Hens & Chickens
Hens and Chickens is a collection of patch reefs in shallow water good for novice scuba divers and snorkelers. See Star Coral, Brain Coral, and more, and take advantage of the easy access, mooring buoys, and shallow depths for a family day on the water. Giant chrismas tree corals abound, and you’ll love 15 foot tall coral heads everywhere as well. Swim the maze of corals all day long, this is one of the best easy dive spots in the Keys.
The pattern of patch reefs looks, from the air, like a mother hen and her baby chicks radiating out from her. That’s where the name comes from. There’s a 35-foot Navy Tower here, which makes Hens and Chickens easy to find. It’s only three miles from shore, too, so vacationers renting their own boat are often directed to this area. Hens and Chickens is a Sanctuary Preservation Area, so the reef and other marine life is protected. The SPA rules are strictly enforced in this area, too. Don’t take anything from the water, even bits of coral. Use the mooring buoys rather than an anchor to limit impact on the coral here.
