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.
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
The Christ of the Abyss is one of the Florida Keys’ most recognizable underwater landmarks. Surrounded by shallow reef, it’s a perfect spot for snorkeling and an accessible, beginner-friendly dive site for divers.
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.
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!
Parrotfish are some of the most colorful fish we see here in the Florida Keys. Did you know? Their fused, beak-like teeth help scrape algae from coral and rocky surfaces—and that feeding helps produce some of the fine sand found around tropical reefs.
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.
Spotted eagle rays are a favorite summertime sighting around Christ of the Abyss and the surrounding Key Largo reefs. These graceful rays are easy to recognize by their dark backs covered in white spots and their long, whip-like tails.
Fun Fact: Spotted eagle rays use their flattened, plate-like teeth to crush hard-shelled prey such as clams, oysters, and other mollusks hidden in the sand.
A popular Key Largo dive site request, the Christ of the Abyss is pictured here with a scuba diver ready for their close-up during a guided Key Largo scuba diving tour. Sail Fish Scuba provides in-water guided tours and complimentary underwater photography for guests on every recreational Key Largo scuba diving trip. Book your Key Largo dive trip today!
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.
Scuba divers pose with the famous Christ of the Abyss statue, a world-renowned Key Largo dive site, during guided Key Largo scuba diving with Sail Fish Scuba. For more information about Key Largo diving , contact Sail Fish Scuba today!
A certified PADI scuba diver explores the iconic Christ of the Abyss statue during a guided scuba diving trip in Key Largo, Florida Keys. Dive with Sail Fish Scuba for expert-guided tours and unforgettable underwater adventures.
Experience an unforgettable Key Largo scuba diving and snorkeling adventure to the Christ of the Abyss statue, one of the most iconic dive sites in Key Largo. Sail Fish Scuba offers always-guided Key Largo scuba diving tours and snorkeling trips, making this one of the most popular Key Largo scuba diving and snorkeling experiences.
A PADI scuba diver is picture-ready during a guided scuba diving trip to the famous Christ of the Abyss statue in Key Largo, Florida Keys. This iconic underwater site is a highlight for divers seeking Florida Keys scuba diving adventures and encounters with vibrant marine life.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was created to protect the coral reefs and marine habitats off Key Largo and was dedicated in 1960 as the first undersea park in the United States. Much of the park lies beneath the water, protecting approximately 70 nautical square miles of the surrounding marine environment.
The park is named for John D. Pennekamp, a longtime Miami newspaper editor and conservationist who became an important voice for protecting South Florida’s natural resources.
Today, the park protects a remarkable combination of coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and marine life, and remains an important part of Key Largo’s history and conservation efforts.
The Christ of the Abyss is surrounded by coral formations, colorful reef fish, and delicate sea fans, creating a beautiful backdrop for both snorkelers and divers. Its shallow depth and accessibility make it a popular, beginner-friendly Key Largo dive and snorkel site that the whole family can enjoy.
At Sail Fish Scuba, our Key Largo scuba diving tours and PADI courses are built around small groups and personalized attention, giving you the guidance and confidence to explore the amazing dive sites of the Florida Keys. For more information about Key Largo diving, contact Sail Fish Scuba of Key Largo.