| MileMarker: | 0 |
| Location: | Gulfside: 9 miles out of NW Channel |
| Markers: | n/a |
| Depth Range: | 3 to 15 feet deep |
| Skill Level req.: | beginner |
| Risks/Warnings: | none |
| History | |
| The key is named after the Captain of the lightship that was anchored here in the early 19th century. A ruined coast guard lighthouse stands testiment to the rigors of that duty. It was a strafing practice site for the military during WW2, and many shell holes still pock the seabed. |
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| Dive Description | |
| Cottrell Key is the gulfside site alternative when seas are too heavy to visit the regular oceanside divesites. The reef begins just west of the old lighthouse. The ledges and reef fingers run for about two miles. Spiny lobsters thrive in the shallow sheltered terrain, as do figs, tuns, milk conch, fighter conch, horse conch, cowries and tulip shells. Juvenile parrotfish and snappers flit about. Large clusters of smooth brain coral cluster along the ledges. Encrusting orange sponges grow on the large boulders strewn about. |
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| Divesite info by: Jonathan Brinkman | |
| LOWER KEYS info (Key West - 7 Mi. bridge) |
MIDDLE KEYS info (Marathon - Layton) |
UPPER KEYS info (Islamorada - Key Largo) |
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