Eastern Dry Rocks

Eastern Dry Rocks is an offshore coral bank reef within a designated Sanctuary Preservation Area of about 90 acres, fully protected from fishing and collection. The reef features broad rubble zones, long finger-like hard coral ledges and deeper coral-filled valleys, with large staghorn and elkhorn colonies that shelter schools of reef fish. It is one of the most popular dive sites in the area and includes the encrusted remains of a small wooden sailing ship on the southwestern reef. Dives are boat dives only, with depths from about 5 ft on the shallow shelf to roughly 35 ft at the deeper edges. Visibility often exceeds 50 ft and water temperatures typically range from the mid-70s F in cooler months to the mid-80s F in summer. Divers usually descend along pinnacles or ledges; currents are generally light though mild reef movement can occur. Use permitted mooring buoys rather than anchors, and watch for sharp coral and the spiny tails of lobsters or fish; boats at the surface can also be a hazard. A mostly buried wooden sailing ship, often described as a Spanish-era galleon, lies on the southwestern reef; it is highly encrusted and not readily recognizable, with scattered stone ballast, rusted metal fittings and remnants of the hull visible. Removal of artifacts is prohibited within the no-take marine reserve.