floridakeys.noaa.gov · Official
NOAA page for the Key Largo Dry Rocks-Grecian Rocks Sanctuary Preservation Area.
Dive Spot Guide•
Banana Patch Reef
Shallow, sloping Key Largo reef with Thunderball history.
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Boat-access Key Largo patch reef with a shallow coral top, sandy pockets, and a calm-day profile that suits easy reef dives and snorkel runs.
About Banana Patch Reef
Banana Patch Reef is the southern end of the Grecian Rocks reef system in Key Largo, where a long sloping ledge curves out from a shallow coral top into sandier water. It is a relaxed boat-run reef that is best on calm days, with bright coral color, patchwork habitat, and Thunderball film remnants that add a little history to the dive.
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Research Estimate At Banana Patch Reef
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 10m
AccessModerate entry effort
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
Crowd / PopularityFew visitors
CurrentLight current
SurgeLight surge
Where Is Banana Patch Reef?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Banana Patch Reef Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
3m - 12.2m
Depth Note
The top of the ledge is about 10 ft and it slopes down to about 40 ft.
Best Season
winter through spring
Typical Conditions
Shallow patch reef with a curved ledge, sandy pockets, and bright coral. Calm mornings are easiest; rougher wind and chop change the feel first.
Safety & Access At Banana Patch Reef
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Boat trafficSharp coral
Safety Notes
Keep clear of the coral ledge, maintain buoyancy over the shallow top, and choose calm conditions when possible.
Access Restrictions
Boat access is the norm; operators may skip the site when conditions are not calm enough for a comfortable reef run.
Legal Notes
Banana Patch Reef sits inside the Key Largo Dry Rocks-Grecian Rocks Sanctuary Preservation Area. Use moorings, avoid anchoring on coral, and do not touch or remove marine life.
Local Intel For Banana Patch Reef
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
The site is a relaxed open-water reef: start on the shallow top, follow the sloping ledge seaward, and keep attention on trim around the coral heads and film remnants.
Freediving
The shallow top and sandy pockets work for confident freedivers on calm days, but this remains a live reef where trim and awareness matter.
Snorkeling
A strong snorkel stop when the water is calm, with a shallow top, bright coral, and easy sand-channel scanning from the surface.
Wildlife at Banana Patch Reef
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Banana Patch Reef
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Banana Patch Reef
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility10m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
