Hen and Chickens

Hen and Chickens is a shallow offshore coral patch in Hawk Channel just off Plantation Key (Islamorada). Its name reflects a large central coral head surrounded by many smaller coral clusters; a small iron brick barge wreck lies amid the reef and serves as a photogenic focal point. The site is a designated Sanctuary Preservation Area with dense healthy hard corals (including large brain corals), sea fans, sponges and abundant reef fish. Typical dive depths are about 10-20 feet. Water temperatures are warm year-round, often in the mid-70s to mid-80s °F, with generally good visibility and calm to mild conditions, though currents in Hawk Channel can vary with tides and weather. Access is by boat only using the provided mooring buoy; anchoring and collecting or disturbing marine life are prohibited. There are no caves or technical hazards, but shallow depths require careful buoyancy control and attention when surfacing to avoid contacting coral. The wreck is a small iron brick barge that sank in 1949; rusted steel ribs remain visible under sand and coral and the structure provides habitat and a focal point for schools of snapper and grunt and for larger visitors such as barracuda, spotted eagle rays and tarpon.