Descending at this dive location is exciting because thousands of schooling fish are always present around the gigantic mountainous star coral formations. This is the only reef near Key West where the corals have grown to such large proportions near a shallow reef crest. This location is appropriately called the 'Grand Canyon'.

Sand Key Grand Canyon 06/18/01 (image 06)

The large mountain corals rise off of the sand floor at least twenty feet and offer some of the most dramatic diving in the area.This picture was taken in 1994.

Sand Key Grand Canyon 04/26/01 (image 02)

Before entering the Grand Canyon we observe the top of a sea fan that is infected with black band disease. This is an indication that polluted water has been passing over this reef.

Grand Canyon, 06/18/01, image 01

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