Winch Hole on Molasses Reef offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of maritime history while enjoying the vibrant marine ecosystem of the Florida Keys. Its mix of historical artifacts and diverse marine life makes it a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Article at a Glance

• The Winch Hole at Molasses Reef is a dive site with a depth of 25 to 30 feet, perfect for beginners and snorkelers.
• Night diving at the Winch Hole is popular due to the diverse nocturnal marine life.
• The site is named after a large winch, believed to be from an Austrian sailing ship that wrecked in the 1800s.
• Artifacts from the shipwreck, including rigging and fittings, can be explored near the site.
• The area offers easy access to nearby dive sites like Eagle Ray Alley and Coral Canyons.

Winch Hole Molasses Reef

Location and Characteristics

Winch Hole is located within the Molasses Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area. The site gets its name from a large winch (actually a windlass) that sits in a sand patch at a depth of about 25 feet. This windlass was used to raise the vessel’s anchors and is the signature artifact of the site.

Historical Significance

The Winch Hole site contains the remains of a wooden-hulled sailing vessel from the mid-to-late 19th century. While the exact identity of the shipwreck is not conclusively determined, two likely candidates are the Austrian ship Slobodna (wrecked in 1887) and the American ship Northampton (wrecked in 1883). Both vessels were carrying cotton when they ran aground on Molasses Reef.

Dive Experience

The dive site offers a range of features that appeal to divers:

• Depth: The average depth is around 13 meters (43 feet), making it suitable for various skill levels.
• Visibility: Generally good, ranging from 10 to 25 meters depending on conditions.
• Marine Life: Divers have reported sightings of diverse marine life, including sharks, turtles, octopuses, stingrays, and various fish species.

Artifacts and Features

Beyond the iconic windlass, divers can explore numerous other artifacts scattered around the site:

• Sections of wooden hull
• Water tank
• Ship’s pumps
• Iron stringers
• Hawsepipes
• Rigging and fittings from the vessel’s bow, including catheads

Best Time to Dive

The site can be dived year-round, with water temperatures ranging from about 21°C (70°F) in winter to 29°C (84°F) in summer. Currents can vary from 0 to 2 knots, so divers should be prepared for potentially challenging conditions.

What Kind of Marine Life Can You expect to see?

Common Marine Life

Winch Hole, being part of Molasses Reef in Key Largo, Florida, is likely to host a diverse array of marine life typical of Caribbean coral reef ecosystems. Visitors to this dive site might encounter:

• Reef Fish: Various colorful species such as parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and wrasses.
• Larger Predators: Possible sightings of barracuda, groupers, and snappers.
• Sharks: Species like nurse sharks or reef sharks may occasionally be spotted.
• Sea Turtles: Green and hawksbill turtles are common in Florida Keys reefs.
• Rays: Stingrays and possibly eagle rays might be seen gliding over the sandy areas.

Invertebrates

The reef structure likely supports a variety of invertebrates:

• Coral species (both hard and soft corals)
• Sea fans and gorgonians
• Sponges in various colors and shapes
• Crustaceans such as lobsters and crabs
• Mollusks including conchs and nudibranchs

Unique Features

Given the historical nature of the site with its shipwreck remains:

• Encrusting Organisms: The metal and wooden artifacts may be covered with colorful encrusting organisms, creating artificial reef structures.
• Hiding Spots: The wreck debris likely provides numerous hiding spots for moray eels, octopuses, and smaller reef fish.

Seasonal Visitors

Depending on the time of year, divers might also encounter:Schools of pelagic fish passing through the area

Migratory species like whale sharks or manta rays (though rare)

What Do Divers Say About This Site?

1. Popularity: It’s described as one of the most popular dive sites on Molasses Reef and in the Florida Keys.
2. Historical interest: Divers appreciate the large iron winch (windlass) from a 19th-century shipwreck, which is the signature feature of the site.
3. Marine life: Many divers report seeing abundant and diverse marine life, including:
   • Various fish species
   • Sharks
   • Turtles
   • Octopuses
   • Stingrays
4. Water clarity: The site is known for its excellent visibility, typically ranging from 10 to 25 meters (33 to 82 feet).
5. Depth: Divers mention depths ranging from about 7-13 meters (23-43 feet), making it suitable for various skill levels.
6. Overall experience: Many reviewers rate it as an “exceptional” or “excellent” dive site, with comments like “dive sites like this are rare.”
7. Dive duration: Reported dive times vary, with some lasting over an hour and others around 20-30 minutes.
8. Accessibility: It’s noted as being easily accessible and frequently visited by dive boats.
9. Photography: The combination of clear water, shallow depth, and interesting subjects (both natural and historical) make it popular for underwater photography.
10. Conditions: While generally favorable, some divers mention varying currents and visibility depending on the day.

Key Information

Category	Details
Location	Molasses Reef, Key Largo, Florida Keys
Depth Range	Approximately 20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Historical Significance	Shipwreck of the Austrian ship Slobodna or American ship Northampton (19th century)
Main Artifact	Large iron windlass (10 feet long)
Other Artifacts	– Sections of wooden hull – Ship’s water tank – Ship’s pumps – Iron stringers – Hawsepipes – Rigging and fittings – Historic Spanish anchor
Marine Life	Diverse species including nurse sharks, moray eels, turtles, and various reef fish
Visibility	Typically ranges from 10 to 25 meters (33 to 82 feet)
Accessibility	Easily accessible via dive boats from Key Largo
Best Time to Dive	Year-round; May to September for optimal conditions
Photography Opportunities	Excellent conditions for underwater photography due to clear water and interesting subjects

Highlights of Diving This Site?

Historical Significance

• Shipwreck Artifact: The site features a large mechanical winch from the wreck of the Slobodna, a 170-foot wooden schooner that sank in 1887 while carrying cotton. This historical artifact serves as a focal point for divers and photographers alike.

Marine Life

• Diverse Ecosystem: The area is rich in marine biodiversity. Divers often encounter various fish species, including:
  • Nurse sharks
  • Moray eels
  • Schools of parrotfish
  • Turtles and stingrays

Visibility and Conditions

• Excellent Visibility: The water clarity typically ranges from 10 to 25 meters (33 to 82 feet), providing great conditions for underwater photography and exploration.
• Shallow Depth: With an average depth of about 13 meters (43 feet), the site is accessible to divers of all skill levels, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

Scenic Features

• Coral Formations: The surrounding coral heads and sandy channels create a visually stunning environment, perfect for underwater photography.
• Swim-Through Opportunities: Nearby sites like the Hole in the Wall offer large swim-throughs, enhancing the diving experience with unique underwater passages.

Accessibility

• Convenient Location: As part of Molasses Reef, the Winch Hole is easily accessible from various dive centers in Key Largo, which frequently run tours to this popular site.

Overall Experience

• Positive Reviews: Divers consistently rate the Winch Hole highly for its combination of historical interest, vibrant marine life, and favorable diving conditions. Many highlight it as an exceptional dive spot in the Florida Keys.

Why This Site is a Must-Dive Location

1. Historical significance: The site contains the remains of a 19th century wooden sailing vessel, likely either the Austrian ship Slobodna (1887) or the American ship Northampton (1883). This offers divers a chance to explore maritime history.
2. Signature artifact: The site’s namesake 10-foot long iron windlass (often called a “winch”) is a prominent and photogenic feature that attracts divers and underwater photographers.
3. Diverse artifacts: Beyond the windlass, divers can explore other artifacts like sections of wooden hull, water tanks, ship’s pumps, rigging components, and more, scattered across the site.
4. Marine life: Located on Molasses Reef, the site is home to abundant and colorful marine life, including tropical fish, corals, and sponges.
5. Water clarity: Its proximity to the Gulf Stream provides excellent visibility, often ranging from 10 to 25 meters (33 to 82 feet).
6. Shallow depth: With an average depth of about 23 feet, it’s accessible to both scuba divers and snorkelers of various skill levels.
7. Photography opportunities: The combination of clear water, shallow depth, historical artifacts, and vibrant marine life makes it an ideal spot for underwater photography.
8. Part of a larger system: Being on Molasses Reef, one of the most spectacular diving sites in the Florida Keys, adds to its appeal.
9. Ease of access: The site is frequently visited by dive boats from Key Largo, making it easily accessible.
10. Multi-faceted experience: It offers a unique blend of history, marine biology, and underwater exploration in a single dive site.

Iconic Spots At This Site

The Iron Winch

• Signature Artifact: The site is home to a large, 10-foot long iron winch from the wreck of the Slobodna, a 19th-century wooden schooner that sank in 1887. This mechanical winch is a focal point for divers and photographers.

2. Diverse Marine Life

• Rich Ecosystem: The area around the Winch Hole is teeming with marine life, including various fish species, nurse sharks, moray eels, and colorful reef fish. This biodiversity enhances the underwater experience.

3. Surrounding Coral Formations

• Coral Heads and Channels: The sandy areas surrounded by large coral formations create an aesthetically pleasing environment for divers. The spur-and-groove structure of the reef allows for exploration of both coral and sandy habitats.

4. Accessibility

• Easy Mooring: The site is conveniently located between mooring balls #7 and #25, making it easily accessible for dive boats. This accessibility contributes to its popularity among divers.

5. Nearby Attractions

• Hole in the Wall: Located close to the Winch Hole, this large swim-through is one of the most photographed sites on Molasses Reef, offering additional exploration opportunities.
• Eagle Ray Alley: Adjacent to the Winch Hole, this area is known for sightings of larger pelagic fish and adds to the overall diving experience.

6. Ideal Conditions for Photography

• Excellent Visibility: The clear waters of Molasses Reef provide ideal conditions for underwater photography, allowing divers to capture stunning images of both the artifacts and marine life.

7. Historical Context

• Maritime History: Divers can appreciate the historical significance of exploring a site with remnants from a shipwreck, providing a unique blend of adventure and education.

Environmental Conservation Efforts

1. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary:

• Established in 1990, covering 2,900 square nautical miles of waters surrounding the Florida Keys.
• Protects the world’s third-largest barrier reef, extensive seagrass beds, mangrove-fringed islands, and over 6,000 species of marine life.
• Utilizes a system of marine zones with specific purposes and regulations to protect different areas.
• Prohibits fishing in sanctuary preservation areas (SPAs) and ecological reserves (ERs) with some exceptions.
• Bans activities like coral collection and collection of endangered conch.

2. Mooring Buoy System:

• Over 490 mooring buoys installed throughout the Florida Keys.
• Significantly reduces anchor damage to coral reefs.
• Developed by local residents John and Judy Halas.

3. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park:

• Established in 1963 as the world’s first underwater park.
• Covers approximately 173,000 acres, including 165,000 acres of coral reef waters.
• Protects threatened and endangered species like sea turtles, crocodiles, and manatees.

4. Dry Tortugas National Park:

• Located 70 miles off Key West.
• Protects a group of seven islands composed of coral reefs and sand.
• Conserves coral reefs, estuarine habitats, and keys, as well as historic sites.

5. Coral Restoration Efforts:

• The Florida Keys region has become a world leader in coral reef restoration.
• NOAA has issued an emergency rule establishing temporary special use areas for coral restoration partners to relocate nursery corals to cooler, deeper water.

6. Public Engagement:

• The Iconic Reef Guardians program invites the public to participate in coral reef restoration efforts.
• Educational programs, citizen science initiatives, and volunteer opportunities are available through the sanctuary.

7. Sustainable Tourism:

• The sanctuary promotes a sustainable tourism approach, conserving the site for its continued use and economic importance.

Maximizing Your Diving Experience

1. Practice fundamental skills regularly:

• Focus on buoyancy control, proper breathing techniques, and finning.
• Set specific goals for each practice session.
• Get feedback from qualified instructors.
• Repeat drills to develop muscle memory.

2. Optimize your weighting:

• Reduce weight to the bare minimum needed.
• Conduct post-dive shallow weight checks.
• Reassess weighting after any gear changes.

3. Improve awareness and planning:

• Stay alert to your surroundings, buddy, and dive parameters.
• Make detailed dive plans and visualize them beforehand.
• Think ahead and anticipate next steps during dives.
• Monitor air supply closely.

4. Refine your technique:

• Don’t swim with your arms – use your legs and fins efficiently.
• Kick from your hips, not knees, for better control.
• Practice slow, deep breathing.

5. Take additional training:

• Consider courses like PADI’s Peak Performance Buoyancy.
• Look into GUE Fundamentals for a solid technical foundation.

6. Gain diverse experience:

• Dive in various conditions and environments.
• Join a local dive club to dive with experienced buddies.
• Go on dive trips to practice intensively.

7. Optimize your gear:

• Consider a backplate and wing setup.
• Ensure proper fit of all equipment.

8. Continue learning:

• Read diving books and resources.
• Be open to feedback and criticism.

Capturing Memories: Photography Tips

Basic Techniques

1. Get Close: Aim to be within 12 inches of your subject. Water absorbs color and reduces contrast, so proximity is key for vibrant shots.
2. Use Flash Wisely: Always turn on your camera flash, especially in “forced flash mode,” to add color to your images. Avoid using the flash if you’re more than 3-4 feet away from the subject.
3. Optimal Composition: Shoot at an upward angle and avoid centering your subject. Fill the frame and ensure the subject’s eyes are in focus for compelling images.
4. Control Settings: Use manual or aperture priority mode to balance natural light and flash. Set your camera to the highest resolution with the lowest ISO possible for better quality.

Advanced Techniques

5. Understand Light Behavior: Be aware of how light behaves underwater; shooting downwards may lead to underexposure, while shooting upwards can be too bright. Adjust your settings accordingly.
6. Use External Strobes: If possible, invest in an external strobe to minimize backscatter by positioning it away from your camera. This setup helps illuminate subjects without reflecting particles back into the lens.
7. Background Matters: Pay attention to your background and use diagonal compositions for more dynamic shots. Think about color combinations that enhance your subject.
8. Practice Focus Techniques: Lock focus on stationary subjects by pressing halfway down on the shutter button before adjusting composition. This technique helps with faster focusing underwater.

Preparation Tips

9. Practice Before Diving: Familiarize yourself with your camera settings in a controlled environment like a pool before heading underwater. This will help you feel more comfortable during actual dives.
10. Check Water Conditions: Always inquire about visibility and water conditions before diving, as these can significantly affect your photography experience.

Additional Considerations

11. Stay Calm Around Subjects: Approach marine life slowly and calmly to avoid scaring them away, increasing your chances of capturing great shots.
12. Experiment with Modes: Use macro mode for close-ups and switch to a wider setting for scenic shots, adjusting settings based on distance and lighting conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Key Largo Dive Sites 

• Molasses Reef
• The Winch Hole
• Eagle Ray Alley
• French Reef
• Pickles Reef
• Key Largo Dry Rocks
• Grecian Rocks
• Carysfort Reef
• Elbow Reef
• North Dry Rocks
• North North Dry Rocks
• Snapper Ledge
• Christ of the Abyss Statue
• Watsons Reef
• Sombrero Reef
• Western Dry Rocks