| MileMarker: | 0 |
| Location: | 25 nmiles west of Key West |
| Markers: | n/a |
| Depth Range: | 5 to 120 feet deep |
| Skill Level req.: | intermediate |
| Risks/Warnings: | rip currents; distance from nearest shore. |
| History | |
| The Marquesas Keys are named for the Marquis de Cadereita, commander of the ill-fated 1622 Spanish treasure fleet that included the now-famous wrecks of the Atocha and the Santa Margarita. They are the only known atoll in the Atlantic, originating not from a volcano but rather, it is believed, from a massive meteor. |
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| Dive Description | |
| The Marquesas Keys are a series of 10 mangrove and sand islands, surrounded by shallow water and reef. The circle of islands are about 3 1/2 miles across and display little evidence of human involvement. Overnight trips to the Marquesas are common, and due to the remoteness, recommended. They are periodically used by the US Navy for bombing and strafing targets. The lagoon area is shallow and inaccessible, however the small canal-like separations between them are passable. Large coral heads are about 300 yards off the southern edge of the islands. |
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| Divesite info by: Jonathan Brinkman | |
| LOWER KEYS info (Key West - 7 Mi. bridge) |
MIDDLE KEYS info (Marathon - Layton) |
UPPER KEYS info (Islamorada - Key Largo) |
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