Carysfort Reef is home to several iconic spots that attract divers and snorkelers alike. 

Article at a Glance

• Location: Carysfort Reef is situated off the coast of Key Largo, Florida, within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
• Diving Depths: The reef features depths ranging from 10 to 65 feet, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers.
• Visibility: Divers can typically expect visibility between 25 to 100 feet, with an average of around 50 feet, especially during the summer and fall months.
• Marine Life: The reef is home to a diverse array of marine species, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and various coral types, providing excellent opportunities for observation and photography.
• Unique Features: Carysfort Reef boasts a double reef structure, intricate coral formations, and the historic Carysfort Reef Light lighthouse.
• Conservation Efforts: Active restoration projects by organizations like the Coral Restoration Foundation aim to rehabilitate coral populations and enhance the reef’s ecological health.
• Best Time to Dive: The ideal time for diving is during calm weather in the summer and fall months, with regular dive trips typically offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Carysfort Reef Key Largo

Carysfort Reef, located east of Key Largo, Florida, is a significant coral reef within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Historically, it was a thriving ecosystem known for its abundant coral growth; however, it has experienced severe degradation, losing approximately 99% of its coral cover over the past four decades.

Geographical and Historical Context

Carysfort Reef is part of the Florida Reef tract and is named after the HMS Carysfort, which ran aground there in 1770. The reef is notorious for being one of the most hazardous areas for navigation in the Florida Keys, with numerous shipwrecks recorded throughout history. The Carysfort Reef Light, a historic lighthouse built in 1852, was crucial for maritime navigation until its decommissioning in 2015. It was notable for being the oldest functioning lighthouse of its type in the United States.

Ecological Importance and Restoration Efforts

The reef’s ecological significance has prompted conservation efforts aimed at restoration. The Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) has initiated a five-year project to replant critical reef-building corals, specifically staghorn and elkhorn corals. This initiative aims to restore the reef to conditions resembling those from 50 years ago, focusing on increasing coral density and coverage. The project includes creating accessible demonstration sites to showcase restored reef conditions before expanding restoration efforts across the reef.

Diving and Recreational Activities

Carysfort Reef is also a popular destination for divers and snorkelers due to its unique double reef configuration and diverse marine life. The depth ranges from three to seventy feet, making it suitable for various levels of diving experience. Visitors can explore vibrant coral formations and an array of marine species, enhancing both recreational opportunities and awareness of marine conservation efforts.

What Marine Life Can I Expect To See?

Coral Species

• Staghorn Coral (Acropora cervicornis): A key species being restored, known for its branching structure.
• Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata): Another critical reef-building coral that provides habitat for various marine organisms.
• Massive Star Corals: These corals create complex structures that form ridges and gullies, providing shelter for numerous species.

Fish Species

• Parrotfish: Often seen grazing on algae and playing a crucial role in maintaining coral health.
• Angelfish: Colorful residents that are common in reef environments.
• Snapper and Grouper: Various species can be spotted, often found near coral formations.

Other Marine Life

• Sea Turtles: Loggerhead and green turtles may be encountered as they forage around the reef.
• Manatees: Occasionally sighted in the area, particularly in warmer months.
• Dolphins: While not always present, dolphins can sometimes be seen in the waters surrounding the reef.

Invertebrates

• Sea Urchins and Starfish: Commonly found on the reef substrate.
• Sponges and Anemones: Various species contribute to the biodiversity of the reef ecosystem.

Diving and Snorkeling Experience

Carysfort Reef offers excellent conditions for both snorkeling and diving. The shallow waters are ideal for snorkelers, while divers can explore deeper areas with unique geological features like swim-throughs and underwater tunnels. The ongoing restoration efforts by organizations like the Coral Restoration Foundation aim to enhance coral density and biodiversity, making future visits even more rewarding.

What Do Divers Say About This Site?

Diving Experience

• Double Reef Configuration: Carysfort Reef is noted for its unusual double reef setup, which provides a rich environment for marine life and offers diverse diving experiences. The shallower areas are ideal for snorkeling, while deeper sections cater to more experienced divers.
• Visibility and Marine Life: Many divers report excellent visibility and an abundance of marine species, including colorful fish and vibrant coral formations. This makes it a popular spot for both recreational diving and underwater photography.

Conservation Efforts

• Coral Restoration: Divers are increasingly aware of the restoration projects led by organizations like the Coral Restoration Foundation. These initiatives aim to replant critical coral species, such as staghorn and elkhorn corals, which have seen significant declines over the years. Divers often express hope that these efforts will rejuvenate the reef ecosystem.

Visitor Feedback

• Positive Reviews: Many visitors on platforms like TripAdvisor praise Carysfort Reef for its beauty and the variety of activities available, including snorkeling and lobster catching. Reviews frequently highlight personal experiences of exploring the reef’s vibrant underwater landscape.
• Depth Variation: The reef’s varying depths provide options for divers of all skill levels. Some areas are shallower and accessible to beginners, while others drop down to 80 feet, offering challenges for advanced divers.

Key Information

Highlights of Diving This Site?

Diverse Marine Ecosystem

• Abundant Marine Life: Divers frequently report sightings of various species, including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins in the surrounding waters. The presence of both staghorn and elkhorn corals, which are being actively restored, enhances the biodiversity of the reef.
• Coral Structures: The reef features massive star corals and intricate underwater formations such as ridges, gullies, and swim-throughs, making for an engaging dive environment.

Varied Dive Conditions

• Depth Range: Carysfort Reef accommodates divers of all skill levels, with depths ranging from 10 to 80 feet. This allows for both shallow dives suitable for beginners and deeper dives for more experienced divers seeking challenges.
• Visibility: Many divers praise the clarity of the water at Carysfort Reef, which typically offers good visibility, enhancing the overall diving experience.

Conservation Focus

• Restoration Projects: The ongoing efforts by the Coral Restoration Foundation to replant and restore coral cover are a significant draw for divers interested in conservation. Many divers express hope that these initiatives will lead to a healthier reef ecosystem in the future.

Accessibility and Tours

• Guided Tours: Several dive operators offer guided tours to Carysfort Reef, making it accessible even to those who may not have their own equipment. These tours often include two-tank dives that explore multiple sites within the reef area.

Iconic Spots At This Site

Carysfort Reef Light

• Historic Lighthouse: The Carysfort Reef Light, built in 1852, is a significant landmark. Standing 100 feet above water, it was the oldest functioning lighthouse of its type in the U.S. until its decommissioning in 2015. The lighthouse is painted red and features an iron-pile foundation, making it a striking sight for divers exploring the area.

Coral Formations

• Diverse Coral Species: The reef is known for its vibrant coral structures, including massive star corals and stands of elkhorn and staghorn corals. These formations create intricate underwater landscapes, including ridges, gullies, and swim-through tunnels, providing excellent opportunities for exploration and photography.

Marine Life Hotspots

• Abundant Marine Species: Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins. The rich biodiversity contributes to the reef’s allure, making each dive a unique experience.

Swim-Throughs and Underwater Features

• Labyrinthine Structures: The reef features a network of underwater ridges and gullies that divers can navigate through. These natural formations not only enhance the diving experience but also serve as habitats for various marine species.

Reef Restoration Areas

• Active Conservation Projects: Parts of Carysfort Reef are designated for coral restoration efforts led by organizations like the Coral Restoration Foundation. Divers can witness firsthand the ongoing efforts to restore coral populations and contribute to the health of the reef ecosystem.

Environmental Conservation Efforts at Carysfort Reef

Carysfort Reef has been the focus of significant environmental conservation efforts due to its severe degradation over the past decades. Here are the key conservation initiatives underway:

Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) Project

The Coral Restoration Foundation has implemented a comprehensive five-year plan to restore Carysfort Reef:

• Goal: To restore staghorn and elkhorn corals to levels seen 50 years ago in terms of density and area covered.
• Approach: Creating easily accessible demonstration sites to showcase restored reef conditions before expanding efforts across the reef.
• Long-term Vision: Establishing a self-sufficient reef with spawning coral, serving as an international model for reef restoration.

Mission: Iconic Reefs

NOAA’s ambitious restoration project includes Carysfort Reef as one of seven key sites:

• Scope: Aims to restore 3 million square feet of reef area by 2040.
• Target: Achieve at least 25% coral cover, enough for self-repair.
• Strategy:
  • Site preparation by removing nuisance species and algae
  • Phased approach to coral planting
  • Focus on heat-resistant and disease-resistant coral species

Collaborative Efforts

The restoration work involves multiple partners and approaches:

• Coral Nurseries: Growing millions of corals for replanting.
• Scientific Research: Guiding decisions on coral selection and preparation.
• Technical Diving: Cleaning up dead, algae-covered reefs.
• Citizen Science: Volunteers assisting in coral planting and maintenance.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Ongoing efforts include:

• Regular Monitoring: Tracking coral health and ecosystem recovery.
• Maintenance Activities: Removing marine debris, coral predators, and competing species.
• Coral Reattachment: Securing any damaged or disconnected corals.

These conservation efforts aim to reverse the dramatic decline of Carysfort Reef, which has lost 99% of its coral cover over the last four decades. The multi-faceted approach combines active restoration with ongoing research to enhance the reef’s resilience to climate change and other environmental stressors.

Maximizing Your Diving Experience at Carysfort Reef

Plan Your Dive

• Best Time to Visit: Tuesday and Thursday afternoons offer scheduled dives to Carysfort Reef, according to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park’s dive schedule.
• Depth Range: Carysfort Reef dives are typically in the 10-30 feet range, suitable for Open Water Divers.

Dive Responsibly

• Practice Safe Buoyancy: Ensure proper weighting and move slowly to avoid damaging corals.
• Avoid Contact: Do not touch, kick, rest, or stand on coral structures.
• Minimize Sediment Disturbance: Be careful not to stir up sand with your fins, as this can smother corals.

Explore Key Features

• Carysfort Reef Light: Look for the historic 150-foot lighthouse, a significant landmark built in 1852.
• Coral Formations: Observe the diverse coral species, including restored staghorn and elkhorn corals.
• Marine Life: Keep an eye out for colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and other vibrant marine species.

Support Conservation

• Be Aware of Restoration Areas: Carysfort Reef is part of the Mission: Iconic Reefs project. Respect any marked restoration zones.
• Choose Eco-Friendly Operators: Consider booking with Blue Star recognized charters committed to conservation.

Enhance Your Experience

• Bring a Camera: Capture the underwater beauty, but remember not to touch or disturb marine life.
• Night Dives: For a unique perspective, inquire about night diving opportunities.

Capturing Memories at Carysfort Reef: Photography Tips

Preparation Before the Dive

• Choose the Right Equipment: Use a waterproof camera housing for your DSLR or mirrorless camera, or consider a compact underwater camera with manual controls. Ensure your gear is well-maintained and tested before diving.
• Lens Selection: Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing expansive coral landscapes and schools of fish, while macro lenses are perfect for close-ups of small marine life like nudibranchs and coral details.

Underwater Photography Techniques

• Use Natural Light: Take advantage of natural light by shooting during midday when the sun is high. This enhances colors and visibility. If diving deeper, consider using strobes or video lights to illuminate your subjects.
• Adjust White Balance: Set your camera’s white balance to “underwater” mode if available, or manually adjust it to compensate for the blue-green tones of the water.
• Shoot in RAW: Capture images in RAW format to allow for greater flexibility in post-processing, especially when correcting colors and exposure.

Composition Tips

• Rule of Thirds: Use the rule of thirds to create balanced compositions. Position key subjects off-center to add interest to your photos.
• Focus on Details: Capture close-up shots of coral textures and marine life. Get close to your subject while maintaining a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the ecosystem.
• Include Context: Incorporate elements like the Carysfort Reef Light or divers in the frame to provide context and scale.

Post-Dive Considerations

• Editing Your Photos: Use photo editing software to enhance colors, adjust exposure, and crop images as needed. Pay attention to color correction, especially if shooting in deeper waters where colors may appear muted.
• Share Responsibly: When sharing your photos, consider highlighting conservation efforts at Carysfort Reef. Encourage others to respect marine life and support ongoing restoration projects.

Enjoying the Experience

• Stay Relaxed: Maintain calmness while photographing; this will help you capture better images and enjoy the experience more fully.
• Plan Your Shots: Before diving, visualize the shots you want to capture based on the dive plan and known features of Carysfort Reef.

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