How far offshore is Alligator Reef Lighthouse?

How far offshore is Alligator Reef Lighthouse?

four nautical miles
A reef teeming with more than 500 species of marine life, a pirate-hunter shipwreck, and a 144-year-old lighthouse all sit just four nautical miles offshore from Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Built in 1873, Alligator Reef Lighthouse stands guard in honor of its namesake, the USS Alligator.

Can you climb Alligator Reef Lighthouse?

Alligator Reef Lighthouse The wood and wrought iron skeletal structure is 136 feet tall and can be seen from Islamorada. Operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, it’s not open to the public for climbing, but it’s a great site for diving and snorkeling.

Where is Alligator Reef in the Florida Keys?

Alligator Reef is a coral reef located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It lies to the southeast of Upper Matecumbe Key. This reef lies within a Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA).

Can you anchor at Alligator Reef?

Anchoring on hardbottom is allowed. Except in officially marked channels, operating a vessel at more than 4 knots/no wake within 100 yards of residential shorelines, stationary vessels, or navigational aids marking reefs. Operating a vessel at more than 4 knots/no wake within 100 yards of a “divers down” flag.

Can you kayak to Alligator Reef?

Alligator Reef is a very popular place for boaters, snorkelers, and dive boat operators. Kayaking out to Alligator Light is relatively easy, just realize that it is 4 miles offshore and ALL in open water, with NO place to get out!! Prepare ahead of time by studying the marine forecast and weather patterns.

Are there sharks at Alligator Reef?

Great white shark spotted swimming on Alligator Reef off Islamorada in the Florida Keys. The large fish, which is a rare sight in Keys waters, was swimming in about 15 feet of water around the HappyCat, a charter vessel docked at Robbie’s Marina on Lower Matecumbe Key.

Can you Spearfish Alligator Reef?

Take note of the no-motor zones around these islands. Spearfishing Allowed at this reef. Alligator Reef lies 3.5 nautical miles southeast of Upper Matecumbe Key, southwest of Long Key Bridge.

How old is the Alligator Reef Lighthouse?

148c. 1873
Alligator Reef Light House/Age

Are there great white sharks in the Florida Keys?

You may have seen reports as recent as this past spring of 2019 that there were Great White shark sightings in the Keys. It’s true! They don’t inhabit the Keys often but will certainly pass through from time to time raising the alarms of locals as they are spotted by fishermen offshore.

Can you spearfish the 7 Mile Bridge?

So you can spearfish under the 7 Mile Bridge except within 100 yards of the fishing area, which is marked on the bridge with signs.

When did the swim for Alligator lighthouse start?

The Fighting Manatee Swim Club, the Masters swim club of Islamorada, accepted the challenge to present a world class open water swim event in the Florida Keys. The Fighting Manatees presented the Inaugural Swim for Alligator Lighthouse in 2013.

How big is the alligator light in Key West?

The new light has a range of approximately 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi). It is listed as number 980 in the USCG light lists. The name honors the U.S. Navy schooner Alligator, part of the U. S. Navy Anti-Piracy Squadron that had recently been established in Key West, which went aground at this location in 1822.

How did the Alligator Reef get its name?

The name honors the U.S. Navy schooner Alligator, part of the U. S. Navy Anti-Piracy Squadron that had recently been established in Key West, which went aground at this location in 1822. The Alligator was blown up after removing as much as possible from it to prevent it from being used by pirates.