reef

Log This Dive

The Elbow

The Elbow is one of those spots in the Upper Keys we always recommend, especially if you’re looking to get a lot of bang for your buck on a single tank. We love it because you’ve got several distinct areas within easy swimming distance, meaning you can really tailor your dive. Drop in on the main Elbow reef, and you’ll immediately notice the historic wreck of the _City of Washington_. She’s pretty broken up now, but the structure creates fantastic shelter and hunting grounds. We often find Dusky Jawfish hovering near their burrows, and Caribbean Chestnut Morays peeking out from crevices. Further out, the reef slopes gradually. Look for the big, purple Caribbean Vase sponges; they’re spectacular. On the shallower parts, we’ve had some truly memorable encounters with schools of Striped Burrfish, often just hanging out in the gentle current. It’s a great site for photographers, too, with plenty of macro opportunities for Seaweed Blennies and Baird’s Dragonets tucked into the coral. Our advice? Go early. The boat traffic can pick up later in the day, but that morning light filtering down through the water is just magic.