Page 1320 - Dive the Seas and More-2
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Vietnam. She was sunk for a reef in 1987,
FREIGHTER BENWOOD to 45' Beg. and sits on her starboard side.
This 360-foot-long freighter wrecked on
the reef in 1942. It was used for bombing DUANE to 115' Adv. Like the Bibb,
practice by the military at one time. This another 327-foot U.S. Coast Guard cutter,
is a good choice for snorkelers, and is a which saw action in WWII and Vietnam,
great night dive. Lots of groupers. and was sunk in 1987. She rests upright on
Caution: Surgy and strong currents. the sand.
FRENCH REEF to 40' Int. This reef has USCGC DUANE This sunken U.S. Coast
many swim-throughs, overhanging Guard Cutter is one of many favorite
ledges, and caves. Stoplight, queen, and wreck dives near Pennekamp State Park
midnight parrotfish are abundant here, waters. The BIBB is virtually identical,
chewing on the coral formations. Also except she lays on her starboard side.
you will likely encounter dog snapper,
yellowtail snapper, and queen and French PICKLES to 80' Int. Named for the
angelfish. Good for snorkeling. Surgy. Pickle Barrel Wreck, a barge that carried
mortar in large wooden barrels. Now
MOLASSES REEF (MOLASSES DEEP) there are barrel-shaped concrete plugs
to 90' Adv. Marked by three mooring with no wood. Conchs and flamingo
buoys. You will find elephant ear tongues are common.
sponges, giant barrel sponges, and may
encounter hawksbill turtles, nurse sharks, MOLASSES REEF (SOUTH END) to
and eagle rays. Caution: Surgy, strong 40' Int. A ship's winch, an area called Fire
currents. Coral Caves, and a Spanish anchor all
await you here. This is a suitable place for
SAND ISLAND to 60' Int. Two main snorkeling. Caution: Surgy, strong
coral ridges are featured, as well as a currents.
bowl-like depression where you can relax
and watch the reef life all around you. THREE SISTERS to 20' Beg. Named
for three markers that used to mark a
MOLASSES REEF (NORTH END) to shipping channel. Only two of these
40' Int. Centuries-old star coral mounds, markers remain today. The site consists
and dozens of species of fish await you of shallow patch reefs. A nice place to
here. snorkel. Caution: Surgy, poor viz.
BIBB to 130' Adv. 327-foot U.S. Coast WHITE BANK DRY ROCKS to 18'
Guard cutter This ship took part in the Beg. An excellent choice for beginning
Battle of Okinawa in WWII, and served in snorkelers. Butterflyfish, parrotfish, and
damselfish are common in this beautiful