groundings at Molasses Reef. |
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| Dive Description | |
| Molasses Reef is located near the southern boundary of the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary and marked by a 45-foot steel light tower. Thirty-three mooring buoys designated with the letter "M" (M1-M33) mark unique dive sites on the reef. Molasses Reef has become one of the most frequently visited dive sites in the entire world. It has been estimated that each year up to 250,000 divers enjoy the beautiful reef relief, clear water visibility, and the prolific marine life for which Molasses Reef is famous for. A well-defined spur and groove system stretches out from the extreme shallow areas to about 30 feet (9 meters). Hard as well as soft corals rise up from the sandy bottom and give rise to an incredible reef relief. A large variety of rope sponges and vase sponges cover the substrate in this section and give the reef its incredible colors. The reef is virtually blanketed by some of the largest schools of fish encountered anywhere in the Keys. Large schools of horse-eyed jacks, permit jacks, bar jacks, yellow goatfish, small-mouth grunts, and great barracuda are not uncommon at this site. In addition, the reef hosts an incredible variety of corals, sponges, gorgonians, and even large game fish. Other fish that are commonly seen on every dive are sergeant majors, angelfish, parrot fish, grouper, snapper, chub, blue tang, and silvery snook. At 30 feet (9 meters) the corals become less vertical and soft corals increase in abundance. Large barrel sponges and tube sponges also become more abundant at this depth. Because of the great abundance of sponges, green turtles and hawksbill turtles, as well as midnight parrotfish are often seen in this area. Going down to 45 to 50 feet (14 to 15 meters) sponges and sea fans clearly dominate the sea floor with occasional giant heads or mounds of star coral. This habitat continues as the reef slopes down towards a lip at about 65 feet (20 meters). Beyond the lip the reef drops down very steeply to about 70 to 75 feet (21 to 23 meters). At the south side the reef descends down to 80 feet (24 meters). A good way to orient oneself on the reef is by the location of the mooring buoys. Those closest to the tower mark extremely shallow dive sites while each successive line of buoys marks a deeper area. Mooring buoys M1 through M8 mark some of the most beautiful and most frequently visited dive spots on the reef. All of these sites are in shallow water and are suitable for both diving and snorkeling. M3 marks an eight-foot Spanish anchor that lies in shallow water and is often guarded by several barracuda. The origin of this anchor still remains a mystery. Near M8 lies the Windlass Wreck also known as "The Winch" or "The Winch Hole". It is believed that this winch once belonged to the Slobodana, a 170-foot (52-meter) wooden schooner. Only three years after the Sobodana was built (in 1884), it ran aground on Molasses Reef in 1887 and now lies scattered on the ground. The Winch itself is overgrown by colorful bryozoans and bright red erect rope sponges. This is certainly one of the most beautiful dives at Molasses. Hundreds of barracuda are often seen around this area as well as a great variety of angelfish. Southwest of M8 is the "Hole in the Wall". This is a coral ledge with a hole that is large enough to swim through. Commonly seen fish in this area are milling fish, yellowtail snappers, and several species of parrotfish. A green moray eel is also often seen around this hole. Mooring buoys M9 through M21 all mark additional shallow dive sites that are also nice to snorkel. M11 and M12 mark a site that was severely damaged in 1984 by the M/V Wellwood that ran high aground on this reef. The 400-foot (122 meters) freighter completely pulverized several very large star coral formations and to date is considered one of the worst groundings at Molasses Reef. M21 through M23 are deeper sites that only lend themselves to diving. Because of its great location and incredible abundance of marine life Molasses reef has become the primary spot for night diving. Spiny lobster, long legged spider-crabs, and octopuses are seen on virtually every night dive. Divers should be reminded that Molasses 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. |
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| Divesite info by: Sebastian Engels | |
Divelog for Molasses Reef
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