Alligator Reef
Protected Area
Alligator Reef Sanctuary Preserva Sanctuary
Why dive here
With 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, seahorses and sea turtles - Alligator Reef offers some of Florida Keys's richest reef diving. Water ranges 19-32°C, warmest July, August, September.
Sultan Rock in Comino is one of those Mediterranean spots that just sticks with you. We love dropping in here, especially on a calm morning, to really soak up the atmosphere. You’re descending onto a limestone pinnacle that’s just covered in colour. It’s not the reds and yellows of the tropics, but rather the deep purples of the Devonshire cup corals and the bright greens of the killer alga that make a real statement against the rock. The whole place feels alive with small stuff. We always keep an eye out for the elliptical file-shells tucked into crevices, their iridescent mantles flickering. There are often schools of salema glinting in the light, and we’ve had some fantastic encounters with common octopus here, usually peeking out from under a ledge. We’d suggest taking your time exploring the nooks and crannies; it’s where the hooded shrimp and ornate wrasse really come into their own. It’s a comfortable dive, usually without strong currents, making it a great option if you’re looking for a relaxed exploration rather than a drift. We always find ourselves returning to Sultan Rock for that familiar, rugged beauty that's so uniquely Maltese.
Nearest Dive Centres to Alligator Reef
Dive shops near Alligator Reef
Key Dives
Deep Sea Scuba
Islamorada Dive Center
Florida Sea Base
Florida Keys Dive Center
Conch Republic Divers
Reviews for Alligator Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Alligator Reef
Alligator Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Alligator Reef, sourced from NOAA buoy & Copernicus Marine data - nearest station: 8725520 - Fort Myers, FL (28km away)
August Averages
Sea Temperature
31.52°C
89°F · Range: 27.7–35.7°C
Air Temperature
28.3°C
83°F
Current Speed
1 cm/s
Direction: W (270°)
Salinity
36.45 PSU
Wind Speed
2.2 m/s
4.3 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1015.7 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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