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Neptune Memorial Reef Dive
Dive a one-of-a-kind underwater memorial reef just offshore of Key Biscayne. Boat-access-only, artist-designed “Atlantis” structures, and an easy depth for many divers when conditions cooperate.
Neptune Memorial Reef™ is an offshore, boat-access-only dive and snorkel site east of Key Biscayne. It’s a man-made “sunken city” memorial where cremated remains are incorporated into reef structures—creating a living habitat that attracts marine life while serving as a place of remembrance.
Most visitors go with a local operator from the Miami/Key Biscayne area, but experienced boaters can also plan a private run and tie into the site’s mooring buoys. Expect an offshore environment: currents, visibility, and sea state can change quickly—so smart timing and solid boat/dive planning matter.
The reef itself is free to visit; your costs are typically the boat day (or charter), plus any dive support such as tanks, guides, and gear rentals.
About This Experience
Neptune Memorial Reef™ is an “Atlantis”-style underwater memorial and artificial reef located roughly 3–3.25 miles offshore of the Key Biscayne/Miami area in commonly cited ~40 ft of water (conditions vary). Designed as a sunken city with columns, arches, and pathways, it functions as both a place of remembrance and a growing marine habitat. Visiting is done by boat only—typically via a dive operator—using mooring buoys for tie-up rather than anchoring on the site.
Popular Boat Plans (How People Visit)
Key Biscayne Dive Charter Run (Most Common)
Depart from Key Biscayne/Crandon Park Marina area with a local operator for a guided trip. The crew handles navigation, buoy tie-in, site briefing, and timing based on sea conditions.
Private Boat Visit + Dive Buddy Plan
Plot the exact GPS coordinates, run offshore with full safety gear, and tie into a mooring buoy. Best for experienced skippers/divers who can manage current, boat traffic, and a clean entry/exit plan.
Snorkel-First Recon Trip (Conditions Permitting)
On calm days with good visibility, some visitors plan a snorkel-focused stop. Be conservative: offshore chop/current can make snorkeling demanding, and a boat watch/float plan is essential.
Perfect Boats for This Activity
Giselle at Key Biscayne
Robalo Crandon
Donzi Dream
BeerBoss at Key Biscayne
Gulf to Golf at Key Biscayne
Balboa at Key Biscayne
Whiskey & Waves at Key Biscayne
Shining Force at Key Biscayne
Bubble at Key Biscayne
Le Grand Bleu at Key Biscayne
Cruiser RE 48
La Dolce Vita II 60
Giselle at Key Biscayne
Robalo Crandon
Donzi Dream
BeerBoss at Key Biscayne
Gulf to Golf at Key Biscayne
Balboa at Key Biscayne
Whiskey & Waves at Key Biscayne
Shining Force at Key Biscayne
Bubble at Key Biscayne
Le Grand Bleu at Key Biscayne
Cruiser RE 48
La Dolce Vita II 60
Where This Activity Takes Place
Getting There
Multiple departure points available
Open in Maps
Boat & Dive Tips for Neptune Memorial Reef
Boat access only: you can’t swim out from shore—plan a charter or a properly equipped private boat run.
Use the mooring buoy system for tie-up; avoid anchoring on or near the structures to prevent damage.
Expect boat traffic—keep a sharp lookout, manage drift carefully, and coordinate entries/exits with your crew.
Plan around conditions: morning departures are often calmer; currents and visibility can change quickly offshore.
Bring a DSMB/surface marker and use standard open-water signaling practices; follow your operator’s protocols.
This is a memorial site—dive respectfully and never disturb plaques, ashes, or structures.
Best Time to Go
Aim for calm-weather windows with lighter wind and lower seas. Early trips often offer better surface conditions and visibility. If you’re boating yourself, build extra time for navigation, buoy approach, and a conservative turnaround based on changing seas.
Visit by Boat with BoatPass
BoatPass makes it easy to plan a reef day from a nearby marina—perfect for boat-access-only spots like Neptune Memorial Reef. Choose a boat that fits your group, coordinate timing for calm conditions, and head offshore with a plan for buoy tie-up and safe water entries.
Frequently Asked Questions
The published coordinates are 25.7006, -80.0902 (converted from N25° 42.036′, W80° 05.409′). It’s offshore east of Key Biscayne in the Miami area.
Yes—experienced boaters can visit by private boat, but it’s boat-access-only and offshore conditions can be challenging. Many visitors choose a local dive operator for navigation, buoy tie-in, and safety support.
It’s commonly cited around ~40 ft of water, but depth and conditions vary. Always plan your dive based on current conditions and your training.
The site itself is free to visit, but you’ll typically pay for the boat day—either a charter/dive operator trip or your own boating costs and dive support (tanks, guide, rentals, etc.).
It can be, but only when sea state and visibility are favorable. Because it’s offshore, currents and surface chop may make snorkeling difficult—check with an operator and be conservative.
Best practice is to tie into the site’s mooring buoys rather than anchoring, to avoid damaging the memorial structures and surrounding habitat.
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Crew, Gas, Water & Ice – In compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, a captain is provided only for commercial charters with six or fewer passengers. For bareboat charters (up to 13 passengers total, including the charterer and up to 12 guests), the charterer is responsible for selecting and hiring the crew. You may choose your crew from a list of options provided, and we can remit payment to the crew you select on your behalf using your Membership Dues. The charterer is also responsible for fuel. We can remit the fuel payment on your behalf using your Membership Dues. Local trips typically require no additional fuel, although longer-distance or non-local navigation may require an additional fuel charge. Likewise, the charterer is responsible for water and ice. We can remit these payments on your behalf using your Membership Dues.
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