The most famous dive site within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Data & Description
Rating¹:
Difficulty²:
Maximum depth:
8 meters
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Weather:
Description dive spot:
Probably the most famous dive site within the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on the Florida Keys at Key Largo. Surrounded by large coral reefs there is the famous Jesus statue on the ocean floor. It is the third casting of a statue. The first is located in front of Genoa (Italy), the second in the port of St. George (Grenada) commemorates the hospitality of the citizens of Grenada after the sinking of the Bianca C. The third was finally erected here in 1966. The bronze statue is 2.70 meters high, weighs 1.8 tons and stands on a pedestal at a depth of 8 meters.
Directly opposite the statue is a huge star coral. Coral and reef blocks surround the square on all sides. The dive site is an ideal place for less experienced divers: it is sheltered and shallow. Even snorkelers come here. The sea creatures are used to visitors, especially since the fish were fed in the past. Barracudas accustomed to humans are looking for goodies. You can also see Bermuda sea chubs and stingrays on sandy spots. There are a number of cleaning crews around the statue who can give fascinating impressions of the local fish life, especially if the diver is patient and ready to spend some time with a cleaning crew.
Beware at low tide, especially if traveling by boat. The corals are just below the water surface. Also for snorkelers it can be too close.
Contributed by:
Martin Sebald
Last content update:
2007/02/27
¹ Dive site rating: The rating is a five star rating ("poor" to "outstanding") and based on the dive site itself and on the comparison of all dive sites in the area. It also reflects the personal opinion and preference of the contributor.
² Dive site difficulty: The difficulty rating is a five star rating ("beginner" to "technical diver") and based on the personal opinion of the contributor and maybe also on the experience the contributor had when diving this site. We take absolutly no responsibility for diving accidents or anything else. Please always be a safe diver and dive your level of experience and please also be aware of local laws and regulations there might be.
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