Boaters who tie up at the reefs off Islamorada have a rule change coming, and its date is still blank. NOAA’s Sanctuary Preservation Areas page says that in 2027 anchoring of any kind will be prohibited in SPAs, with six named exceptions. We read it on October 21, 2026. Here is the list, how it applies to the three SPAs near the Village, and what is already prohibited today.
The short version, checked October 21, 2026
In 2027, no anchoring of any kind in SPAs except Hen and Chickens, Cheeca Rocks, Newfound Harbor Key, Eastern Dry Rocks, Rock Key and Sand Key. Near Islamorada: Cheeca Rocks and Hen and Chickens are exceptions; Alligator Reef is not. Start date: not posted. Today, anchoring on coral or when a mooring buoy is available is already prohibited in every SPA.
What NOAA says changes in 2027
NOAA says there are 17 Sanctuary Preservation Areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, covering about 12 square miles, with mooring buoys to prevent anchor damage. In 2027, it says, anchoring of any kind will be prohibited in SPAs except Hen and Chickens, Cheeca Rocks, Newfound Harbor Key, Eastern Dry Rocks, Rock Key and Sand Key. By our arithmetic that leaves 11 SPAs where no anchoring of any kind will be allowed.
- NOAA says there are 17 Sanctuary Preservation Areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, covering about 12 square miles, with mooring buoys to prevent anchor damage. NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Sanctuary Preservation Areas
- NOAA says that in 2027, anchoring of any kind will be prohibited in SPAs except Hen and Chickens, Cheeca Rocks, Newfound Harbor Key, Eastern Dry Rocks, Rock Key and Sand Key. NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Sanctuary Preservation Areas
The start date is not posted
NOAA gives a year, not a date. As of October 21, 2026, January 1, 2027 is 72 days away, but the page does not say the ban starts then, and we mark the start date as not confirmed. Read NOAA’s page again before any 2027 trip to the reef.
- NOAA says anchoring of any kind will be prohibited in most Sanctuary Preservation Areas in 2027, but the page did not give a start date when we checked on October 21, 2026. NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Sanctuary Preservation Areas
The three SPAs near Islamorada
- Alligator Reef: about four and a half miles east of Indian Key, marked by a black and white lighthouse visible from land in the Upper Keys. The SPA is 0.32 square miles. It is not on NOAA’s exception list, so anchoring of any kind will be prohibited there in 2027.
- Cheeca Rocks: southeast of Upper Matecumbe Key, about 0.07 square miles, in water from about 8 to 20 feet. NOAA calls it the only Upper Keys SPA protecting inshore patch reefs. It is on the exception list.
- Hen and Chickens: in Hawk Channel just off Plantation Key, about 106 acres (about 0.17 square miles by our arithmetic), protecting a patch reef with ESA-listed star and brain corals. It is on the exception list.
- NOAA says Alligator Reef lies about four and a half miles east of Indian Key, marked by an iconic black and white lighthouse visible from land in the Upper Keys; the SPA is 0.32 square miles. NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Alligator Reef SPA
- NOAA says Cheeca Rocks SPA, southeast of Upper Matecumbe Key, is about 0.07 square miles with water from about 8 to 20 feet, and is the only Upper Keys SPA protecting inshore patch reefs. NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Cheeca Rocks SPA
- NOAA says Hen and Chickens SPA sits in Hawk Channel just off Plantation Key, about 106 acres, protecting a patch reef with ESA-listed star and brain corals. NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Hen and Chickens SPA
The six are exceptions to the 2027 change. NOAA lists its SPA rules for all SPAs, and the page we read does not say any of them are lifted at the six, so treat Cheeca Rocks and Hen and Chickens with the same care as the rest.
What is already prohibited in every SPA
Today NOAA allows diving, snorkeling and boating in SPAs, but prohibits fishing by any means, removing or possessing marine life, touching or standing on coral, and anchoring on coral or when a mooring buoy is available. By our reading of the two rules, the change at Alligator Reef is that anchoring when no buoy is free, even off the coral, will no longer be allowed. Plan to pick up a buoy or move on.
- In Sanctuary Preservation Areas, diving, snorkeling and boating are allowed, but fishing by any means, removing or possessing marine life, touching or standing on coral, and anchoring on coral or when a mooring buoy is available are prohibited. NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Sanctuary Preservation Areas
The fishing ban covers lobster too. FWC says lobster harvest is prohibited at all times in no-take areas of the sanctuary; our lobster season guide has the 2027 dates.
- FWC says lobster harvest is prohibited at all times in no-take areas of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during the sport season. FWC: Spiny Lobster recreational regulations
Why NOAA protects these reefs
NOAA says 632 fish species were known from Alligator Reef as of 2020, and that parts of the reef lie as shallow as 8 feet. It also notes that very high water temperatures in summer 2023 caused widespread coral bleaching and mortality in the Florida Keys. Shallow reef and anchors do not mix, which is the reason NOAA gives for the mooring buoys.
- NOAA says 632 fish species were known from Alligator Reef as of 2020, and some parts of the reef lie at a depth of only 8 feet. NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Alligator Reef SPA
- NOAA notes that very high water temperatures in summer 2023 caused widespread coral bleaching and mortality in the Florida Keys. NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Alligator Reef SPA
Speed rules around divers
Sanctuary-wide, NOAA prohibits operating faster than 4 knots or with a wake within 300 feet of residential shorelines, stationary vessels or reef navigation aids outside marked channels, and above idle speed within 300 feet of a divers down flag. Closer to shore, the Village’s own code sets four knots and no wake within 300 feet of a diver down flag.
- Sanctuary-wide, NOAA prohibits operating faster than 4 knots/no wake within 300 feet of residential shorelines, stationary vessels or reef navigation aids (outside marked channels), and above idle speed/no wake within 300 feet of a divers down flag. NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Sanctuary Regulations
- Village code prohibits operating a motorized vessel faster than four knots or with a wake in marked idle speed no wake zones, within 300 feet of a diver down flag, or within 300 feet of improved residential or commercial shorelines. Islamorada, Village of Islands: Ordinance No. 22-05 (vessel restricted areas)
Moorings at the San Pedro
The San Pedro wreck is a state park preserve, not an SPA, but the same habit applies. It lies in 18 feet of water about 1.25 nautical miles south of Indian Key, and Florida State Parks asks visitors to tie up to the mooring buoys to prevent anchor damage; its manager’s message mentions five buoys.
- The San Pedro lies in 18 feet of water about 1.25 nautical miles south of Indian Key, at 24 degrees 51.802 N, 80 degrees 40.795 W. Florida State Parks: San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
- Florida State Parks asks visitors to tie up to the mooring buoys at the San Pedro site to prevent anchor damage; its manager's message mentions five mooring buoys. Florida State Parks: San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
Plan the trip
Our snorkeling and diving page covers the reefs and the San Pedro, the mile-marker guide places the keys these reefs sit off, and the shore-access finder lists public launches if you are going without a boat. Rules change: read NOAA’s SPA page before you go, and if this page and NOAA disagree, follow NOAA.
Reef and anchoring questions
Is the Keys reef protected?
The Village describes the Keys as protected by the third largest barrier reef in the world and the only living coral reef in the continental U.S. The surrounding waters are designated Outstanding Florida Waters.
Source: Islamorada, Village of Islands: Why Islamorada Matters
Where is the History of Diving Museum?
At 82990 Overseas Hwy (MM 83), Islamorada, on the bayside of US 1. Phone 305-664-9737.
What are the History of Diving Museum hours?
The museum and store are open daily 10 am to 5 pm, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
How much is admission to the History of Diving Museum?
The museum lists $15 adults, $13 seniors 62+, $7 children 6 to 11, free for children 5 and under, $12 US veterans and $11 college students with ID. US active military are free.
Can I bring my dog to the History of Diving Museum?
The museum says it is pet-friendly for well-behaved, leashed domestic animals under 50 lbs.
Does the diving museum have evening talks?
Yes. Its free "Immerse Yourself!" series is the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7 pm, in person and on Zoom.
How did the History of Diving Museum start?
The museum says it grew from the collection of Drs. Joe and Sally Bauer, opened part-time in September 2005 and began full-time operation in September 2006.
What is the San Pedro shipwreck?
Florida State Parks says the San Pedro was a 287-ton, Dutch-built ship in a Spanish flotilla that sank in a hurricane on July 13, 1733. It was found in 1960 in Hawk Channel near Indian Key.
Source: Florida State Parks: San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
Where is the San Pedro and how deep is it?
In 18 feet of water about 1.25 nautical miles south of Indian Key, at 24 degrees 51.802 N, 80 degrees 40.795 W.
Source: Florida State Parks: San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
Is there a fee for the San Pedro preserve?
No. Florida State Parks lists no fee, open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year.
Source: Florida State Parks: San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
Can I anchor at the San Pedro?
Florida State Parks asks visitors to tie up to the mooring buoys at the site to prevent anchor damage.
Source: Florida State Parks: San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
What is a Sanctuary Preservation Area?
NOAA says SPAs protect shallow reefs; there are 17 in the sanctuary covering about 12 square miles. Diving, snorkeling and boating are allowed, but fishing and collecting are not.
Source: NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Sanctuary Preservation Areas
Can I anchor in a Sanctuary Preservation Area?
NOAA prohibits anchoring on coral or when a mooring buoy is available, and says that in 2027 anchoring of any kind will be prohibited in SPAs except Hen and Chickens, Cheeca Rocks, Newfound Harbor Key, Eastern Dry Rocks, Rock Key and Sand Key.
Source: NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Sanctuary Preservation Areas
Where is Alligator Reef?
NOAA says Alligator Reef lies about four and a half miles east of Indian Key, marked by a black and white lighthouse visible from land in the Upper Keys.
Source: NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Alligator Reef SPA
How shallow is Alligator Reef?
NOAA says some parts of the reef lie at a depth of only 8 feet, and the reef is ideal for beginning snorkelers and divers.
Source: NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Alligator Reef SPA
Where is Cheeca Rocks?
NOAA says Cheeca Rocks SPA is southeast of Upper Matecumbe Key, with water from about 8 to 20 feet, popular for snorkeling.
Source: NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Cheeca Rocks SPA
What is Hen and Chickens?
NOAA says Hen and Chickens SPA is a patch reef in Hawk Channel just off Plantation Key, about 106 acres, with easy access from Islamorada.
Source: NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Hen and Chickens SPA
What speed rules apply near divers in the sanctuary?
NOAA prohibits operating above idle speed/no wake within 300 feet of a divers down flag, and above 4 knots/no wake within 300 feet of residential shorelines, stationary vessels or reef markers outside marked channels.
Source: NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Sanctuary Regulations
Written by the Islamorada Guide Editorial Team. Some content may be AI-generated. People check every fact before it publishes.
Dates, rules and hours can change. The organisers have the final word: Village of Islamorada (official site)
