- Are There Sharks in Alligator Reef?
- Visiting Alligator Reef is a great way to get a close look at tropical marine life, but many people are unsure whether or not sharks are present. This video of a great white shark swimming near a snorkeling boat in the Florida Keys catches people off, guard. The video shows a 10 to 12-foot shark swimming around the boat, passing underneath it. Fortunately, the shark disappeared as soon as it was photographed.
If you’re looking for an exciting and adventurous way to explore the beautiful waters of Islamorada, then look no further than Alligator Reef Snorkeling Adventures!
If you’re looking for a great snorkeling spot in Islamorada, Florida, look no further than Alligator Reef Lighthouse. Alligator Reef is best known for its lionfish population.
The site is also home to the USS Alligator, which sank in 1825.
Today, you can still spot some of the ship’s ballast stones.
Other popular snorkeling spots near Islamorada include Crocker Reef and the Crocker Wall. These coral formations are spectacular, and you’ll find barrel sponges, eagle rays, and turtles among them.
It is a place where there is no land and the water is choppy and rocky. The prevailing winds, tides, and general weather conditions have a large effect on the depth of the water.
Join us on a guided snorkeling informational tour of one of the most popular reefs in the area and see for yourself why this is such a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike.
We’ll provide all of the information you need, so all you have to bring is your sense of adventure!
Why is it called Alligator Reef?
The Alligator Reef is located in Florida. This reef was named after the U.S. Navy schooner “Alligator,” which was part of the U.S. Navy’s Anti-Piracy Squadron stationed in Key West.
It was blown up and stripped of its useful items to prevent pirates from reusing it.
Because it is so jagged, many boats have sunk here. But despite the dangers, this area is a diving paradise!
The first day marker at Alligator Reef was placed in 1852 by Lieutenant James Totten, a U.S. Army Coast Survey officer.
It featured a black barrel topped with a white hoop-iron cylinder. A red vane displaying the letter “C” was later installed.
It is now known as “The Alligator Reef” and forms an important turning point for ships that pass through Florida Pass.
While visiting Alligator Reef, you will likely spot dolphins. You may even see a nurse shark, which can grow up to 14 feet long. Green sea turtles are another common sight in the area.
These turtles live in a coral reef environment, and their only predators are humans.
A rare encounter with a Hammerhead shark can also be expected. An eagle ray can be found feeding on plankton and crustaceans.
How Deep is the Water at Alligator Reef?
The water at Alligator Reef is 8 to 40 feet deep.
Mooring buoys help guide divers. You may even find a giant alligator’s body buried in the water. Despite its name, this reef is perfect for snorkeling and diving.
In fact, it is home to nearly 100 different species of fish. It’s also home to the ruins of the USS Alligator, which was wrecked here more than 30 years ago.
The reef is known for the presence of hammerhead sharks. Galen saw one while snorkeling at Alligator Reef. The Hammerhead was about eleven feet long. It moved closer to him and then passed under him.
Galen captured it quickly and took a photo of it. However, the hammerhead shark disappeared soon after. So, the question is: how deep is the water at Alligator Reef?
A good guide will also include a map of Islamorada’s snorkeling area. The map will indicate where the lighthouse is located. The lighthouse is a landmark north of the reef.
The reef is a short boat ride from Indian Key, an offshore island near the Lower Matecumbe Keys. If you have a boat, this is the best way to get there. If you are a beginner, you should know that the water at Alligator Reef is not very deep.
Alligator Reef Lighthouse
One of Islamorada’s best snorkeling and diving locations is Alligator Reef Lighthouse, located just four nautical miles away from Indian Key.
Named after a ship that ran aground in the early 1800s, the Alligator Reef Lighthouse was constructed to warn incoming sailors of the dangerous reef below.
The lighthouse itself is an underwater attraction, providing shade and excellent visibility.
More than 500 species of marine life call this shallow reef home.
The Alligator Reef Lighthouse, located four miles offshore from Islamorada, is home to more than 500 species of marine life.
The lighthouse itself is 136 feet tall and is an ideal snorkeling destination. It’s the site of the wreck of the USS Alligator, which ran aground in the Caribbean in 1822.
The USS Alligator was only a year old when it sank.
While you’re at Alligator Reef, be sure to bring a camera. The lighthouse is surrounded by sea fans and sponges.
While these creatures don’t grow in large numbers, the water is crystal clear.
Galen spotted a Hammerhead Shark while snorkeling.
The fish was about 11 feet long and quickly disappeared. It was amazing to see such a magnificent specimen of the animal kingdom!
While visiting Islamorada, make sure you have a scuba tank with your dive equipment and take note of any dangerous animals that you might encounter.
Many of the coral reefs in Islamorada are home to a variety of marine animals, including stingrays, dolphins, and nurse sharks. However, this type of snorkeling is not for everyone.
While the ocean in Islamorada is rough, the reefs here are ideal for those who are confident in their swimming ability.
Hammerhead Sharks
For snorkeling in the Keys, a visit to Alligator Reef is a must! This barrier reef is home to thousands of tropical fish and an old lighthouse tower that marks the reef’s edge.
The shallow reef offers excellent visibility and the tower attracts sharks, including hammerheads.
This is an excellent snorkeling spot for the whole family, with something for everyone!
The ledge is 320 yards long, separated by a sandy area, rubble, and octocoral. There are many varieties of tropical fish and pelagic species here, including great hammerheads.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned snorkeler, you’ll be able to enjoy the reef’s diverse flora and fauna.
After seeing the hammerhead shark, Galen was so impressed with its speed that he was surprised to see one of the animals swimming near his boat.
The boat captain confirmed that this was the first Hammerhead shark the boat had seen in five years. This makes Islamorada Florida snorkeling a unique experience!
You will never forget it! This amazing experience is a must for any Florida vacation!
You can choose between a reef dive that is just a few feet deep or an even deeper dive that’s up to 90 feet.
The best time to dive here is during the fall or winter months when the water is cool enough to see sharks.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll also get to snorkel with Hammerhead Sharks!
There are plenty of other great snorkeling destinations in Islamorada, so be sure to visit these spots when you’re in the area!
Read More: Swim With Sharks at Theater of the Sea Florida
Be Sure to Use Flotation Vests
A good floating vest is essential for all snorkelers.
This small, round-oval air chamber can help you stay afloat by saving your energy.
You can secure the vest with straps that go both vertically and horizontally. Adjustable straps are important to keep it in place and to avoid the vest riding up.
Some manufacturers include a pocket in the vest for easy storage of valuables or small items. The vest closes with a zipper and is made of neoprene or mesh.
Wearing a snorkel vest has many benefits.
They make your trip safer and easier.
They are also much more flattering than traditional swimsuits, which makes them an essential snorkeling accessory. Choose one that fits you properly.
You can even buy a snorkeling vest for kids. Remember to choose a vest that fits the age of your child. They’ll thank you later. They also make you look smarter.
The purpose of a flotation vest is to increase the wearer’s buoyancy in the water. Flotation vests are similar to life jackets, but they serve different purposes.
Life jackets help keep people upright in the event of an accident, while snorkeling helps keep your head above water. An inflatable vest will also increase your buoyancy, which is crucial for your safety.
It will keep you afloat and prevent you from drowning.
It’s also important to remember that alligators are cold-blooded creatures and can’t regulate their body temperature.
They prefer warm water to keep warm, so it’s a good idea to wear a flotation vest. It’s best to be safe than sorry if you’re not properly protected.
Diving Operator Group Tour Participants
Islamorada’s Alligator Reef is a great snorkeling location that offers a history of its own. Set against the backdrop of the historic Alligator Reef Lighthouse, the location is just four nautical miles east of Indian Key.
While snorkeling or diving at Alligator Reef, visitors can enjoy the rich marine life, and explore the wreckage of a pirate ship.
The site features healthy hard corals and interesting underwater topography.
Another great snorkeling site is the Alligator Reef Lighthouse, which is easily accessible and boasts a tall lighthouse structure.
Whether you’re snorkeling on the top or bottom of the lighthouse, the site offers shade and water conditions that are just right for a beginner.
If you’re not a certified diver, you can still enjoy Islamorada’s beautiful waters by scuba diving at Alligator Reef Lighthouse.
Depending on the size of your group, you can choose to dive in a group or enjoy a private experience. A group tour is best for six to twelve people, but you can choose smaller groups for smaller tours.
There are also plenty of dive operations in Islamorada that offer private snorkeling tours that can accommodate a smaller number of passengers.
The Florida Keys also feature the only living barrier reef in the continental United States. The Florida Keys is a fantastic underwater paradise, brimming with exotic fish, coral, and shipwrecks.
You can also spend the night in Islamorada at the Theater of the Sea, a fascinating museum that features marine life, a lagoon-side beach, and a 7-500 square foot oceanfront museum.
For a unique experience, don’t miss the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center. This museum has information about the history and culture of the area.
Hotels Near Alligator Reef
Lime Tree Bay Resort
Mile Marker 68, 5, Layton, FL 33001 • (800) 723-4519
Check Availability
Breezy Palms Resort
80015 US-1, Islamorada, FL 33036 • (305) 664-2361
Check Availability
84959 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036 • (305) 664-4863
Check Availability
In Conclusion
Alligator Reef is the best snorkeling location in Islamorada. It has thousands of fish congregating in its shadow, while hard and soft corals cover the reef.
It’s beautiful and I would definitely not mind visiting it sometime. As a Floridian, I have seen my fair share of different beaches.
But the beach at Alligator Reef is one that I have not seen until now.
Though it is off the coast of Florida, seeing a rainbow on the beach was something I had never encountered before.
So, as fun as a rainbow on the ocean itself sounds, Alligator Reef Beach in Florida has set a new precedent for me.
The reef sticking out of the water creates beautiful scenery for you to view before you enter the water.
If you are looking for a good snorkeling spot in Islamorada, Florida, Alligator Reef is an excellent place to go.
This coral reef is only 5 miles off the coast of Islamorada and is home to an old lighthouse that served as a pirate deterrent.
It is one of the best snorkel dive spots in the Florida Keys, but there are better spots nearby.
Before you go, check the regulations for visiting Alligator Reef. If you are snorkeling, you’ll want to make sure you wear a mask.
It is also very important to remember to swim carefully because the coral heads and rusty lighthouse are quite dangerous. It is recommended that you bring a mask and water shoes when visiting Alligator Reef.
You can also book a snorkeling tour in advance to enjoy all the unique wildlife and scenery.
You will also find big creatures lurking in its horseshoe-shaped gully.
Some over 500 species of fish have been recorded in the area.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced snorkeler, this is a must-see when snorkeling in Islamorada!
