Trip Planner:   USA  /  Florida  /  Florida Keys  /  Key Largo  /  Molasses Reef

Molasses Reef, Key Largo

4.6
#3 of 16 in Parks in Key Largo
Wildlife Area · Hidden Gem · Nature / Park
Featuring colorful marine life, Molasses Reef is one of Florida's prime diving and snorkeling locations. The depths of this elaborate reef complex range from 3 m (10 ft) to 30 m (100 ft). While smaller depths allow you to enjoy underwater views with snorkeling equipment, the deeper sections are excellent for drift diving. The long-running protection and conservation programs have kept the reef a secure ecosystem. You can see brain coral, star coral, lobsters, eels, turtles, and a wide selection of fish, including nurse sharks, and rays. You also can see remnants of ships that sunk on the ocean floor. Be sure to follow the instructions of Coast Guard officers who patrol the area, and don't interfere with the wildlife. Put Molasses Reef on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our Key Largo online travel route builder.
Create an itinerary including Molasses Reef
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Molasses Reef reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
806 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By Discover29366262393
    We got to swim in a school of beautiful, luminous purple fish in clear water over an amazing reef. Lots of fish of all sizes. Beautiful corals. We got lucky with the conditions--incredibly clear...  more »
  • By MikeH-at-LakeH
    I went snorkeling and saw more lobster than I had ever seen before. It makes me want to go back during lobster season.  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Gary Griffin
    Awesome place to go snorkeling off Key Largo, FL. Best value is to rent a boat and go exploring yourself.
  • By Dani Waggoner
    Took a glass bottom boat tour to the reef. Had a really good time
See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Key Largo

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Key Largo

©
Scuba / Snorkeling
Scuba & Snorkeling
4.5
Duration: 3h 30 min
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park ©
State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
4.2
Duration: 4 hours
Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center ©
Wildlife Area
Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
Tavernier
4.6
Duration: 1 hour
Florida Keys Flats Fishing ©
Fishing Charter / Tour
Florida Keys Flats Fishing
Tavernier
5.0
Duration: 2 hours

Side trips from Key Largo

©
Fishing Charter / Tour
Fishing Charters & Tours
Islamorada
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
Theater of the Sea ©
Swim with Dolphins
Theater of the Sea
Islamorada
4.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
Bahia Honda State Park ©
Beach
Bahia Honda State Park
Big Pine Key
4.3
Duration: 3h 30 min
Indian Key State Historic Site ©
Historic Walking Area
Indian Key State Historic Site
Islamorada
4.5
Duration: 3 hours

Hidden gems in Key Largo

Island Dolphin Care ©
Aquarium
Island Dolphin Care
4.9
Duration: 1h 30 min
Capt. Sterling's Everglades Eco-Tours ©
Nature / Wildlife Tour
Capt. Sterling's Everglades Eco-Tours
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min
Spiegel Grove ©
Reef
Spiegel Grove
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Conch Republic Divers ©
Scuba / Snorkeling
Conch Republic Divers
Tavernier
4.5
Duration: 2 hours

Wildlife in Key Largo

©
Swim with Dolphins
Swim with Dolphins
4.5
Duration: 1h 30 min
©
Fishing Charter / Tour
Fishing Charters & Tours
4.6
Duration: 4 hours
Good Karma Sportfishing ©
Fishing Charter / Tour
Good Karma Sportfishing
Tavernier
5.0
Duration: 4 hours
Forever Young Charter Company ©
Scuba / Snorkeling
Forever Young Charter Company
Tavernier
5.0
Duration: 4 hours

Adventure in Key Largo

©
Parasailing / Paragliding
Parasailing & Paragliding
4.6
Duration: 1h 30 min
©
Kayaking / Canoeing
Kayaking & Canoeing
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
Waterskiing / Jetskiiing
Waterskiing & Jetskiing
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
4.3
Duration: 2 hours

Nearby attractions in Key Largo

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Concession ©
Scuba / Snorkeling
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Concession
4.8
Duration: 4 hours
Rainbow Reef Dive Center ©
Scuba / Snorkeling
Rainbow Reef Dive Center
4.5
Duration: 2 hours
Sail Fish Scuba ©
Scuba / Snorkeling
Sail Fish Scuba
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
Dolphins Plus Bayside ©
Swim with Dolphins
Dolphins Plus Bayside
4.4
Duration: 2 hours

Featured attractions

PADDLE! The Florida Keys ©
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
PADDLE! The Florida Keys
Tavernier
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
Boat Tour
Boat Tours & Water Sports
3.7
Duration: 2 hours
The Turtle Hospital ©
Wildlife Area
The Turtle Hospital
Marathon
4.8
Duration: 1h 30 min
©
Scuba / Snorkeling
Scuba & Snorkeling
Marathon
4.1
Duration: 2 hours

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Molasses Reef by other users

14 days in Marathon BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Christina's Consignment Boutique The Turtle Hospital Shady Palm Art Gallery & Photography 14 days in Marathon BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Bahia Honda State Park Christina's Consignment Boutique The Turtle Hospital 21 days in Florida BY A USER FROM SWEDEN Key West Marathon Islamorada 25 days in Tacoma & Miami Beach BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM Tacoma Miami Beach 10 days in Southeast Florida BY A USER FROM CANADA West Palm Beach Key West Marathon 10 days in Southeast Florida BY A USER FROM CANADA West Palm Beach Key West Marathon