North Dry Rocks
Four prominent coral ridges form the central section of this reef. The two on the north side of the reef are shorter than the southern ridges, and the southernmost ridge terminates in a distinctive hook at the seaward end. Additional coral patches extend to either side of the main ridges.
North Dry Rocks is a very shallow reef, nearly breaking the surface atop the ridges. The maximum depth is about 25ft at the sand bottom. The once-thick elkhorn and staghorn stands in the shallows have thinned out, but there are still some nice colonies. Depending on where the wind holds your boat, these easily damaged corals may be right below the surface, so enter the water with caution.
Like North North Dry Rocks, the coral ridges here have a very high profile, effectively dividing one passage from another unless you swim over the top or around the end. Near the middle of the reef, a large archway called the “Minnow Cave” is often filled to overflowing with silversides (also called glass minnows) during the summer months. The seaward ends of the ridges are capped with a magnificent buttress of huge star coral formations.
North Dry Rocks is a good choice for fish-watching or for photographers shooting fish portraits. If you stay motionless over the sand, the fish will parade past your lens, starting with the bold gray angelfish. French angels are also common here, along with stoplight parrotfish, trumpetfish, scrawled filefish and queen angels. Look under the deepest cut ledges and you’ll probably find a school of copper sweepers swirling back and forth in the dim light.
Reproduced with permission from Diving & Snorkeling Florida Keys 2001 Lonely Plant Publications www.lonelyplanet.com