Cottrell Key is part of chain of uninhabited islands leading from Key West out to the Marquesas, and has lots of little coral patches as well as a wreck near it.  Just tie up at the second bouey you come to from Key West and look for debris on the bottom, evidence of some old wreck.  There are lots of hogfish at Cottrell Key, as well as lots of really healthy looking coral and schools of fish.  If you’re used to diving or snorkeling on the Atlantic side of Key West, you’ll notice a difference in the abundance of coral and, in season, schools of bait fish.  Look for the large jewfish under a rock at the first bouey.

Small Bait Fish at Cottrell Key

The ship is in 20-30 of water and the visibility of the water in the area is highly variable. The wreck is good spot to dive when there are strong easterly or southern winds, making the the Atlantic side less friendly.  The ship is home to thousands of fish, and if you look inside you will see schools of lane snappers, jewfish , spade fish and others.

Alexander Wreck is unique because it’s the only shipwreck that’s explorable by beginner snorkelers.   This shipwreck offers even those who stay in the boat a glimpse of a real live shipwreck and the colorful coral that grows everywhere on its surface.  For those interested in shipwrecks or underwater photography but who might still be beginners in either  hobby, this is a defiinte Key West dive site to put on your list.

Since it’s in the Gulf, where vis can be a little murky much of the time, it’s good to arrange your snorkeling or dive trip to include other spots as well.  Try Cottrell Key on the way to Alexandar’s Wreck.   Both Cottrell Key and Alexandar’s Wreck are also good destinations when the wind is blowing hard from the South.  The land mass of Key West will protect you a bit from the choppiness.