A gorgeous reef surrounding a 19th-century iron lighthouse five miles offshore. Rated one of the best snorkel sites in the entire Keys.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
Alligator Reef sits five miles offshore from Islamorada — a screw-pile iron lighthouse built in 1873 surrounded by vibrant shallow reef in the Keys. Visibility is typically 30–50 feet. Eagle rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and an enormous variety of tropical fish. Charter a half-day snorkel boat from Islamorada — most operators include this site.
What Stands Out
- 19th-century iron screw-pile lighthouse
- 30–50ft visibility
- Eagle rays
- sea turtles and reef sharks
- Rated a top-5 Keys snorkel site
- 5 miles offshore from Islamorada — charter required