http://www.silentworldkeylargo.com/ is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located at 103200 Overseas Highway,, Key Largo, FL 33037. This dive site has an average rating of 5.00 out of 5 from 1 scuba divers. The maximum depth is 41-50ft/12-15m. The average visibility is 31-35ft/9-11m. This dive site provides bathrooms and airfills.
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BEST DIVE SITES IN THE KEYS Silent World dives the spectacular coral reefs offshore Key Largo. This area is called the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Three important navigational lights stand as sentinels beckoning to those who seek the adventure of the underwater world. To the north is the 112 foot tall Carysfort Light, named for a British ship that grounded there in 1770. This lighthouse, the first lighthouse constructed in the Keys, replaced a lightship in 1852 and now it is the oldest still-functioning lighthouse in the United States. Containing a complete home, work area and cistern, it was manned full-time, but the crew was sent home when it was automated in the 1930s. The Elbow Reef Light is roughly in the middle of the Sanctuary and marks a distinct bend or elbow, in the reef-line. At the southern end of the Sanctuary is Molasses Reef Light. Throughout the Sanctuary and Park are scores of fascinating and varied dives.
KEY LARGO DRY ROCKS or the
STATUE (photo) (4 - 30’) The world famous "Christ of the Abyss" Statue was donated to the Underwater Society of America by the European Underwater Society. Italian diving equipment manufacturer, Egidio Cressi (of Cressi-Sub) was one of the contributors. The solid bronze statue was placed in the park in 1965. The Christ Statue is one of the most famous of the Florida National Marine Sanctuary’s attractions. It is a 9 foot tall bronze duplicate of the Christ of the Abysses statue which stands in 50 feet of water off Genoa, Italy. The statue is easily accessible to both divers and snorkelers. It lies in an area of spectacular coral formations directly in front of the shallow reefs of Key Largo Dry Rocks.
MINNOW CAVES (15 - 25’) Coral arches and swim through tunnels are characteristics of this beautiful reef dive. During the summer season clouds of tiny silver minnows crowd these sheltered places, making this a favorite dive for underwater photographers.
MIKE’S WRECK (20 - 30’) The origin of this low profile wreck of a metal hulled ship located one hundred yards directly East of the Elbow Reef Light is unknown. Some local dive captains claim this wreck to once have been the 300 ft. steam freighter TONAWANDA, lost in 1866. The TONAWANDA was originally built in 1863, purchased by the United States Navy, immediately renamed the ARKANSAS and pressed into service blockading Confederate ports on the Gulf of Mexico. This was the first U.S. vessel named ARKANSAS, no relationship to the Confederate ironclad CSS ARKANSAS.
Click for more complete history of the TONAWANDA. The problem with claiming MIKE’S WRECK is the TONAWANDA is that the TONAWANDA was originally a wooden vessel. It is possible that this wreck is originally part of what is locally called either the "Train Wheel Wreck" or the "Tug and Barge," or possibly a completely unrelated, unknown wreck, and most probably the TONAWANDA is actually situated about a hundred yards Northeast of the tower. This smaller, unmarked, rarely dived wreck is known locally as the Civil War Wreck, which also makes sense. The Civil War Wreck has little remaining, only a framework of pipe fittings and other metallic debris about 40 feet long by fifteen feet wide, pretty much what you would expect to remain from a steam powered, wooden vessel after the wood had disintegrated. MIKE’S WRECK is now broken into two large pieces and many smaller pieces, scattered over a large area, providing a haven for a variety of sea creatures. A school of midnight parrot fish cruise the wreck along with moray eels and lobster. Newsflash Mike Barnette, Director of the Association of Underwater Explorers has identified the Wreck as the Hillary C Bell. More info to follow.
CITY OF WASHINGTON (20 - 30’) Just offshore of the Elbow reef lies the remains of the "City of Washington", a schooner lost here in 1917. This wreck is known for exceptionally clear waters and an abundance of friendly fish populations. Several friendly green morays, barracuda and grouper patrol. The scattered wreckage provides an excellent backdrop for underwater photography.
Click for more complete history. or
Click for diagram. FINGERS (10 - 30’) Southeast of the Elbow, a spur and groove formation features coral ridges topped by giant elkhorn corals. The outstretched arms of these shallow coral colonies provide habitat for schooling grunts and other tropical fish. A large school of blue tangs can usually be seen along with an awesome specimen of Elkhorn. Species normally found in the Bahamas are abundant here, making this another photographers favorite.
SOUTH LEDGES (15 - 30’) This reef area, part of the Elbow reef, is known for it’s clear water and spectacular coral. A spur and groove formation provides shelter for many large species of fish. Turtles, spotted eagle rays and sometimes tarpon are seen often.
ANCHOR CHAIN (25 - 30’) lying across the reef near the mooring ball, an abandoned anchor chain with huge links and concrete mooring block, thought to be that of the original lightship at the Elbow reef can be found here in 25 feet of water. Good visibility and unlimited fish and coral make this a favorite site among divers.
TRAIN WHEEL WRECK (or TUG AND BARGE)(20 - 30’) Another area of wreckage at the Elbow. A tug and barge went aground in the 20s, dumping train track and wheels onto the reef. Little remains of the wrecks but the wheels. Huge formations of Elkhorn coral shelter schools of Goatfish, Snappers, and Porkfish. Colorful tropical fish are plentiful.
BENWOOD (25 - 45’) The wreck of the BENWOOD, a 344’ Norwegian freighter lies north of French Reef. Near midnight on April 9, 1942, sailing with no lights because of the danger from German submarines, the Benwood was accidentally rammed by a larger American vessel, the 450 foot Robert C. Tuttle. The captain, thinking the Benwood may sink, turned toward shore and shallow water. She went aground at the stern with her bow swung out to sea. T