Alligator Reef - Florida Keys

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.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
24.847221, -80.619720
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Alligator Reef Sanctuary Preserva Sanctuary

Best Time to Dive in Florida Keys

The warmest water temperatures in Florida Keys occur in July, averaging 31.5°C (up to 34.8°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 19.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 19.3°C (air: 18.5°C)
  • February: 20.5°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • March: 23.1°C (air: 22.4°C)
  • April: 25.5°C (air: 24.3°C)
  • May: 27.8°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • June: 30.2°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • July: 31.5°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • August: 31.5°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • September: 30.2°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • October: 27.3°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • November: 24.1°C (air: 22.3°C)
  • December: 20.9°C (air: 19.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Florida Keys

Nearest Dive Centres to Alligator Reef

Marine Life in Florida Keys

Home to 91 recorded species including 69 reef fish, 6 sharks & rays, 3 other, 3 hard corals, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Alligator Reef

Based on average water temperature of 26.0°C, currents 1 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories