

Best for beginner divers, 2-8m, boat entry, mild current.
Coffins Patch is a shallow reef located near Alligator Reef, offering depths between 2 and 8 metres with an average of 3 metres. This site is suitable for beginners due to its mild currents and manageable navigation. Access is by boat only, with local charter services available. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres, though it can be variable. Divers should maintain neutral buoyancy to avoid contact with sharp coral and rocks. Be aware of boat traffic when surfacing and deploy a safety marker buoy. Species recorded around this area include Great Barracuda, Nurse Shark, Green Moray, Queen Angelfish, Atlantic Tarpon, various wrasses, Hogfish, Gray Angelfish, Foureye Butterfly Fish, Caribbean Spiny Lobster, and parrotfish.
24.71220, -80.96790
A large stake protrudes from the reef, which local lore says marks the center of Coffins Patch.
Accessible only by boat; commercial tours or private boat required.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 8m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
25-29°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
60 min
Best Time
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Species recorded around this area include Great Barracuda, Nurse Shark, Green Moray, Queen Angelfish, Atlantic Tarpon, wrasses, Hogfish, Gray Angelfish, Foureye Butterfly Fish, Caribbean Spiny Lobster, and various parrotfish.
Yes, the shallow depths of 2 to 8 metres and mild currents make this an approachable site for beginner divers.
The reef depth ranges from 2 to 8 metres, with an average depth of 3 metres.
Coffins Patch is accessible by boat only; boat charters are available locally.
Yes, the shallow depth of the reef makes it suitable for snorkelling.
Hazards include boat traffic, potential for low or variable visibility, and sharp coral and rocks on the reef.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Coffins Patch in Marathon. Water temperatures range from 25°C to 29°C.
The best months to visit Coffins Patch in Marathon are April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Coffins Patch in Marathon typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Coffins Patch in Marathon typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.