Dive Site: Winch Hole

About Winch Hole

Winch Hole is a premier dive site located within Molasses Reef in Key Largo, Florida, distinguished by its unique historical artifact — a large winch resting in a sand patch. This feature, thought to originate from an Austrian sailing ship that ran aground in the 1800s, offers a fascinating point of interest for divers. The site's shallow depth of 25 to 30 feet makes it exceptionally accessible and a favorite among new divers and snorkelers. The topography around Winch Hole includes sand channels and high-relief coral ledges. These ledges provide numerous undercuts that serve as protective habitats for a diverse array of marine life. This combination of historical intrigue and natural beauty makes Winch Hole a consistent draw. Marine life here is abundant and varied throughout the year, with frequent sightings of large schools of parrotfish, snappers, and chubs. Barracuda, tarpon, and goliath groupers are also commonly encountered. The site is a microcosm of the vibrant ecosystems found within the Florida Keys’ only living coral barrier reef. Diving at Winch Hole offers a relaxed experience, perfect for open water certified divers. Its popularity extends to night diving, where the change in light reveals a different cast of nocturnal creatures, adding another dimension to its appeal.

Dive site facts: Winch Hole

Depth

25–30 feet

Typical dive

25–30 feet

Entry

Dayboat

Level

Open Water

Dive type

Reef, historical artifact, beginner

Night dive

Popular

Region / port

Key Largo, Florida Keys

Coordinates

21.7372, -72.1047

Conditions & Currents

Information specifically on current strength, direction, or variability at Winch Hole is not provided in the sources. The site is noted as suitable for beginners, suggesting conditions are generally manageable. For new divers, understanding typical current patterns on Molasses Reef and preparing for minimal to mild movement is advisable, although specific details are absent.

Marine life & sighting chances

Parrotfish

common

Snapper

common

Chubs

common

Barracuda

common

Tarpon

common

Goliath Grouper

common

Moray Eel

common

Angelfish

common

Stingray

common

Nurse Shark

common

Green Turtle

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Entry to Winch Hole is typically from a dive boat directly above the site, descending onto the shallow sand patch at 25 feet where the historic winch is located. The dive then often explores the surrounding high-relief coral ledges and sandy channels. Divers can navigate along the ledges, which feature protective undercuts, searching for hidden marine life. Given the shallow depth, bottom times can be extended, allowing for thorough exploration of the coral formations and schools of fish. Turnaround points are flexible, often determined by air consumption or the desire to visit nearby features like Eagle Ray Alley. The safety stop is comfortably conducted at 15 feet over the reef, offering additional time to observe shallower fish life.

Underwater photography

Winch Hole, with its shallow depths and clear water, is well-suited for wide-angle photography, especially to capture the historic winch and schooling fish against the reef backdrop. A wide-angle lens would be ideal for documenting the large artifact and the broader reef topography. Macro lenses could also be effective for capturing smaller inhabitants hiding within the coral undercuts or the yellow-headed jawfish in sandy areas. Natural light is generally sufficient given the shallow profile, but an external strobe can enhance color and detail. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid stirring up sand and to protect the delicate coral formations.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Eagle Ray Alley

  A shallow site with sand channels and coral ledges, known for eagle rays and jawfish.

• Logan's Run

  Mentioned as being a quick swim from Winch Hole and connected by sand channels.

• Coral Canyons

  Close by and part of the Molasses Reef system.

• Hole In The Wall

  Another adjacent site on Molasses Reef offering varied marine life.

• Fire Coral Caves

  A legendary dive site within the Molasses Reef ecosystem.

• Spanish Anchor

  A renowned historical site also found on Molasses Reef.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Winch Hole is primarily through dive operators based in Key Largo, Florida. Divers typically fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), then drive south to Key Largo. Day boats from local dive shops serve Molasses Reef, offering two-tank or three-tank dives that often include Winch Hole in their itinerary. Trips are generally half-day or full-day excursions. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for diving Winch Hole itself, though national park fees may apply for overall access to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which encompasses Molasses Reef.

Safety & environment

While no specific chamber information is provided for Key Largo, it is critical for all divers to carry appropriate dive insurance for emergency medical care and evacuation in the Florida Keys. The shallow depth of Winch Hole (25-30 feet) contributes to a generally lower risk profile, making it suitable for Open Water certified divers. However, divers should always monitor their air consumption and bottom time, even in shallow water. Maintaining good buoyancy control is essential to protect the coral and avoid contact with the sandy bottom, especially around the historic winch. Always follow dive guide instructions and perform a safety stop.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Winch Hole FAQ

Liveaboards diving Winch Hole

These liveaboards may visit Winch Hole on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Turks and Caicos Explorer II

Turks & Caicos

20 guests

$287/day

Turks & Caicos Aggressor II

Turks & Caicos

18 guests36.6 m

$287/day