floridakeys.noaa.gov · Official
Official NOAA sanctuary page for the Key Largo Dry Rocks-Grecian Rocks protection zone.
Dive Spot Guide•
Carysfort Lighthouse Reef
Remote Key Largo double reef with lighthouse and coral gardens.
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.
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Research Estimate At Carysfort Lighthouse Reef
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 15m
AccessChallenging entry effort
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesLimited facilities
Crowd / PopularityVery quiet
CurrentModerate current
SurgeLight surge
Where Is Carysfort Lighthouse Reef?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Carysfort Lighthouse Reef Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Best Season
summer and fall
Typical Conditions
Remote outer-reef site with calm-day boat access, shallow coral near the lighthouse, and a more open double-reef layout offshore. Weather and sea state drive the go/no-go decision.
Safety & Access At Carysfort Lighthouse Reef
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
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.
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.
Recent Logged Visits At Carysfort Lighthouse Reef
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Carysfort Lighthouse Reef
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility15m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
