Cheeca Rocks Sanctuary Preservation Area

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The Cheeca Rocks Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) is the only area in the Upper Keys designated to protect inshore patch reefs, and one of the seven featured sites of Mission: Iconic Reefs. Cheeca Rocks is one of the smallest SPAs, encompassing approximately 0.07 square miles and is located southeast of Upper Matecumbe Key. Cheeca Rocks SPA is a popular location for snorkeling because its shallow waters range from about 8 to 20 feet, with coral heads dating back hundreds of years.

The Cheeca Rocks SPA is a vital long-term climate monitoring site for the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program.

Learn about the resilience of Cheeca Rocks.

Very high water temperatures in the summer of 2023 have caused widespread coral bleaching and mortality in the Florida Keys. Descriptions of coral cover or coral health on this page may not be accurate based on current conditions.

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.