Banana Patch Reef

Type:

Scuba DivingSnorkeling

Entry:Unknown

Difficulty:Beginner

Tags:

Reef

About This Dive Spot

Banana Patch Reef sits at the southern end of the Grecian Rocks area and features a long, sloping ledge that curves outward, giving the site its name. The ledge starts shallow and gradually drops into deeper water. The reef is described as having healthy hard and soft corals with bright coloration. Remnants from the filming of "Thunderball" are present underwater, including some remaining scaffolding and structures.

Planning details

Reported depth and seasonality.

Reported depth

3m - 12.2m

Depth note

The top of the ledge is about 10 ft and it slopes down to about 40 ft.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Tailored notes for different activities.

Scuba

A sloping ledge dive that runs from shallow water down to roughly 40 ft, with additional interest from leftover film structures.

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Spots Near Banana Patch Reef

📍 0.7 km

Grecian Rocks

Not Set

Grecian Rocks is a sanctuary-protected reef where, at low tide, parts of the reef can break the surface. The main diving side is shallow, with a maximum depth around 30 ft. The inner area is sheltered by the reef and stays around 15 ft, making it suitable for snorkeling. The reef is described as having abundant marine life and a variety of corals, with loggerhead turtles seen year-round and eagle rays more common in summer.

📍 3.1 km

Christ Statue / Christ Of The Abyss

⚓

Christ of the Abyss is an underwater bronze statue off Key Largo, set on the seabed at about 7 m depth. Installed in 1965, it depicts a figure with arms raised toward the surface and is a well-known stop for divers. Access to the site is by boat.

📍 3.6 km

North Dry Rocks / Minnow Caves

⚓

North Dry Rocks, also known as Minnow Caves, is a reef system of coral heads located north of Key Largo Dry Rocks. The site is shallow, reaching a maximum depth of about 10 m. It is described as suitable for divers of all skill levels and snorkelers, with large numbers of angelfish and other tropical fish and typically little to no current.

📍 4.0 km

Uss Spiegel Grove

⚓

The USS Spiegel Grove is a decommissioned Thomaston-class dock landing ship that now sits upside-down as a wreck dive. It lies at around 130 ft/40 m, offering divers the chance to explore its large structure and the marine life that has settled on and around it. Access to the site is by boat.

📍 6.3 km

Mike’s Wreck (Hannah M. Bell)

Not Set

This site is the wreck of the Hannah M. Bell, long known locally as Mike’s Wreck, and is one of several wrecks in the Elbow Reef area. It’s a shallow wreck dive with depth varying across the site. It’s described as well-suited to reef divers and newer divers, offering a relaxed dive with frequent small reef fish and occasional larger visitors.

📍 6.7 km

Benwood

⚓

Benwood is the wreck of a former steam cargo ship resting in shallow water near a reef. The site lies between about 7 and 14 meters, with much of the wreck still intact and the bow and hull clearly visible. The structure attracts a variety of marine life, including reef sharks, and it is commonly chosen for night diving. It is described as suitable for divers across all experience levels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at Banana Patch Reef?

Entry at Banana Patch Reef is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving Banana Patch Reef?

Optimal conditions at Banana Patch Reef depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at Banana Patch Reef?

Depth and visibility information for Banana Patch Reef can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at Banana Patch Reef?

When diving Banana Patch Reef, respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.