Carysfort Sanctuary Preservation Area
![Map of Carysfort Sanctuary Preservation Area](/media/img/20240314-carysfort-spa-map-700.jpg)
Historic Carysfort Lighthouse, at the north end of the Key Largo Existing Management Area, sits atop one of the most remote reefs in the Upper Keys. In 1997, the Carysfort/South Carysfort Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) became the largest SPA in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The 2.2 square-mile area is home to one of the best developed reef systems in the Keys, and designated as one of the seven featured sites of Mission: Iconic Reefs.
Carysfort has an unusual "double reef" configuration. There is a proliferation of shallow corals, perfect for snorkeling near the lighthouse, but these thin out as the depth gradually increases. To the south of Carysfort Lighthouse, a broad expanse of elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) forms Carysfort South, a large shallow reef. Offshore, massive star corals (Montastraea cavernosa) loom over a labyrinth of under ridges, gullies, and an occasional swim-through tunnel. Carysfort is located within the boundaries of the Key Largo Existing Management Area, formerly Key Largo Existing Management Area.
![Carysfort Sanctuary Preservation Area](/media/img/20240430-carysfort-1000.jpg)
Special regulations apply here. Learn more about what activities are allowed in this type of zone.
A summary of all sanctuary regulations is available online. For the full text of sanctuary regulations, see 15 CFR 922 Subpart P.