floridakeys.noaa.gov · Official
Official NOAA sanctuary page for the Key Largo Dry Rocks-Grecian Rocks protection zone.
Carysfort Lighthouse Reef
Remote Key Largo double reef with lighthouse and coral gardens.
Scuba DivingSnorkelingBoatIntermediate
Reef
Boat-access Upper Keys reef with shallow coral near the lighthouse, a deeper offshore wall, and low visitation compared with busier Key Largo sites.
About Carysfort Lighthouse Reef
Carysfort Lighthouse Reef is the remote northernmost Mission: Iconic Reefs site off Key Largo, centered on a historic lighthouse and a double-reef system with shallow coral near the tower, a broader elkhorn shelf to the south, and deeper ridges offshore. It is a calm-day boat dive for divers and snorkelers who want big reef structure and less traffic than the headline Key Largo sites.
Safety & Access
Site Conditions
Boat trafficStrong current
Safety Notes
Treat current and weather as the main go/no-go variables, and keep a conservative buoyancy profile around the shallow lighthouse coral.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; the site is weather-dependent and usually only worth running when seas are calm enough for a long offshore trip.
Legal Notes
Carysfort sits inside a protected sanctuary and active restoration area. Use moorings, respect marked work zones, and do not anchor on coral.
Where Is Carysfort Lighthouse Reef?
Featured Operators
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Local Intel For Carysfort Lighthouse Reef
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Expect shallow coral near the lighthouse, then double-reef ridges, gullies, and a sand plateau farther out.
Snorkeling
The shallow lighthouse side works for snorkelers on calm days, while the broader reef is better for divers who want more structure and time in the water.
Wildlife at Carysfort Lighthouse Reef
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Research Estimate At Carysfort Lighthouse Reef
Access · 2/5Challenging entry effort
Research estimate
Coral · 4/5Healthy coral
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Aquatic Life · 4/5Great variety
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Facilities · 2/5Limited facilities
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Crowd / Popularity · 1/5Very quiet
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Current · 3/5Moderate current
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Surge · 2/5Light surge
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- VisibilityResearch estimate
- 15m
