One of the most famous places for snorkeling and diving in the Marathon, Florida, is Sombrero Reef, which has been declared a SPA area. The 142′ Lighthouse, located in the northernmost area of the SPA region, is the source of the region`s name. This vast reef is a fine example of typical spur and reef development. In addition, it has a location that is a big favorite for anyone who goes snorkeling or diving in the Florida Keys. The arch is a large limestone structure covered in an abundance of vibrant sea sponges, stony corals and gorgonians, and snappers, grunts and neon gobies. Without a doubt, you should take a picture of the barracudas protecting the bow. Also, don`t overlook the small gobies that eliminate parasites from Florida`s largest fish at their cleaning stations. The moray eels that look at you under the lighthouse must also be captured by the camera. You may find that this is one of the most scenic snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys. The location can be a bit busy due to all the traffic, which is a drawback. It makes sense that it`s so popular considering its accessibility, excellent visibility, and various dive elements.
But don`t let traffic jams stop you from driving. If you did, you`d lose out on a fantastic snorkeling or educational experience in the Florida Keys. If you want to know more, you can follow this snorkeling guide on the Sombrero Reef. Don`t forget to bring your own diving or snorkeling equipment. Bring what you have or rent it to the charter company you`re dating if you don`t. ALL RIGHT. After snorkeling at the Sombrero Reef, we felt like we had reached the paradise of snorkeling. What a fantastic reef! The reef is a designated protected area and, as such, is strictly regulated. Fishing and lobster are strictly prohibited in the SPA area, which is marked by three yellow border buoys. The Sombrero Key Lighthouse is located in the north corner of this area. Visitors to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are welcome to dive, swim, snorkel or fish. However, there are rules and regulations in place to ensure that these activities only take place in ways – and in places – that do not harm the resources of the protected area.
The Sombrero Key Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) has a spur and grooved reef formation with elk-horn coral populations. It is a popular place with many moorings and boats. It is characterized by a large lighthouse. But unlike the Alligator Reef lighthouse, the lighthouse here is almost on land and is far too shallow for slot diving. Even in super calm conditions, the waves break on the reef around the base of the lighthouse. Now you know how to get the most out of snorkeling in the sombrero reef. People can continue their snorkeling trips after making the most of Sombrero Beach in the Middle Keys by heading to Big Pine Key or Islamorada to the south and north respectively. Curry Hammock State Park, located near Marathon, is a great place to explore nature. This reef is right on the edge of the barrier reef, and to reach it, take a boat trip from the marathon area on Vaca Key.
Sombrero Reef is the largest coral reef in the Middle Keys and is part of the Grand Florida Reef System. Located off the coast of Vaca Key, Sombrero Reef is accessible by boat from Marathon and is just five nautical miles south of Pigeon Key. Visitors are invited to moor at one of the 11 anchor buoys on the south side of the reef lighthouse to explore some of the largest groove and spur reef formations in the Florida Keys. As you explore the barrier reef, expect to see diverse marine life with different species, including rays, nurse sharks, barracuda, snappers, parrotfish, sea sponges, sea turtles, pigs, yellowtail flounder, moray eels, and groupers, as well as a large natural limestone arch of elk horn coral large enough to swim. The variety of marine animals that live in the seas of Sombrero beach is unmatched in terms of diversity! The reef area is also home to a variety of fish species, including pork, wrasse, parrotfish, angelfish, scorpion fish, traffic fire, damselfly, snapper, barracuda, blue tang and many others. Fishing and lobster fishing is absolutely prohibited as the reef is a controlled protected area. Sombrero Beach serves as a breeding ground for loggerhead turtles from April to October. Although March to September are the best months for snorkeling, we kindly ask that you respect the sheltered parts of the beach that are closed to visitors during the breeding season. The great coral reefs of our planet are precious. Like the underwater rainforests, it is full of wildlife and colorful corals. The Sombrero reef is alive. It is a place where parrotfish feed on live corals while trumpeterfish try to mix between their branches.