Molasses Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area

Easily accessible, Molasses Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area is the most heavily visited reef in the Upper Keys for scuba diving — perhaps the most visited reef dive in the world. Molasses is famous for its clear water, many fish, and numerous boulder corals. It is a classic outer reef with a well-defined spur and groove system of coral development. At the central portion of Molasses, offshore of the Molasses Reef Light, a large ship's winch and historic Spanish anchor rest on the seafloor.

Molasses Reef is located within the boundaries of the Key Largo Existing Management Area, formerly Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary.

Molasses Reef days after a hurricane — Photo: Jack Fishman

Very high water temperatures in the summer of 2023 have caused widespread coral bleaching and mortality in the Florida Keys. Descriptions of coral cover or coral health on this page may not be accurate based on current conditions.

Special regulations apply here. Learn more about what activities are allowed in this type of zone.

A summary of all sanctuary regulations is available online. For the full text of sanctuary regulations, see 15 CFR 922 Subpart P.