This patch reef is one mile off shore from Matecumbe Key in the Islamorada area. If you are staying at Cheeca Lodge then this paddle is quite an easy one but for most of us it will be a longer journey. The Atlantic side of Matecumbe Key is all privately held and this makes launching a bit difficult. The best launch sites for this snorkel site are at either end of Matecumbe Key near the bridges. The south end of Matecumbe Key has roadside parking where you can leave your car while you paddle. From these launch sites the paddle to the Cheeca Rocks Sanctuary Preserve Area patch reefs is about 2.5 to 3 miles one way. While this is not a huge distance there can be a fairly strong current running under the bridges when the tide is running. Check the tides before you come so that you can plan to launch with an outgoing tide and paddle back with an incoming tide. The first time we did this paddle we were against the tides and we definitely had an easier time when we did the paddle with the tides.
The photo to the left is the view you will have once you are at the reef. Notice the radio tower...there are two towers on this island. This tower is further to the right (north along US 1). From the reef it will appear to be slightly to the right of Cheeca Lodge which is the large hotel with long dock visible along the shore. It is possible to paddle along the shore from a launch point to this hotel and then turn directly out towards the reef. We prefer to paddle at an approximately 30 degree out from the launch point directly to the reef. There may be other boats at the reef that will help guide you. The reef itself has orange Sanctuary Preserve Area (SPA) marker buoys at at each corner. There are also half a dozen white mooring buoys to tie up your kayaks. Please use the buoys and don't anchor on the reef.
Once you have paddled out to the reef the snorkeling is fantastic! The water is sufficiently deep that a bit of free diving may be necessary to get a close up view of some features, but there is plenty of coral, fish, and more to keep you entertained. The coral is mostly healthy although as with most areas in the Keys there is some wear and tear evident. Keep your eyes open for massive corals, staghorn coral, sea fans, and brain coral. All the typical reef fish can be found here including angelfish, grunts, sergeant major, parrotfish, hogfish, bluehead wrasse, Porcupine fish, and many more. We have also seen huge stingrays gliding and resting among the rocks and coral formations. There is also at least one large nurse shark lurking around this area.
During our latest visit there was a Green Sea Turtle cruising the reef. He (or perhaps she) was very relaxed and swam right next to us. Definitely a treat!
During our latest visit there was a Green Sea Turtle cruising the reef. He (or perhaps she) was very relaxed and swam right next to us. Definitely a treat!