Dive & Snorkel Location
The Christ of the Abyss statue was installed at Key Largo Dry Rocks reef in 1963 — a gift from the Cressi family, the Italian dive equipment company, to commemorate the opening of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America's first underwater park.
It is one of only three castings made from the same original mold, designed by Italian sculptor Guido Galletti. The original stands in the Mediterranean off Portofino, Italy. A second stands in Grenada in the Caribbean. This one — the most visited of the three — stands in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, 22 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean.
The statue's hands are raised toward the light. From the surface, looking down, you can see them clearly reaching up toward you. It is genuinely one of the most surreal things you will ever see underwater.
Pairs of French angelfish cruise the reef edge while parrotfish graze on coral — you'll spot them around the statue on every visit.
Hovering in the water column above the statue, with barracuda — long, silver, and completely harmless — patrolling nearby.
Formations that have been growing for decades surround the statue. Key Largo Dry Rocks is part of the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S.
What You'll See
The statue sits on the sea floor 22 feet deep, on a 4-foot-tall pedestal that brings the outstretched hands to less than 10 feet from the surface. On a clear day — which is most days in the Keys — you can see the entire figure from above.
You float on the surface, face down, looking directly at the statue below you. The hands appear to reach up toward you. Sunlight filters through the water and catches the bronze, which has been colonized by 60 years of coral growth and marine life. Fish live in the folds of his robe.
It is quiet. It is beautiful. Most people come up from the water not saying anything for a moment.
At a Glance
Good to Know
Yes. The statue is clearly visible from the surface on any day with good visibility. No scuba experience or certification required.
The base sits at 22 feet. The outstretched hands reach to approximately 10 feet from the surface — well within snorkeling view.
Weather dependent. On rough days, wave action at the Dry Rocks site can reduce visibility or make conditions uncomfortable. When that happens, we pivot to protected sites with comparable marine life. We never cancel your whole trip due to one site being unavailable.
Morning trips, weekdays, and the winter/spring season (November through May) offer the best combination of clear water, calm conditions, and fewer boats.
Yes. Key Largo Dry Rocks, where the statue stands, is within the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Yes — we welcome snorkelers ages 5 and up who are comfortable floating on the surface. Pool noodles available on request.
Tours That Visit This Site
$75 | 3 Hours | 2 Stops
The original park trip and our best value. Two prime shallow reef sites, including the Christ of the Abyss on virtually every trip, weather permitting.
$99 | 4.5 Hours | 3 Stops
Famous Christ of the Abyss plus two secret hidden gems most visitors never see: a historic schooner wreck and remote Carysfort Lighthouse Reef.
$90 | 3.5 Hours | 3 Stops
A high-energy adventure for active snorkelers. We visit three distinct sites — including Christ of the Abyss — to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife.
$109 | 4.5 Hours | 3 Stops
The ultimate experience: Christ of the Abyss, the Benwood Wreck, and Molasses Reef — the three most iconic underwater landmarks in the Florida Keys in a single day.
$99 | 2.5 Hours | 1 Hour Swim, 1 Hour Cruise
We cap the Golden Hour at just 26 guests on a boat built for 49. That means you get about 50% more space to relax. A shallow reef snorkel plus a VIP sunset cruise — with gifts to keep you warm and dry.
Summer tours are filling up fast — book your trip to the John Pennekamp reefs today.
