floridakeys.noaa.gov · Official
NOAA Pickles Reef beacon inventory page.
Dive Spot Guide•
Pickles Reef
Pickles Reef is a shallow Key Largo boat reef with easy access.
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Shallow offshore reef with coral heads, sea fans, and a relaxed boat-day profile near Key Largo.
About Pickles Reef
Pickles Reef is a shallow offshore Key Largo reef with spur-and-groove coral, sea fans, and a mix of natural and artificial structure tied to the old pickle barrel wreck. It works well for snorkelers and divers who want an easy boat day with plenty of fish and a relaxed route around the reef heads. The site is less crowded than the bigger nearby names, which adds to its easygoing feel.
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Research Estimate At Pickles Reef
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
AccessSimple entry
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
Crowd / PopularityFew visitors
CurrentLight current
SurgeLight surge
Where Is Pickles Reef?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
Pickles Reef Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
2m - 9m
Depth Note
Shallow offshore reef with a low-relief top and easy snorkel-diver access.
Best Season
Year-round, with calmer winter and spring weather often making the easiest boat days.
Typical Conditions
Shallow offshore reef with coral heads, sea fans, and a mix of natural and artificial structure.
Safety & Access At Pickles Reef
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Boat trafficSharp coral
Safety Notes
Watch your buoyancy around the coral heads and keep an eye on the boat lane on the way in and out.
Access Restrictions
Use a boat operator and follow sanctuary navigation and mooring rules offshore.
Legal Notes
The reef sits inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, so local marine-park rules apply.
Local Intel For Pickles Reef
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Shallow profile makes it an approachable reef dive.
Freediving
A workable shallow freedive site when sea conditions are calm, but the main draw is easy snorkel and scuba access.
Snorkeling
A strong snorkel reef thanks to its shallow profile and easy fish viewing.
Wildlife at Pickles Reef
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Pickles Reef
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Pickles Reef
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.
