Marathon & the Middle Keys · United States · Reef
Coffins Patch
Six separate patch reefs to roam inside one preservation area
Coffins Patch is a cluster of about six patch reefs off Key Colony Beach, protected as a Sanctuary Preservation Area and among the best shallow sites in the Middle Keys. The reefs bottom out around 9 m (30 ft), and the usually minimal current makes it an easy, unhurried reef dive for snorkellers and divers alike.
Also known as Coffin's Patch.
Where it is and how deep
24.6845° N, 80.9667° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The larger coral heads top out 1.5 to 3 m (5 to 10 ft) below the surface, over sand dotted with boulder and brain corals, sea fans and gorgonians. Schools of blue tangs, sergeant majors, angelfish and parrotfish swim around the coral, stingrays glide over the sand and nurse sharks rest on the bottom. There is usually minimal current, so it is easy to stay with the group and near the boat.
Marine life and season
- Stingrays
- Reef fish swarms
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Prime | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Marathon & the Middle Keys: April pairs the calmer April-October weather with the good visibility of the cooler December-April months; November-March is windier, and May-September is hurricane season.
Dive videos
Diving Coffins Patch Reef, Florida Keys · Scuba Max on YouTube
Sources
- Coffins Patch — Captain Hook's Marina and Dive Center
- Coffins Patch — ScubaGo
- Snorkeling Marathon FL — Captain Hook's Marina and Dive Center
More dive sites in Marathon & the Middle Keys
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An upright, intact mine planter with resident goliath grouper
Similar dives elsewhere
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