floridakeys.noaa.gov · Official
Sanctuary Preservation Area status and mooring-buoy context.
Dive Spot Guide•
Hen &Amp Chickens
Shallow Florida Keys patch reef with coral mounds and easy snorkeling
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Local operator required
Most visits are by local dive or snorkel operators using the moorings.
Boat-visited patch reef off Islamorada. Shallow coral heads, bright reef relief, and beginner-friendly snorkeling and scuba on calm days.
About Hen &Amp Chickens
Hen & Chickens is a shallow patch reef off Islamorada with coral mounds, bright coral heads, and plenty of sea fans. The site is easy to enjoy by snorkel or beginner scuba, with a maze-like layout of small patch reefs, boat access via mooring buoys, calm-water access on good days, and lots of reef fish moving through the shallows.
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Research Estimate At Hen &Amp Chickens
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
AccessEasy entry
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesExcellent facilities
Crowd / PopularityVery crowded
Where Is Hen &Amp Chickens?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
Hen &Amp Chickens Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
4m - 7m
Depth Note
Average depth is about 15-16 ft, with a maximum around 22-25 ft and coral mounds rising well above the sandy bottom.
Best Season
Year-round, with calm days best
Typical Conditions
Shallow protected patch reef with mooring balls, coral mounds, and calm-day snorkel and beginner-dive access.
Safety & Access At Hen &Amp Chickens
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Low visibilityRestricted access
Safety Notes
Use the moorings and follow sanctuary rules. Visibility can be mixed, so plan relaxed navigation and a conservative surface approach.
Access Restrictions
Sanctuary Preservation Area rules apply, and mooring buoys are used to protect the reef.
Legal Notes
Fishing and collecting are not allowed inside the SPA.
Local Intel For Hen &Amp Chickens
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Easy, shallow reef diving with coral mounds, sea fans, and plenty of reef fish.
Freediving
Not a freedive-specific site, but the shallow water can suit confident breath-hold practice on calm days.
Snorkeling
Strong snorkel site thanks to the shallow patch reefs and easy surface viewing.
Wildlife at Hen &Amp Chickens
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Hen &Amp Chickens
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Hen &Amp Chickens
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
No community dive data has been logged here yet. Be the first to record a dive and seed the averages.
