Hen and Chickens Reef near Islamorada offers a mix of shallow patch reefs, spur-and-groove formations, and the advanced wreck of The Eagle. The majority of sites suit beginners and are reached by boat. Marine life is exceptionally varied: West Indian Manatee, Green Sea Turtle, Nurse Shark, Atlantic Tarpon, and Green Moray are all observation-backed regulars. Snorkellers and divers share several sites, making it a flexible destination.
Monthly water temperature across Hen and Chickens Reef's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water stays warm throughout the year, rising to its peak through summer and easing slightly in winter, though it never drops to uncomfortable levels. Conditions are generally mild, and the summer and autumn months draw the highest diver ratings. The sites are almost exclusively boat-access, so plan around operator schedules.
13 operators
16 more sites to explore
Water temperature around Hen and Chickens Reef ranges from about 24°C in January to 30°C in August, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 30°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Hen and Chickens Reef; in the coldest months (about 24°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 28 sites in Hen and Chickens Reef (24 scuba diving sites and 9 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
The reef hosts a rich mix of observation-backed species. Nurse Shark, Great Barracuda, Atlantic Tarpon, and Green Moray are very commonly recorded, alongside Queen Angelfish, Gray Angelfish, and Green Sea Turtle. West Indian Manatee sightings are also well documented across the sites here.
The vast majority of sites are rated beginner-friendly, with many sitting at shallow depths over patch reefs and spur-and-groove structures. Sites like Rocky Top, Maze, and Hamm are good starting points. The exception is The Eagle Wreck, which reaches significant depth and is designated advanced.
All sites here are reached by boat; there are no shore-entry options in the data. A number of local operators serve the area, including Key Dives, Seamonkeys, Scuba-do, and Ocean Divers, Inc., among others. Many sites have mooring balls, so anchoring on the reef is not required.
The Eagle is a deliberately sunk vessel and stands apart as the only advanced-rated site in the area. It rests on a sandy bottom, with the shallowest sections of the superstructure accessible at a moderate depth and the hull extending considerably deeper. All other top sites are rated beginner-friendly reefs.
