Reef Dives

Molasses Reef: a coral reef system in a spur and groove form, the form most typical of reefs in the Florida Keys. A Sanctuary Preservation Area lies within this area, established to strictly protect the reef from damage due to human activity. Boulder corals abound within the sanctuary. Molasses Reef is home to myriad animal and plant species: moray eels, nurse sharks, sea turtles, goliath groupers and parrot fish to name a few. Eagle rays visit regularly. Molasses is the most heavily dove area in the keys. Dives on Molasses Reef are generally between 20 and 45 feet.

Suitable for divers at all certification levels.

French Reef: Northeast of Molasses Reef, French Reef has many caverns, gullies and swim-throughs. French Reef, like Molasses Reef has a Sanctuary Preservation Area. This is where most of the diving is done. Hourglass Cave and Christmas Tree Cave are two of the most popular sites on French Reef. Dives on French Reef are generally between 25 and 60 feet.

Suitable for divers at all certification levels.

Pickles Reef: A fairly shallow reef, Pickles got its name from the Civil War-era sinking of a boat containing pickle barrels filled with cement. Of course, the cement solidified, the barrels rotted away and we now have a rubble field strewn with cement pickle barrels. Well-formed corals, including spectacular pillar corals, and a variety of fish species make Pickles a great dive site. Dives on Pickles Reef are generally between 20 and 40 feet.

Suitable for divers at all certification levels.

Wreck Dives

Spiegel Grove: Spiegel Grove is a U.S. Navy Landing Ship Dock. At 510 in length, it is the largest accessible wreck dive in the keys. Sunk in 2002 as an artificial reef, Spiegel Grove quickly became famous throughout the world as a not-to-be-missed wreck dive. When the ship was sunk in 2002, it settled on its starboard side. In 2005, Hurricane Dennis swept through the keys and its surge righted the ship. Although Spiegel Grove sits at 130 feet, parts of the structure are at around 65 feet. There are many swim throughs, making this an accessible and fun dive.

Suitable for divers with certification beyond open water.

USCG Cutters Bibb and Duane: Both wrecks are 327 feet long and were sunk in November 1987 as artificial reefs. The Bibb settled on its starboard side while the Duane settled upright. Since they were sunk, fish have made themselves at home and corals have encrusted the ships. These are must-see dive sites as part of any diving tour of the keys. Both dives are to about 100 feet.

Suitable for divers with certification beyond open water.

Benwood: The Benwood sank on April 9, 1942. Many boats were running with lights out along the Florida coast to avoid German U-boats. The Benwood collided with another boat and was critically damaged.. The captain ran her aground off Key Largo to prevent her sinking in deep water. Christmas tree worms, black, white, orange, yellow and pink grow in abundance on the sides of the wreck. It's also one of the best spots for swimming with huge schools of fish. The stern sits at about 25 feet and the bow at about 42 feet.

Suitable for divers at all certification levels.

Guides

If you choose to book a Qdives guide, you'll be guided by a professional who knows the site well. Leave the navigation to the guide and let the guide find the best spots for your dive.

Guides are available for $30.00US per person or $100.00 per group (maximum 4 divers).

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Dive Trip Price List

(prices do not include gear or guide)

The boat leaves the dock at 8:30 and 13:00 for two two-tank dives. Tell us where you'd like to go and we'll do our best to accommodate you.