floridakeys.noaa.gov · Official
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary legal and reef-protection context.
Dive Spot Guide•
Christmas Tree Cave
Protected Key Largo swim-through with a star coral crown.
ScubaBoat EntryIntermediate
Cave
Boat-access reef site in the Key Largo sanctuary system, usually dived for its named swim-through and nearby reef passages rather than for big depth or drift.
About Christmas Tree Cave
Christmas Tree Cave is a Key Largo swim-through site in a protected reef area, centered on a cave-like opening crowned by a large star coral that gives the spot its name. The main attraction is the overhead feature itself, but the surrounding reef also offers several nearby ledges and swim-through options that let divers keep the dive interesting without turning it into a technical cave exercise. Nurse sharks and eagle rays are two of the most repeated wildlife highlights around the site, and the protected setting helps keep the reef topography and coral structure visually distinctive. Christmas Tree Cave is best treated as an intermediate boat dive for divers who are comfortable with overhead awareness, reef positioning, and following the guide line through short swim-through features.
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Research Estimate At Christmas Tree Cave
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
AccessChallenging entry effort
Coral HealthHealthy coral
Marine LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
Where Is Christmas Tree Cave?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
Christmas Tree Cave Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Best Season
Dived year-round, with operators choosing the site whenever local reef conditions and boat schedules suit a relaxed Key Largo reef run.
Typical Conditions
Expect classic shallow-to-mid-depth Key Largo reef structure, short swim-throughs, and a site profile focused more on reef scenery and overhead features than on current or big wall topography.
Safety & Access At Christmas Tree Cave
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Overhead environment
Safety Notes
This site includes swim-throughs; use appropriate overhead-environment precautions.
Access Restrictions
Christmas Tree Cave is normally visited by dive boat and is not a shore-entry site. Divers should also expect sanctuary-style reef rules and operator-managed mooring use.
Legal Notes
The site sits within the Florida Keys reef protection system, so no-take or no-disturbance style sanctuary rules apply to coral, marine life, and anchoring depending on the exact management area.
Local Intel For Christmas Tree Cave
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba
Features a fun swim-through, with several other swim-throughs nearby.
Christmas Tree Cave Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Christmas Tree Cave.
Current Snapshot
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Visibility Outlook
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Exposure Profile at Christmas Tree Cave
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Exposure Note
Hourly forecast data is not available yet.
Wildlife at Christmas Tree Cave
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Christmas Tree Cave
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
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Dive Spot Log Averages At Christmas Tree Cave
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
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Christmas Tree Cave Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Christmas Tree Cave Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
johnpennekamppark.com · Official
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park context for protected reef access and charter-based diving.
www.divein.com · Guide
Public Key Largo site roundup referencing Christmas Tree Cave, the star coral feature, and common nurse shark/eagle ray sightings.
www.divetheworld.com · Guide
Regional Key Largo dive guide for year-round reef access and operator-style conditions context.
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