floridakeys.noaa.gov · Official
NOAA shipwreck and artifact context.
Dive Spot Guide•
Winch Hole
Winch Hole: easy Molasses Reef boat dive with a historic winch
Shallow boat-access reef dive near Key Largo; expect clear water, coral canyons, and busy conditions on one of the Keys' most visited reefs.
About Winch Hole
Winch Hole is a beginner-friendly boat dive on Molasses Reef near Key Largo, built around a historic winch set in a shallow sand patch. The surrounding reef has coral canyons, channels, and nearby swim lines that keep the route varied without making it complicated. It is a popular, heavily visited site, so the real planning focus is boat traffic, buoyancy around coral, and choosing a calm-weather window for the clearest water.
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Research Estimate At Winch Hole
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 18m
AccessSimple entry
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesExcellent facilities
Crowd / PopularityVery crowded
CurrentNo current
SurgeFlat calm
Where Is Winch Hole?
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Community sourced coordinates.
Winch Hole Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
8m - 13m
Depth Note
The winch sits in about 25 ft / 8 m of water, with nearby reef and artifact structure reaching roughly 42 ft / 13 m.
Best Season
Year-round; late winter through spring is usually the steadiest window.
Typical Conditions
Clear outer-reef water, mild current, and a classic spur-and-groove reef; the site is busiest when the boats are running.
Safety & Access At Winch Hole
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Boat trafficSharp coralWaves
Safety Notes
Use the mooring, keep off the artifact, and watch your buoyancy around coral heads and channels. Stay aware of boat lanes and avoid contact with the reef or wreckage.
Access Restrictions
Winch Hole sits inside the Molasses Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area, where diving, snorkeling, and boating are allowed but fishing and collecting are not.
Legal Notes
Treat the site as a protected sanctuary reef and artifact location. Follow sanctuary rules and stay hands-off on coral, wreckage, and wildlife.
Local Intel For Winch Hole
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A shallow winch pit sits in the sand with adjacent coral canyons and channels, so the route works well as a relaxed reef dive for newer divers.
Freediving
Not a dedicated freedive site; the boat access and reef profile make it a better scuba and snorkel stop.
Snorkeling
The shallows are snorkel-friendly in calm weather, but the reef’s best structure sits beyond the very shallow edge and the area can get busy with boats.
Wildlife at Winch Hole
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Winch Hole
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Winch Hole
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility18m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
