Overview
The Christ of the Abyss Statue is one of the Florida Keys’ most famous attractions. Visitors venture to Key Largo from around the world to view the underwater monument on a snorkeling or dive trip. The statue sits at Dry Rocks reef in approximately 25 ft of water, offering exceptional aerial views for snorkelers and close-up exploration for certified divers.
Location and Conditions
Christ of the Abyss is located just a few miles off the coast of Key Largo on the seaward side of southern Dry Rocks reef. Dry Rocks is part of the Florida Keys Reef Tract (the Great Florida Reef), the third-largest living barrier reef in the world and the only one in the continental United States.
The site lies within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America’s first underwater park. Depths range from roughly 10–25 ft, with excellent visibility on most days. Common corals include elkhorn, boulder, and soft corals; marine life includes parrotfish, barracuda, rays, lobsters, eels, and sea turtles.
History
The original bronze statue, “Il Cristo degli Abissi,” was erected in 1954 by Italian sculptor Guido Galletti to memorialize dive pioneer Dario Gonzatti. A second casting was placed in St. George’s, Grenada in 1961. Key Largo’s statue—the third and final cast—was commissioned in 1961 by Egidio Cressi and later donated to the Underwater Society of America. After an exhibition tour through Chicago and Orlando, the statue was placed at Dry Rocks in late summer of 1965 and dedicated on June 29, 1966.
Reef Etiquette and Protection
Dry Rocks is a Sanctuary Preservation Area. Please do not touch, stand on, or collect coral or marine life. Keep fins away from the reef, secure dangling gear, and wear reef-safe sunscreen. These simple steps protect fragile corals and preserve this iconic site for future generations.
How to Visit
The best way to see Christ of the Abyss is by boat on a guided tour. Trips typically include a second shallow reef stop inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Book a dedicated tour here: Christ of the Abyss Snorkeling Tour.