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Pacific Reef

Pacific Reef isn't the flashiest name out there, but we consistently find ourselves drawn back to this spot in the Keys. What makes it special? It’s a proper coral reef, a good example of what the Keys can still offer. The topography is classic spur-and-groove, with sand channels cutting through the coral formations, creating natural highways for everything from schooling grunts to those surprisingly bold hogfish. On a good day, visibility here can stretch to 20 metres plus, letting you really appreciate the scale. We’ve had some fantastic encounters with Caribbean chestnut morays peering out from crevices, and the blennies, especially the rosy and spotcheek, are everywhere if you take the time to look closely. The sheer number of smaller reef fish – triplefins, gobies, soapfish – makes it a great macro dive, but keep an eye on the blue; barracuda often patrol the fringes. It’s an easy dive, suitable for open water divers, typically a drift in mild currents. We often find the best light, and fewer boats, if you can get out there early.