Molasses Reef
Protected Area
Molasses 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 - Molasses Reef offers some of Florida Keys's richest reef diving. Water ranges 19-32°C, warmest July, August, September.
Molasses Reef. You hear the name a lot, and for good reason. It’s one of those spots in the Keys that consistently delivers, a solid pick whether you’re shaking off dive rust or just want a reliably good day underwater. We love the variety here; it’s not just one big reef, but a collection of distinct spur-and-groove formations, each with its own character. Drop in near the ‘Winch Hole’ mooring, and you’ll often find schools of jacks circling, their silver flashes catching the light. We’ve spent whole dives just watching a single Lancer Stargazer buried in the sand, eyes peeking out, or trying to spot a shy Key Worm Eel tucked into a crevice. The reef itself feels alive, with angelfish weaving through the corals and sergeant majors darting everywhere. Visibility can be a real treat, often pushing 25 meters, especially on an incoming tide. Our favourite spot is usually around the shallower ledges, where the light plays beautifully off the coral heads and you’re more likely to catch a glimpse of a tiny Colon Goby. It’s a busy reef, yes, but for good reason – it’s just plain good diving. It suits anyone looking for a classic Florida Keys reef experience, full of fish and healthy corals.
Typical Molasses Reef Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Nearest Dive Centres to Molasses Reef
Dive shops near Molasses Reef
Rainbow Reef Dive Center (Boat Docks)
Sundiver Boat Dock
Rainbow Reef Dive Center (Boat Docks)
Dive In Watersports
Scuba-Fun
Rainbow Reef Retail Store
Reviews for Molasses Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Molasses Reef
Molasses Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Molasses Reef, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: 8725520 - Fort Myers, FL (28km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
27°C
81°F · Range: 20.9–31.1°C
Air Temperature
26°C
79°F
Current Speed
0 cm/s
Direction: S (180°)
Salinity
35.98 PSU
Wind Speed
2.7 m/s
5.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1014.5 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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