reef

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Dry Rocks

Dry Rocks is one of those spots in the Upper Keys that just delivers, especially if you catch it on a calm morning. We’ve always been partial to the shallow, sprawling coral formations here; it’s not about sheer depth but the sheer density of life. You'll often find yourself drifting over extensive beds of massive starlet coral, perfect for taking your time and really looking close. Keep an eye out for the blennies and gobies darting around the sandy patches and coral heads. We’ve had some fantastic encounters with Atlantic Spanish mackerel shooting through schools of ballyhoo here, and the great barracuda always seem to be lurking, observing with that typical stoic gaze. It’s a photographer’s dream in the shallows, particularly when the sun hits just right and illuminates the fire coral and the myriad little puffers and porgies grazing on the reef. Our favourite time to dive Dry Rocks is early, before the boat traffic picks up, when the light is soft and the reef feels like it’s just waking up.