Christ of the Abyss Key Largo

Christ of the Abyss Key Largo | Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Florida Keys

The Christ of the Abyss statue in Key Largo, Florida Keys, is one of the most iconic and widely recognized scuba diving sites in the world. Located within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on the Key Largo Dry Rocks reef, this underwater statue attracts divers and snorkelers from across the globe.

Positioned in approximately 25 feet of water, the statue is easily accessible and suitable for both beginner divers and snorkelers, making it one of the most popular underwater attractions in the Florida Keys.

History of the Christ of the Abyss

The Key Largo statue is the third casting from the original bronze mold known as Il Cristo degli Abissi, created by Italian sculptor Guido Galletti.

• The original statue was placed in 1954 in the Mediterranean Sea near San Fruttuoso, Italy
• It commemorates Dario Gonzatti, the first Italian to use scuba gear, who passed away in 1947
• In 1961, Egidi Cressi commissioned the Key Largo casting
• Donated to the Underwater Society of America in 1962
• Installed on August 25, 1965, off Key Largo

The statue weighs approximately 400 pounds, mounted on a massive 20,000-pound concrete base.

A plaque at the base honors Michael M Kevorian, a pioneer dive shop owner in Miami.

Statue Description & Symbolism

The statue depicts Christ with arms raised toward the surface in a gesture of peace and blessing. The hands extend upward, resting about 11 feet below the surface, making it clearly visible even from above.

This powerful pose, combined with its underwater setting, creates a truly unique and spiritual diving experience.

Dive Site Overview – Key Largo Dry Rocks

The Christ of the Abyss sits on the seaward side of the Dry Rocks reef, a shallow and vibrant coral reef system shaped like a hand, with sand channels between coral formations.

• Reef depth: approximately 15–25 feet
• Location: about 6 miles northeast of Key Largo
• Marked by a buoy for easy navigation
• Ideal for both scuba diving and snorkeling

The shallow depth and calm conditions make it one of the best beginner-friendly dive sites in the Florida Keys.

Marine Life & Reef Environment

Despite being one of the most visited dive sites in the region, the reef remains in relatively good condition and supports a wide variety of marine life.

Common sightings include:

• Groupers
• Snappers
• Grunts
• Angelfish
• Nurse sharks
• Moray eels
• Large schools of reef fish

The Florida Keys are especially known for their schooling fish populations, making this site lively and visually stunning during every dive.

Replica on Land

For non-divers, a land-based bronze replica of the Christ of the Abyss was created by Ido Demetz and installed in 1991 at St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church in Key Largo, allowing visitors to experience the statue without entering the water.

Why Dive the Christ of the Abyss in Key Largo

• One of the most famous dive sites in the world
• Shallow, beginner-friendly conditions
• Unique combination of history, art, and marine life
• Accessible for both divers and snorkelers
• Located in the “Dive Capital of the World”

Book Your Christ of the Abyss Dive in Key Largo

Experience this legendary underwater landmark and explore one of the most iconic reefs in the Florida Keys on a guided scuba diving or snorkeling charter.