Atlantic Goliath Grouper

Key Largo provides access to shallow spur-and-groove reefs, deeper wrecks, and seagrass habitats within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Molasses Reef is among the area’s best-known natural reef sites, while the Spiegel Grove, an approximately 510-foot former U.S. Navy ship intentionally sunk in 2002, forms a major artificial reef for advanced divers. Key Largo’s diving history is closely connected to marine protection: coral collection and other damaging activities prompted efforts that led to the creation of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in 1960. Today, the reefs support diverse fishes, sea turtles, sponges, corals, and other subtropical marine life, although they are also affected by disease, warming, storms, and heavy recreational use.

Fun Fact: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was established as the first undersea park in the United States and protects approximately 70 square nautical miles.