| MileMarker: | 0 |
| Location: | Lat 24 27.21 Lon 81 51.60 Rock Key:1 mile E of Sand Key; East.Dry Rocks:1/2 mile E of Rock Key |
| Markers: | Rock Key: Steel beam in back center of reef; East.Dry Rocks: Steel beam in center of reef. Anchor on western ends, where sandy bottoms prevail |
| Depth Range: | 5 to 35 feet deep |
| Skill Level req.: | |
| Risks/Warnings: | SPA area [Sanctuary Preservation Area], no fishing or lobstering allowed |
| History | |
| In the 1800s, a ship carrying tiles from Barcelona, Spain ran aground on Rock Key, spilling its cargo throughout the area. Tiles continue to be found by divers, but the wreck is virtually indistinguishable. The western end of Eastern Dry Rocks is the site of another 19th century wreck. Again, it is barely visible to the untrained eye, but it is the site of numerous recovered artifacts, and continues to yield them to the patient enthusiasts. |
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| Dive Description | |
| Rock Key is typical of the other local patch reefs, spreading out from a central rubble zone. Long cracks, some over 20 feet deep, cut through the reef. Atop the reef are several large concrete beams, together with quantities of pebble ballast. Eastern Dry Rocks in only 1/2 mile away, and is very similar to Rock Key. Large corals are SW of the marker, as is an ancient wreck. Lobster are often near the marker. |
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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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