 SOMBRERO
LIGHT is approximately 4.5 miles south of Marathon
and within view of the historic 7 mile bridge. It is marked by a 142-foot lighthouse that
was constructed in the early 1860’s. The reef itself is a classic spur and groove
coral configuration that ranges in depth from about two feet to 25 feet. It is home to a
wide variety of indigenous corals: Elkhorn, staghorn, star, sheet and brain just to name a
few. Along with the corals is almost every kind of tropical reef fish in the book from the
very large Jew fish to very small goby. Sombrero’s calling card is the color created
by all these tropical fish along with the hard and soft corals in a shallow water setting
that allows so much light penetration. Another phenomenon that is seen quite frequently at
this reef is the cleaning stations. Neon gobies and juvenile Spanish hogfish love the
protection that is offered by the large brain and star corals. The larger fish, such as
the grouper and barracude love the vertical relief and sandy channels of the reef. Since
the smaller fish are parasite feeders and the larger fish are parasite carriers, Sombrero
Reef becomes a bonanza for cleaning stations. It is fascinating to watch this relationship
in action. Sombrero is the only main reef area off Marathon that is currently using
mooring buoys. Because of the Lighthouse, which can be seen for miles, this is by far the
most widely used reef in the area. If it can be avoided during peak times, it will
certainly be time in the water well spent.
Description and photo courtesy of The Diving
Site Dive Shop in Marathon.
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