denise
09-06-2011, 05:19 PM
Sombrero Reef Dive Site Plan
by Ron Creel
Sombrero Reef is approximately 4.5 miles south of Marathon and within view of the historic 7 mile bridge. It is marked by a 142-foot lighthouse that was constructed in the late 1850’s. The light was manned from 1858 to 1939 by the US Lighthouse Service. When the service was abolished in 1939 the lighthouse fell under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard. In 1960 the Coast Guardsmen stationed there got quite a ride when Hurricane Donna stormed through. The lighthouse survived the 20 foot seas and 200 mph winds, but the bottom platform was ripped off. No one lived there after that and regular trips continue to be made for maintenance.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/images/lighthouse.jpg
Sombrero reef is a very nice spur and groove formation configuration that ranges in depth from about two feet to 25 feet. Mooring buoys make it very easy to select depths from 15 to 60 feet on the seaward side of the reef. It is home to a wide variety of indigenous corals and fish life.
Sombrero is the only main reef area off Marathon that is currently using mooring buoys. Because of the Lighthouse, which can be seen for miles, this is by far the most widely used reef in the area. Time in the water will be well spent if you avoid the reef during peak times.
Snorkeling here is also excellent - under the shadows of the lighthouse and within the structure underwater. This site is also a GREAT night dive spot.
Location:
Latitude Longitude Degrees 24.625333 -081.112167
Degrees/Minutes N 24 37.520 W 081 06.730
Degrees/Minutes/Seconds N 24 37 31 W 081 06 44
Dive Site Characteristics:
* Average depth 6.0 m / 20 ft
* Max depth 11.0 m / 36 ft
* Current: Low (1 knot)
* Visibility: Good 10 - 30 m / 30-90 ft
Recommended Dive Experience Level:
Sombrero reef is widely renowned as a great quality dive site, and is suitable for every level of diver, from novice to experienced.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/images/savannah.jpg
Savannah's First Ocean Dive
Sombrero Reef - 08/17/2011
Jr. Open Water Diver
Equipment needed for this dive:
Normal recreational dive equipment (e.g., thermal protection, buoyancy compensator, compass) and safety gear (e.g., safety sausage, whistle) is sufficient for this dive. Knives are essential as there may be mono filament line on the reef (although fishing is strictly prohibited in the area).
Dive Type:
Typical reef dive - best accessed by boat
Local Dive Trip Operators:
There are several dive trip operators in the area. Their prices vary greatly, so be sure to check more than one!
Contact information for two operators are shown below:
* Hall's Dive Center
5050 Overseas Hwy
Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-5929
800-331-HALL (4255)
* Tildens Scuba Center
4650 Overseas Hwy,
Marathon, FL 33050
Toll-Free: 888-SCUBA-FL (888-728-2235)
Phone: 305-743-7255
Pre-Dive Safety Check:
Divers should gear up on the boat, and perform a pre-dive safety check before the boat arrives to the dive site. Make sure all of your gear is in working order, and go over your buddies gear to familiarize yourself with it.
Entry and Exit:
Generally, scuba divers gear up on the boat, and with ALL their gear on shuffle to the back of the boat. Entry into the water is via giant stride.
For reentry to the boat, hand your fins up to the divemaster and use the ladder to exit the water. The crew will help haul the divers and gear back onto the boat.
Water Temperature, Sea Conditions and Weather:
In the summer the water temperature ranges between 83F and 87F, a rash guard, skin suit or 3mm shorty is fine to wear. Wearing some type of the exposure suit, regardless of temperature, is recommended to protect against scrapes, stings, and sun burn.
In the winter the water temperature ranges between 72F and 75F, a 5mm-7mm full wetsuit or even a dry suit is recommended. Wearing a hood or a hooded vest in colder water temperatures will help to maintain your heat.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/gallery/files/9/8/9/keyssandra_1.jpg
Sea state varies from flat calm to several feet....up to date sea states can be found online:
Click here for an update on current weather conditions at Sombrero Lightouse/Reef (http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=smkf1)
Things you can expect to see:
Sombrero reef is a beautiful spur and groove formation home to a wide variety of coral, fish and other marine life.
Corals commonly seen here include elkhorn, staghorn, star, sheet and brain coral, just to name a few. Along with coral almost every kind of tropical reef fish in the book from the very large Jew fish to very small goby can be seen. Sombrero’s calling card is the color created by all these tropical fish along with the hard and soft corals in a shallow water setting that allows for significant light penetration.
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/shyhamletrob_6.jpg
Commonly spotted fish at Sombrero reef include baracuda’s (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?450-Barracuda), eels (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?440-Eels), grunts (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?436-Grunts), angelfish (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?451-Angelfish), parrotfish (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?432-Parrotfish), wrasse (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?415-Wrasse), damselfish (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?442-Damselfish) and drums (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?649-Drums).
Another phenomenon that is seen quite frequently at Sombrero Reef are the cleaning stations. Neon gobies (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?537-Gobies) and juvenile Spanish hogfish love the protection that is offered by the large brain and star corals. The larger fish, such as the grouper and barracuda love the vertical relief and sandy channels of the reef. Since the smaller fish are parasite feeders and the larger fish are parasite carriers, Sombrero Reef becomes a bonanza for cleaning stations. It is fascinating to watch this relationship in action.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/fishid/spanishhogfish.jpg
Spanish hogfish
Many southern stingrays and nurse sharks have made their home on this reef. Large barracuda frequently hang out by the lighthouse structure.
Environmental Interaction Suggestions:
As you should on any dive, always maintain good buoyancy, so as not to damage any coral or other marine life.
Sombrero Reef is a Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) and strictly regulated. Fishing and lobstering are strictly prohibited.
Post Dive Procedure:
All dive equipment is removed from the dive boat by the scuba divers and crew. Cars can usually be driven right up to the berth to facilitate reloading.
It is customary to tip the divemasters, most of them work for tips; 10-20% is acceptable depending on service.
Emergency Procedures:
In case of buddy separation, follow standard procedures. Look for your buddy for one minute. If you cannot find your buddy ascend slowly, and make your way back to the boat. Your buddy should also be following these procedures and will see you at the surface. Check your air supply, to ensure you have enough to continue the dive.
If anyone is low on air, signal your buddy with the appropriate hand signal and begin your ascent. In the rare and unusual case of an out of air situation, signal your buddy and commence sharing air. Maintain buoyancy and ascend slowly, remembering to breathe.
Emergency Contact Information:
In case of a Diving emergency call 911 - This will activate EMS in the Marathon area
US Coast Guard can be contacted on Marine Radio Channel 16
DAN can be reached at 1-919-684-4326
Always call DAN after 911 in the case of a dive emergency which may require medical attention. They will refer you to the correct/open/nearest chamber.
Enjoy your dive, be safe, and have fun!
by Ron Creel
Sombrero Reef is approximately 4.5 miles south of Marathon and within view of the historic 7 mile bridge. It is marked by a 142-foot lighthouse that was constructed in the late 1850’s. The light was manned from 1858 to 1939 by the US Lighthouse Service. When the service was abolished in 1939 the lighthouse fell under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard. In 1960 the Coast Guardsmen stationed there got quite a ride when Hurricane Donna stormed through. The lighthouse survived the 20 foot seas and 200 mph winds, but the bottom platform was ripped off. No one lived there after that and regular trips continue to be made for maintenance.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/images/lighthouse.jpg
Sombrero reef is a very nice spur and groove formation configuration that ranges in depth from about two feet to 25 feet. Mooring buoys make it very easy to select depths from 15 to 60 feet on the seaward side of the reef. It is home to a wide variety of indigenous corals and fish life.
Sombrero is the only main reef area off Marathon that is currently using mooring buoys. Because of the Lighthouse, which can be seen for miles, this is by far the most widely used reef in the area. Time in the water will be well spent if you avoid the reef during peak times.
Snorkeling here is also excellent - under the shadows of the lighthouse and within the structure underwater. This site is also a GREAT night dive spot.
Location:
Latitude Longitude Degrees 24.625333 -081.112167
Degrees/Minutes N 24 37.520 W 081 06.730
Degrees/Minutes/Seconds N 24 37 31 W 081 06 44
Dive Site Characteristics:
* Average depth 6.0 m / 20 ft
* Max depth 11.0 m / 36 ft
* Current: Low (1 knot)
* Visibility: Good 10 - 30 m / 30-90 ft
Recommended Dive Experience Level:
Sombrero reef is widely renowned as a great quality dive site, and is suitable for every level of diver, from novice to experienced.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/images/savannah.jpg
Savannah's First Ocean Dive
Sombrero Reef - 08/17/2011
Jr. Open Water Diver
Equipment needed for this dive:
Normal recreational dive equipment (e.g., thermal protection, buoyancy compensator, compass) and safety gear (e.g., safety sausage, whistle) is sufficient for this dive. Knives are essential as there may be mono filament line on the reef (although fishing is strictly prohibited in the area).
Dive Type:
Typical reef dive - best accessed by boat
Local Dive Trip Operators:
There are several dive trip operators in the area. Their prices vary greatly, so be sure to check more than one!
Contact information for two operators are shown below:
* Hall's Dive Center
5050 Overseas Hwy
Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-5929
800-331-HALL (4255)
* Tildens Scuba Center
4650 Overseas Hwy,
Marathon, FL 33050
Toll-Free: 888-SCUBA-FL (888-728-2235)
Phone: 305-743-7255
Pre-Dive Safety Check:
Divers should gear up on the boat, and perform a pre-dive safety check before the boat arrives to the dive site. Make sure all of your gear is in working order, and go over your buddies gear to familiarize yourself with it.
Entry and Exit:
Generally, scuba divers gear up on the boat, and with ALL their gear on shuffle to the back of the boat. Entry into the water is via giant stride.
For reentry to the boat, hand your fins up to the divemaster and use the ladder to exit the water. The crew will help haul the divers and gear back onto the boat.
Water Temperature, Sea Conditions and Weather:
In the summer the water temperature ranges between 83F and 87F, a rash guard, skin suit or 3mm shorty is fine to wear. Wearing some type of the exposure suit, regardless of temperature, is recommended to protect against scrapes, stings, and sun burn.
In the winter the water temperature ranges between 72F and 75F, a 5mm-7mm full wetsuit or even a dry suit is recommended. Wearing a hood or a hooded vest in colder water temperatures will help to maintain your heat.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/gallery/files/9/8/9/keyssandra_1.jpg
Sea state varies from flat calm to several feet....up to date sea states can be found online:
Click here for an update on current weather conditions at Sombrero Lightouse/Reef (http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=smkf1)
Things you can expect to see:
Sombrero reef is a beautiful spur and groove formation home to a wide variety of coral, fish and other marine life.
Corals commonly seen here include elkhorn, staghorn, star, sheet and brain coral, just to name a few. Along with coral almost every kind of tropical reef fish in the book from the very large Jew fish to very small goby can be seen. Sombrero’s calling card is the color created by all these tropical fish along with the hard and soft corals in a shallow water setting that allows for significant light penetration.
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/shyhamletrob_6.jpg
Commonly spotted fish at Sombrero reef include baracuda’s (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?450-Barracuda), eels (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?440-Eels), grunts (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?436-Grunts), angelfish (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?451-Angelfish), parrotfish (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?432-Parrotfish), wrasse (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?415-Wrasse), damselfish (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?442-Damselfish) and drums (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?649-Drums).
Another phenomenon that is seen quite frequently at Sombrero Reef are the cleaning stations. Neon gobies (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?537-Gobies) and juvenile Spanish hogfish love the protection that is offered by the large brain and star corals. The larger fish, such as the grouper and barracuda love the vertical relief and sandy channels of the reef. Since the smaller fish are parasite feeders and the larger fish are parasite carriers, Sombrero Reef becomes a bonanza for cleaning stations. It is fascinating to watch this relationship in action.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/fishid/spanishhogfish.jpg
Spanish hogfish
Many southern stingrays and nurse sharks have made their home on this reef. Large barracuda frequently hang out by the lighthouse structure.
Environmental Interaction Suggestions:
As you should on any dive, always maintain good buoyancy, so as not to damage any coral or other marine life.
Sombrero Reef is a Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) and strictly regulated. Fishing and lobstering are strictly prohibited.
Post Dive Procedure:
All dive equipment is removed from the dive boat by the scuba divers and crew. Cars can usually be driven right up to the berth to facilitate reloading.
It is customary to tip the divemasters, most of them work for tips; 10-20% is acceptable depending on service.
Emergency Procedures:
In case of buddy separation, follow standard procedures. Look for your buddy for one minute. If you cannot find your buddy ascend slowly, and make your way back to the boat. Your buddy should also be following these procedures and will see you at the surface. Check your air supply, to ensure you have enough to continue the dive.
If anyone is low on air, signal your buddy with the appropriate hand signal and begin your ascent. In the rare and unusual case of an out of air situation, signal your buddy and commence sharing air. Maintain buoyancy and ascend slowly, remembering to breathe.
Emergency Contact Information:
In case of a Diving emergency call 911 - This will activate EMS in the Marathon area
US Coast Guard can be contacted on Marine Radio Channel 16
DAN can be reached at 1-919-684-4326
Always call DAN after 911 in the case of a dive emergency which may require medical attention. They will refer you to the correct/open/nearest chamber.
Enjoy your dive, be safe, and have fun!