Pickles Reef stands out for its vibrant marine life, stunning coral formations, and accessible diving conditions, making it a highly recommended site in the Florida Keys.

Article at a Glance

• Location: Situated southeast of Key Largo, Florida, within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
• Depth Range: Dives typically range from 6 to 30 feet, with most areas between 15 and 25 feet, making it accessible for all skill levels.
• Marine Life: Home to diverse species, including tropical fish (parrotfish, angelfish), larger species (nurse sharks, sea turtles), and various invertebrates (lobsters, conchs).
• Key Features: Notable spots include the Pickle Barrel Wreck, vibrant coral gardens, and ledges filled with marine life.
• Visibility: Generally good to excellent visibility, typically ranging from 15 to over 60 feet, depending on weather conditions.
• Conservation Efforts: Active restoration initiatives by organizations like the Coral Restoration Foundation aim to enhance coral health and biodiversity.
• Suitability: Ideal for beginners due to calm conditions and shallow depths, while still offering engaging experiences for advanced divers through exploration and photography opportunities.

Pickles Reef Key Largo

Pickles Reef is a notable coral reef located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, specifically southeast of Key Largo. 

Overview

• Location: Approximately 5.7 nautical miles east-southeast of Key Largo.
• Depth: Ranges from 6 to 30 feet, making it accessible for both snorkelers and divers.
• Rating: Generally well-rated, with an average rating of 4.6 based on visitor reviews.

Historical Significance

The reef is named after the Pickle Barrel wreck, which is associated with concrete barrels that were allegedly sunk during the Civil War. However, analysis has shown that these barrels were made from Portland cement produced between 1890 and 1923.Archaeological findings indicate the presence of an iron or steel-hulled vessel wreck, though the specific identity of the ship remains unknown.

Marine Life

Pickles Reef is characterized by:

• Coral Types: Includes mustard hill coral (Porites astreoides), encrusting fire coral (Millepora alcicornis), and various soft corals like sea fans and sea plumes.
• Fish Species: A rich diversity of fish and invertebrates can be found, including juvenile tropical fish, conchs, and occasional lobsters.

Diving and Snorkeling

The reef is popular among divers and snorkelers due to its vibrant underwater landscape. Visitors can expect to see:

• Well-formed corals and large patches of sea fans.
• Numerous ledges and crevices that attract a variety of marine life.

Nearby attractions include Molasses Reef and the wrecks of Duane and Bibb, enhancing the area’s appeal for underwater exploration.

What Marine Life Can I Expect To See?

Common Marine Species

• Fish:
  • Schooling Fish: Grunts, Snappers, Goatfish, and Sergeant Majors are commonly found swimming in schools.
  • Juvenile Fish: Various tropical fish species dart around the reef.
  • Predatory Fish: Look for Blue Chromis and Spotted Drums hiding under ledges, along with Moray Eels.
• Corals:
  • Mustard Hill Coral (Porites astreoides): A dominant coral species in the area.
  • Encrusting Fire Coral (Millepora alcicornis): Commonly seen throughout the reef.
  • Soft Corals: Includes purple sea fans and sea plumes that add to the reef’s beauty.
• Invertebrates:
  • Lobsters: Occasionally spotted among the crevices.
  • Conchs: Queen conchs are prevalent in the sandy areas.
• Sponge Varieties: Different types of sponges contribute to the biodiversity of the reef.

Unique Features

• The reef is characterized by spur and groove formations with high relief ledges, providing various habitats for marine life.
• The presence of concrete cylinders from a historical shipwreck adds an interesting element to the underwater landscape, now encrusted with marine life.

Diving Conditions

• Depth Range: The reef has depths ranging from about 6 to 30 feet, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers.
• Visibility: Generally good visibility allows for excellent photography opportunities, especially for capturing juvenile fish and smaller creatures like nudibranchs.

What Do Divers Say About This Site?

Diving Experience

• Marine Diversity: Divers appreciate the kaleidoscope of colorful fish, including parrotfish and angelfish, along with opportunities to see larger species like nurse sharks and sea turtles. The reef’s healthy coral ecosystem supports a rich biodiversity, making it visually captivating underwater.
• Accessibility: The site is suitable for both novice and experienced divers, with depths ranging from 6 to 30 feet. This makes it an ideal location for beginners to gain experience while still offering enough depth for more seasoned divers to explore.
• Photographic Opportunities: Many divers mention that Pickles Reef is excellent for underwater photography. The presence of juvenile fish, nudibranchs, and well-formed coral structures provides ample subjects for capturing stunning images.

Site Features

• Historical Significance: The reef is home to remnants of a Civil War-era wreck, including concrete cylinders that were once filled with cement. These artifacts are now encrusted with marine life, adding an interesting historical aspect to dives.
• Less Crowded: Some divers note that Pickles Reef is less frequented than other nearby sites like Molasses Reef, resulting in more abundant fish life and a quieter diving experience.

Overall Ratings

• Average ratings from various sources range from 3.75 to 4.1, indicating a generally favorable reception among divers and snorkelers who visit the site.

Key Information

Category	Details
Location	Southeast of Key Largo, Florida Keys
Depth Range	6 to 30 feet
Marine Life	– Tropical fish (parrotfish, angelfish)
	– Larger species (nurse sharks, sea turtles)
	– Invertebrates (lobsters, conchs)
Key Features	– Pickle Barrel Wreck
	– Coral Gardens
	– Ledges and Crevices
Best Time to Dive	Morning or late afternoon for optimal light
Photography Tips	– Get close to subjects
	– Use natural light or strobes
	– Experiment with angles and perspectives
Conservation Efforts	– Coral restoration by Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF)
	– Monitoring and research by NOAA
Accessibility	Suitable for both novice and experienced divers
Nearby Attractions	– Molasses Reef
	– Duane and Bibb wrecks

Highlights of Diving This Site?

Vibrant Marine Ecosystem

• Colorful Fish: Divers frequently encounter a variety of reef fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, grunts, and snappers. The abundance of juvenile fish adds to the lively underwater scene.
• Larger Species: There are opportunities to see larger marine life such as nurse sharks and sea turtles, which enhance the excitement of diving at this site.

Coral Formations

• Diverse Coral Types: The reef features a mix of hard and soft corals, creating a visually captivating environment. Notable formations include large pillar corals that can reach heights of 10 feet.
• Unique Structures: The site is known for its historical significance, with remnants of Civil War-era concrete barrels now serving as artificial reefs, covered in vibrant marine life.

Diving Conditions

• Depth Range: The depths at Pickles Reef range from 6 to 30 feet, making it accessible for divers of all skill levels. This shallow depth allows for extended bottom time and is ideal for snorkeling as well.
• Visibility: Generally good visibility enhances the diving experience, allowing divers to fully appreciate the colorful coral gardens and diverse marine life.

Photographic Opportunities

• Ideal for Photography: The rich biodiversity and stunning coral formations make Pickles Reef a favorite spot for underwater photographers. Many divers recommend bringing a camera to capture the vibrant scenes.

Less Crowded Experience

• Quieter Diving: Compared to other popular dive sites in the area, Pickles Reef tends to be less crowded. This results in more abundant fish life and a more serene diving experience.

Iconic Spots At This Site

Pickle Barrel Wreck

• Description: The most famous site at Pickles Reef, the Pickle Barrel Wreck consists of barrel-shaped boulders that are remnants from a Civil War-era shipwreck. These concrete barrels were used to transport supplies to Fort Jefferson and now form an artificial reef.
• Depth: Located in about 15 feet of water, making it accessible for beginners and snorkelers.
• Marine Life: Divers can find Moray Eels, Soapfish, and Florida Spiny Lobsters among the ledges and coral formations surrounding the wreck.

2. Pickles Main

• Description: This central area of Pickles Reef features spur and groove coral formations with high relief ledges. It’s an excellent spot for observing schooling fish.
• Depth: Ranges from 15 to 25 feet.
• Marine Life: Expect to see Grunts, Snappers, Goatfish, and Blue Chromis hiding under the ledges.

3. Coral Gardens

• Description: The reef is adorned with large patches of soft corals, particularly sea fans, which create a stunning underwater landscape.
• Marine Life: This area is ideal for spotting juvenile fish and smaller creatures like nudibranchs, making it a favorite among underwater photographers.

4. Snapper Ledge (Nearby)

• Description: Although not part of Pickles Reef itself, Snapper Ledge is located nearby and is known for its large schools of snappers. The rocky ledge is overgrown with corals, providing shelter for various fish species.
• Marine Life: Divers can experience schools of snappers swimming freely around the ledge, adding to the overall excitement of diving in the area.

Environmental Conservation Efforts

Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) Activities

• Large-Scale Planting: CRF has planted over 43,000 pieces of coral on Pickles Reef in the last decade2. This extensive restoration effort aims to revive the reef’s ecosystem and biodiversity.
• Coral Nurseries: CRF maintains coral nurseries where they grow fragments of coral to be later transplanted onto the reef. These nurseries serve as a source of healthy coral for restoration efforts.
• Regular Monitoring: The organization conducts ongoing monitoring of planted corals to assess their health and survival rates.

Challenges and Adaptations

• Heat-Induced Bleaching: Recent extreme heat waves have caused significant bleaching and mortality among both natural and transplanted corals2. This has highlighted the need for more resilient restoration strategies.
• Research on Heat-Tolerant Corals: In response to bleaching events, there’s an increased focus on identifying and cultivating coral species that can better withstand higher water temperatures.

Educational and Volunteer Programs

• Coral Restoration Dives: Organizations like Island Venture offer coral restoration dive programs, allowing certified divers to participate in hands-on conservation work.
• Public Awareness: These programs also serve to educate participants about the importance of coral reefs and the challenges they face.

Government and Institutional Support

• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Pickles Reef is part of this protected area, which provides a framework for conservation and management.
• NOAA Involvement: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is involved in monitoring and research efforts in the area.

Ongoing Challenges

• Climate Change: Rising ocean temperatures and acidification continue to pose significant threats to the reef’s health.
• Balancing Tourism and Conservation: Efforts are being made to manage human impact while still allowing for sustainable tourism and diving activities.

Maximizing Your Diving Experience

Plan Your Dive

• Depth Range: The reef ranges from 6 to 30 feet deep, allowing for extended bottom time. Plan your dive profile accordingly to make the most of this shallow site.
• Dive Time: With the shallow depth, you can enjoy longer dives. Consider doing multiple dives to fully explore different areas of the reef.

Explore Key Features

• Pickle Barrel Wreck: Don’t miss the iconic concrete barrels from the Civil War era shipwreck, located in about 15 feet of water. These are now covered with large pillar corals.
• Coral Gardens: Spend time exploring the well-formed coral formations, especially the large patches of sea fans that dot the underwater landscape.
• Ledges and Crevices: Investigate the numerous ledges and crevasses, which attract a variety of juvenile and tropical fish species.

Marine Life Spotting

• Fish Species: Look for schools of grunts, snappers, goatfish, and sergeant majors. Check under ledges for blue chromis and spotted drums.
• Larger Marine Life: Keep an eye out for nurse sharks, sea turtles, and moray eels.
• Invertebrates: Search for queen conchs in sandy areas and Florida spiny lobsters hiding in crevices.

Photography Opportunities

• Macro Subjects: Pickles Reef is great for photographing juvenile fish and smaller creatures like nudibranchs. Bring appropriate macro lenses if possible.
• Wide-Angle Shots: Capture the expansive coral gardens and large pillar corals, some of which can reach heights of 10 feet.

Timing Your Visit

• Less Crowded Experience: Pickles Reef is often less busy than other nearby sites, so you might enjoy a more serene diving experience with abundant fish life.

Additional Tips

• Snorkeling Option: With its shallow depth, Pickles Reef is also excellent for snorkeling if you want to mix up your water activities.
• Nearby Sites: Consider combining your visit with dives at nearby locations like Molasses Reef or the Duane and Bibb wrecks for a varied diving experience.

Capturing Memories at Pickle Reef: Photography Tips

Get Close to Your Subject

• Minimize Water Between You and the Subject: Water absorbs colors and reduces clarity, so aim to be within 1 meter (3 feet) of your subject. The closer you are, the better the colors and details will appear in your photos.

2. Utilize Natural Light

• Timing Matters: Dive during times when sunlight penetrates the water effectively, usually in the morning or late afternoon. Use the sun as your primary light source to enhance colors.
• Manual White Balance: Adjust your camera settings to compensate for the loss of red light underwater, which helps bring out vibrant coral colors and marine life.

3. Use Artificial Lighting

• Underwater Strobes: If you have them, use external strobes to illuminate your subjects. This will help restore the colors lost in the water and reduce backscatter.
• Positioning: Aim your strobes at an angle to avoid backscatter and ensure even lighting on your subject.

4. Composition Techniques

• Angles and Perspectives: Experiment with different angles—try shooting from below or above your subject to add depth and interest. Horizontal and vertical orientations can change the impact of your images.
• Focus on Focal Points: Ensure there’s a clear focal point in your composition. Getting low and shooting up can create dramatic silhouettes against the backdrop of the reef.

5. Patience is Key

• Wait for the Right Moment: Underwater subjects are often moving. Position yourself and wait for fish or other creatures to come into frame rather than chasing them, which can scare them away.
• Control Your Buoyancy: Good buoyancy control helps you avoid stirring up sand, which can lead to backscatter in your photos. Practice managing your buoyancy before diving with a camera.

6. Post-Processing

• Editing Software: Use tools like Photoshop or Lightroom to enhance your images after capturing them. Adjusting contrast, brightness, and color balance can significantly improve your final photos.
• Crop for Impact: Don’t hesitate to crop your images to focus on your subject better or improve composition.

7. Familiarize Yourself with Your Equipment

• Practice Before Diving: Get comfortable with your underwater camera setup on land so that you can quickly adjust settings while diving without fumbling.

Frequently Asked Questions

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