The Content Keys

This protected area on the Gulf side, known for its abundance of stone crabs, lobsters and shrimp, also offers a number of choice alternative dive sites when strong easterly winds make diving at the reefs edge all but impossible.

The shallow waters that surround these keys are full of turtle grass and oyster beds, and offer a safe environment for juvenile marine life of many varieties. Small coral heads with brilliant sponges and colorful encrusting corals are home to many small fish. Sit very carefully in one place and be patient... you might find a local cleaning station where red striped shrimp advertise their services and fish line up to have their gills and mouth parts cleaned by these tiny industrious crustaceans.

Dive shops from Marathon to Ramrod Key often visit this site on an irregular basis. You might have to contact a few dive shops before finding one that is planning to visit the Content Keys on the day you specify.