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Tennessee Reef

Tennessee Reef is one of those spots we always try to hit when we're in the Middle Keys. It’s not as dramatic as some of the deeper wrecks, but its shallow, sprawling coral gardens make it ideal for long, relaxed bottom times. What we love about Tennessee is the sheer number of grunts. French grunts and Spanish grunts gather in these huge, shimmering schools under ledges, their yellow fins flashing. It's a real sensory overload when you drift through them. Keep an eye out for the more unusual residents, too. We've often spotted dusky pipefish tucked into the gorgonians, and it’s a good place to find Caribbean reef squid putting on their colour-changing displays. The smooth flower coral and spiny flower coral patches are particularly healthy here, providing plenty of nooks and crannies for smaller critters. Our favourite tip for this site? Go early. Before the boat traffic picks up, the light on the corals is incredible, and the grunts are even more active. It's a proper chill dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak in the reef for an hour.