Christ of the Abyss

Christ of the Abyss Statue

You’ll find Christ of the Abyss statue at Key Largo Dry Rocks, inside the Grecian Rocks Sanctuary Preservation Area. Shallow and approachable, but impossible to forget, the bronze statue rises from the reef with hands lifted, face turned to the sky, surrounded by fan coral—and watch out for fire coral; don’t touch the statue. Divers gather for an up-close shot, while snorkelers admire it from their vantage point. Linger a moment, and you start thinking: how on earth did this statue end up here? And then you realize—it doesn’t matter. Down here, among the coral and the fish, the Christ of the Abyss statue feels like it has always belonged.

The Story Behind the Christ of the Abyss Statue

Key Largo Christ Statue, Key Largo Christ of the Abyss Statue in Key Largo, Florida.

The story of Christ of the Abyss, also known as Il Cristo degli Abissi, begins off the Italian Riviera in August 1954. Italian diver Duilio Marcante envisioned it, sculptor Guido Galletti cast it in bronze—the statue was meant to be a tribute to those who lost their lives at sea.

Seven years later, the same mold produced a second statue. In October 1961, it was placed off St. George’s, Grenada, carrying the same memorial into Caribbean waters.

The third version, again cast from the same mold, arrived in the Florida Keys in August 1965. Set at Key Largo Dry Rocks in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, it was donated by the Cressi family to the Underwater Society of America.

Today, Key Largo’s Christ of the Abyss is one of the most iconic Florida Keys dive sites. Resting in about 25 feet of water, it’s accessible to both scuba divers and snorkelers. Divers get the closest view, but snorkelers can still see the top of the statue 8–10 feet below the surface. The statue's serene pose and historical weight make it unforgettable—a must for anyone drawn to Key Largo diving, snorkeling, or underwater photography.

Christ of the Abyss Statue

If you’re looking for a Key Largo dive site that delivers, the Christ of the Abyss statue doesn’t disappoint. Resting on a three-tiered pedestal in about 25 feet of water, this bronze figure is the centerpiece of the reef. Surrounding it, divers and snorkelers encounter soft corals, schools of tropical fish, and the occasional nurse shark, stingray, or barracuda.

The Christ of the Abyss statue in Key Largo brings together history, marine life, and underwater adventure—making it one of the must-see dive sites in the Florida Keys.

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Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Statue details: 8.5-foot bronze statue of Christ, weighing over 4,000 pounds
Replica: modeled after Il Cristo Degli Abissi in the Mediterranean sea
Site Depth: 15-40 feet
Protected area: located within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park & Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Site Level: Open Water
Location: five miles offshore from Key Largo, resting in less than 25 feet of water at Key Largo Dry Rocks.
Environmental Protection: The site is within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, where ongoing conservation efforts help preserve the coral reefs and surrounding marine life.

Christ of the Abyss Statue Snorkeling Key Largo

Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Snorkeling in Key Largo offers the chance to see one of the Florida Keys’ most iconic sights—the Christ of the Abyss statue.

Resting in about 25 feet of water at Dry Rocks, the bronze figure rises high enough that snorkelers can spot it from the surface. Clear waters and shallow reef make it easy to admire the statue and capture a view of this world-famous underwater landmark.

Don’t miss the chance to snorkel Key Largo’s famous Christ of the Abyss statue—one of the most iconic underwater landmarks in the Florida Keys.

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Marine Life at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Marine Life at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Typical fish species you might see while snorkeling or diving at Key Largo’s Christ of the Abyss statue include: parrotfish, damselfish, snappers, grunts, barracuda, angelfish, groupers, hogfish, , trumpetfish, and porcupinefish. Keep an eye out for sea turtles—green, loggerhead, hawksbill, and even the occasional leatherback or Ridley’s. Rays glide through too, from southern stingrays to spotted eagle rays.

Join Sail Fish Scuba’s guided scuba diving tours in Key Largo and snorkeling trips to the Christ of the Abyss statue.

Our guided scuba diving tours in Key Largo include complimentary underwater photography—see some of the incredible shots we’ve captured on our photo site linked below

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Christ of the Abyss Statue – Iconic Key Largo Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Site

The Christ Statue is located on the seaward side of Key Largo Dry Rocks, a distinctive reef shaped with sandy channels weaving between its coral formations. The statue rests in one of the reef’s “fingers” and is marked by a small buoy. The reef’s open center features vibrant soft corals, creating a lively environment for underwater exploration. Its shallow waters make it perfect for both snorkelers and scuba divers, providing an engaging and memorable experience for all skill levels.

Key Largo Diving- Christ of the Abyss Statue

Christ of the Abyss Statue

The Story Behind the Christ of the Abyss Statue

Christ of the Abyss Statue

Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Christ of the Abyss Statue Snorkeling Key Largo

Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Marine Life at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Marine Life at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Freediving at the Christ of the Abyss in Key Largo

Christ of the Abyss Statue – Iconic Key Largo Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Site

Your Next Dive Starts Here

Small Groups. Expert Guides. Best Key Largo Scuba Diving.

Key Largo Diving- Christ of the Abyss Statue

Christ of the Abyss Statue

The Story Behind the Christ of the Abyss Statue

Christ of the Abyss Statue

Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Christ of the Abyss Statue Snorkeling Key Largo

Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Marine Life at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Key Largo Scuba Diving at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Marine Life at Christ of the Abyss Statue

Freediving at the Christ of the Abyss in Key Largo

Christ of the Abyss Statue – Iconic Key Largo Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Site

Your Next Dive Starts Here

Small Groups. Expert Guides. Best Key Largo Scuba Diving.

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