Christ of the Abyss is one of Key Largo’s most recognizable scuba diving and snorkeling sites. Located at Key Largo Dry Rocks in about 25 feet of water, the famous underwater statue can be explored by scuba divers or viewed from above by snorkelers.
Surrounded by shallow coral reef and Florida Keys marine life, Christ of the Abyss is a popular stop for visitors who want to experience one of Key Largo’s most unique underwater landmarks. And once you see the 9-foot bronze statue standing beneath the surface with its hands raised toward the sky, there’s an obvious question: How did it get here?
Sail Fish Scuba is proud to be a NOAA Blue Star Dive Operator in Key Largo, promoting responsible scuba diving and snorkeling, marine conservation, and guest education throughout the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
The story of Christ of the Abyss (Il Cristo degli Abissi) began off the Italian Riviera in 1954. Envisioned by Italian diver Duilio Marcante and sculpted by Guido Galletti, the bronze statue was created as a tribute to those who lost their lives at sea.
A second casting from the same mold was placed off Grenada in 1961. The third arrived in the Florida Keys, donated by the Cressi family to the Underwater Society of America, and was installed at Key Largo Dry Rocks in 1965.
Christ of the Abyss is now one of Key Largo’s most recognizable underwater landmarks. Resting in about 25 feet of water, the statue can be explored by scuba divers and viewed from above by snorkelers, making it a popular site for Key Largo diving, snorkeling, and underwater photography
Scuba diving Key Largo Dry Rocks is about more than seeing Christ of the Abyss. The surrounding reef gives divers plenty to explore before and after visiting the statue, with coral formations, sandy channels, and the varied underwater terrain that makes Key Largo’s shallow reef diving so enjoyable.
Key Largo Dry Rocks is a shallow reef, with much of the commonly dived area around 15–25 feet deep. Christ of the Abyss rests in a sandy channel on the offshore side of the reef in less than 25 feet of water, making it accessible to both scuba divers and snorkelers.
The shallow profile of Key Largo Dry Rocks makes it a beginner-friendly dive site for Open Water divers when conditions are suitable. As with any offshore Key Largo reef, visibility, current, wind, and sea conditions can vary from day to day.
Key Largo Dry Rocks is also one of Key Largo’s best-known snorkeling sites. The shallow reef allows snorkelers to view Christ of the Abyss from the surface, making the site popular with groups that include both scuba divers and snorkelers
Key Largo Dry Rocks is a shallow coral reef surrounding the Christ of the Abyss statue. Divers and snorkelers can see a mix of elkhorn coral, star coral, brain coral, sea fans, sea rods, and other soft corals throughout the reef.
The coral habitat attracts plenty of Florida Keys marine life, including parrotfish, angelfish, barracuda, moray eels, southern stingrays, nurse sharks, sea turtles, and schools of tropical reef fish.
The reef and Christ of the Abyss are within a protected area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, so good buoyancy, careful fin placement, and a look-but-don’t-touch approach help protect the coral and marine life.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was dedicated in 1960 as the first undersea park in the United States, protecting approximately 70 nautical square miles off Key Largo.
Named for conservationist John D. Pennekamp, the park protects coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and marine life and remains an important part of Key Largo’s conservation history.
Christ of the Abyss is a great option for groups with both scuba divers and snorkelers. Because of the shallow nature of Key Largo Dry Rocks, divers can explore the statue and surrounding reef underwater while snorkelers experience the same site from the surface.
It gives mixed groups a chance to scuba dive and snorkel at the same Key Largo reef, rather than having to choose an experience that only works for one part of the group.
The shallow profile also leaves plenty of time to explore the surrounding reef, making Christ of the Abyss much more than a quick swim to the statue.
Snorkeling Christ of the Abyss in Key Largo gives you a unique view of the statue from above, looking down through the water at its raised hands and the surrounding Key Largo Dry Rocks reef.
One of the coolest things about Christ of the Abyss is seeing how the ocean has transformed the statue over time. Coral and marine growth now cover parts of its surface, creating a unique blend of art, history, and the natural reef environment — and no two visits ever look quite the same
Plenty of marine life calls the reef around Christ of the Abyss home. Barracuda are a common sight here, often cruising around the statue and surrounding coral.
A picture-perfect Key Largo dive site, the Christ of the Abyss gives divers the chance to capture an unforgettable photo alongside one of the Florida Keys’ most iconic underwater landmarks.
The Christ of the Abyss statue is one of the most iconic Key Largo scuba diving sites and a top Key Largo snorkeling destination. This world-famous underwater monument in shallow waters is a must-see for Key Largo scuba diving and snorkeling tours. Book your Key Largo dive trip with Sail Fish Scuba, where every recreational dive trip includes a professional in-water guide and complimentary underwater photography!
Surrounded by colorful reef fish and coral formations, the Christ of the Abyss has a peaceful feel, with delicate sea fans swaying gently around the reef. Its shallow depth makes it a favorite for divers and snorkelers alike.
Sail Fish Scuba is a PADI 5 Star Dive Center in Key Largo, serving divers since 2012. We offer daily recreational scuba diving trips and PADI courses with a focus on small groups and guided diving.
Our recreational dive trips include an in-water PADI dive professional and complimentary underwater photos and videos, so you can enjoy the dive while we capture the experience for you.
Whether you’re trying scuba for the first time, continuing your PADI education, or joining us for a guided dive on the reefs and wrecks of Key Largo, our crew is ready to have a great time in the water with you!
Small-Group Guided Scuba Diving Trips in Key Largo
Daily recreational dive trips with an in-water PADI guide and complimentary underwater photos and videos
Open Daily in Key Largo
PADI Courses in Key Largo
Learn to scuba dive or continue your training in a small-group setting with experienced PADI dive professionals
Hours of Operation
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Private Dive and Snorkel Charters in Key Largo
Plan a private Key Largo dive or snorkel charter to Christ of the Abyss, tailored to your group’s experience and interests
"Creating Dive Memories Since 2012"
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