Sombrero Key Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) has a spur-and-groove reef formation with stands of elkhorn coral. It is located 3.5 nautical miles seaward of Boot Key and is named for the historic Sombrero Key Light in the northern corner of this triangular SPA.
How far out is Sombrero reef? Sombrero Reef is a coral reef 8 miles offshore from Key Colony Beach. Launch your private boat from the free 33rd Street Public Boat Ramp or book a catamaran tour from Marathon. Tie your boat off on one of the 11 mooring buoys on the South side of the 142 foot Sombrero Key Lighthouse.
Consequently, Do you need a boat to snorkel Sombrero reef? Be advised that it is an open water journey for the entire trip. You can also bring your own boat or rental, or take part in a charter or a snorkeling/diving tour. With a depth ranging from 2-30 feet, Sombrero Reef is a favorite spot of saltwater divers and snorkelers of all experience levels.
Can you dive Sombrero reef? You can choose to dive or snorkel down to the reef to get an up close and personal look at one of the area’s most beautiful and unique underwater features.
FAQ
Can you fish Sombrero reef?
Fishing by any means; removing, harvesting, or possessing any marine life. Catch and release fishing by trolling is allowed in Conch Reef, Alligator Reef, Sombrero Reef, and Sand Key SPAs only.
Are you allowed to anchor at Sombrero reef? Anchoring on hardbottom is allowed. Except in officially marked channels, operating a vessel at more than 4 knots/no wake within 100 yards of residential shorelines, stationary vessels, or navigational aids marking reefs. Operating a vessel at more than 4 knots/no wake within 100 yards of a “divers down” flag.
How far out is Sombrero Lighthouse? It is a 142-foot (43 m) tall red painted tower. It has two platforms. The lower one, 15 feet (4.6 m) above the water, held water and fuel tanks, the generator (after the light was electrified), boat hoists and a workshop. The upper platform, 40 feet (12 m) above the water, held the quarters for the staff.
How do you get to Alligator Reef Lighthouse? How To Get To Alligator Reef Lighthouse. So the Alligator Reef Lighthouse is just under 5 nautical miles off the coast of Islamorada (to the east) and you can only get there by water vessel.
How do you put on a coffin patch?
To get there you take a medium length boat ride from the Marathon, Vaca Key area. The patch is about three and half miles offshore. And although they are patches, they are close enough to the barrier reef that the water is clearer, and there are more species.
What type of reef is Sombrero reef? Sombrero Reef is the third largest barrier reef in the world and this beautiful 30 acre coral reef ranges from 2–30 feet deep with thousands of tropical fish. The Sombrero Lighthouse was built before the Civil War and today still helps mariners navigate the Keys.
Where can you not fish in Florida Keys?
Fishing and Lobstering in the sanctuary is allowed except for distinctly marked marine protected areas throughout The Keys. Except for catch and release fishing by trolling in the Conch Reef, Alligator Reef, Sombrero Reef, and Sand Key SPAs, fishing by any means is prohibited within marked areas.
Where is the hump off Marathon FL? The Marathon Hump is also called the West Hump and is located about 27 miles southeast of Marathon Key FL. The Marathon Hump GPS coordinates are 24 25.528N and 80 45.328W.
How far out is the Oriskany?
Nicknamed “The Mighty O”, USS Oriskany is truly a world class dive. The massive carrier lays in 212′ of water with the top of the “island” sitting at around 84′.
What side of the channel markers do you stay on?
The memory aid of “red, right, returning” will help you interpret the channel marker correctly. Basically, red marker buoys should be on your right (starboard) as you return from open water. Conversely, green channel markers should be on your starboard side as you head out into open water.
Where can you anchor a boat in Florida? The five areas selected include the City of St. Augustine, the Florida Keys, City of Sarasota, City of St. Petersburg, and the City of Stuart. Each of these different areas set up their own approach to regulating anchoring.
What kind of reef is Sombrero reef? Sombrero Key is a coral reef in the Florida Reef. It lies to the south of Vaca Key. The reef lies within the Sombrero Key Sanctuary Preservation Area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
What key is Sombrero Beach in?
One of the best-kept beach secrets in the Florida Keys, Sombrero Beach on Marathon Key is a cozy backyard playground for islanders.
Can you snorkel at Bahia Honda State Park? The reef is teeming with ocean life and you can experience an underwater world of wonder. Depths vary from 5 feet to 70 feet making this a perfect spot for all levels of snorkeling enthusiasts. You can also enjoy near shore snorkeling right off the beach at Bahia Honda State Park.
How deep is the water at Alligator Reef?
At an average depth of 20 feet, the surrounding reef is ideal for snorkelers and divers looking to explore Florida’s Caribbean coast. There are spiny lobsters, parrotfish, barracuda, and abundant coral all in a jumbled graveyard of shipwrecks. Somewhere down there are the remains of the USS Alligator.
Where is Alligator Reef in the Florida Keys? Alligator Reef is a coral reef located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It lies to the southeast of Upper Matecumbe Key. This reef lies within a Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA).
How long is boat ride to Alligator Reef?
30 minutes ride to the reef and I was amazed with the water color and the life underwater.
What type of reef is St John Virgin Islands? Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument includes federal submerged lands within the 3-mile belt off the island of St. John. These waters support a diverse and complex system of coral reefs and other ecosystems such as shoreline mangrove forests and seagrass beds.
Where is Looe Key?
Looe Key is a coral reef located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It lies to the south of Big Pine Key. This reef is within a Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA). Part of Looe Key is designated as « Research Only, » an area which protects some of the patch reefs landward of the main reef.
