Carysfort Lighthouse Reef
★★★★☆
(94)
Carysfort Reef is one of the more remote reefs in the Upper Keys and is the largest Sanctuary Protected Area in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It’s 2.2 square miles and, at the shallowest area, has a large lighthouse.
Carysfort is home to some stunning Elkhorn and Star Coral formations. The sheer variety of marine life makes for incredible diving.
Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions
Top Wildlife Sightings
Most frequently spotted marine life based on dive logs
#1
Angelfish
26
Total Sightings
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
#2
Parrotfish
21
Total Sightings
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
#3
Butterfly Fish
18
Total Sightings
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
#4
Barracuda
17
Total Sightings
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
#5
Snapper
15
Total Sightings
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
#6
Spiny Lobster
12
Total Sightings
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
#7
Lionfish
10
Total Sightings
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
#8
Nurse Shark
9
Total Sightings
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
#9
Sweetlips and Grunts
9
Total Sightings
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
#10
Surgeonfish
8
Total Sightings
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
