Alligator Reef Light House
Alligator Reef Light House
4.5
About
This historic lighthouse off the east coast of Florida Keys was named after a pirate ship that sank in that location over a century ago. So don't worry, there aren't actually any alligators found here! Today, the now decommissioned lighthouse marks the wreck of the ship and teems with marine life and corals in its crystal clear waters, making it a popular spot for snorkeling. You can get up close to the lighthouse on a boat or jet ski tour, which sometimes also include stops at the nearby sand bars and other spots around Islamorada. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
248 reviews
Excellent
180
Very good
49
Average
15
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Alejandra M
Southwest Ranches, FL26 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Fun snorkel! Got to swim through schools of bait fish. Saw a lot of variety of fish from parrot fish, eel, nurse shark, and some barracudas. Water is super clear and beautiful!
Written 11 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ctwaternut
North Carloina53 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Well, we didn’t quite make it out to the reef due to rougher seas and a decision to turn back but really wanted to put a review here for the tour company reefquesttours.com. We went out on the 3 hour public tour and Mike, our captain, was great. It ended up only being the two of us but could have been only 6 total. After a couple of miles out to Alligator Reef we decided to go back to the much calmer bay to snorkel and tour the area. I would highly recommend ReefQuest because they cater to your needs and interest. Also they max out at 6 so not a big tour company with tons of people!
Written 27 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Drummerboyofjax
Neptune Beach, FL8 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Beautiful place to snorkel. It's incredible! Only about a 30 minute boat ride from shore. This is a must visit. There are many snorkeling boats you can take.
Written 7 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha S
4 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
My family and I love going here. You see so many fish. It’s beautiful. The water is so clear. Growing up we would come here all the time.
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie K
Green Bay, WI78 contributions
Jun 2023
We saw several nurse sharks and thousands of other types of fish. It was an amazing snorkel location!
Written 1 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda C
6 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We loved this trip! Book with Reef Quest Eco Tours! They let us build our own custom trip to both Alligator Lighthouse and the Islamorada sandbar. Beautiful experience. Great customer service and fair prices! Captain Juan was awesome.
Written 6 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mcasey350
Green Bay, WI8 contributions
Mar 2023
Mike's boat is very clean and comfortable, snorkel equipment worked well, and Mike was very good with anyone who was hesitant. Mike and Jen were in the water with us and showed us lobsters, Morey eels, and so many different fish. We even were able to follow Mike thru the lighthouse to see big schools of fish ! We then went to Cheeca Rock and the coral was amazing !!! We all had a great time, Looking forward to our next trip with Mike , best snorkeling in Islamorada !!
Written 13 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bethcahill
Lutz, FL154 contributions
Aug 2022
If the sand bar is too busy or you just want to hang on your boat, this is the place. Set you anchor, dive in, jump on your float, lay on your bow and just enjoy. Great for families.
Written 16 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay P
New Port Richey, FL56 contributions
Oct 2022
great for snorkling. great boat ride. great reefs. Lots of fish. (NO FISHING HERE). Watch the current.
Written 18 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Florida 1229
Palm City, FL34 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Stunning
The reef is beautiful with lots of fish to see.
Go with good weather and calm seas.
Not for novice snorkeling.
Must know how to swim.
The reef is beautiful with lots of fish to see.
Go with good weather and calm seas.
Not for novice snorkeling.
Must know how to swim.
Written 18 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Looking for boat company suggestions to take us to Alligator Reef lighthouse from Key Largo, FL (this summer). Need speed boat because I think a pretty good distance from Key Largo. Thank you for any recommendations!
Written 16 March 2022
What’s the best place to rent a boat and snorkel gear to do alligator reef?
Written 27 July 2019
Hey there.
I am trailing my boat to Islamorada this Wednesday evening. How is the reef? anyone had cords?
any other suggestions while we have the boat there?
we have 5 days there
Thanks a million,
Sarge
Written 25 June 2018
Is there a company that does snorkeling tours to the reef?
Written 14 January 2018
Hi, this reef can be tricky so it's mostly done as private charters. There is a company, Clearly Unique. They offer private charters to this reef. They can accommodate groups of 2 - 20 with advanced notice. .
Written 6 March 2019
What is the cost to take the boat out there and how long do they stay?
Written 4 February 2016
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