Alligator Reef

    Alligator reef is named   for the armed schooner USS Alligator which was built to fight pirates & slave traders.  It ran aground on the reef in 1822 & was blown up by the crew to prevent salvage by pirates. A mooring buoy in very shallow water close to the present day lighthouse (photo above) marks the location of some of the remaining rubble. 

    The lighthouse was completed in 1873 and is 136' high. Although previously manned, it is now automated.

    There are numerous diving areas near the lighthouse, including a spur & groove system that drops from 40' to 80' plus, smaller patches, and the most popular; Alligator Gully - a ledge that runs for several hundred yards along the southwestern side of the lighthouse and is a beautiful area for diving and snorkeling. This area is inside the Alligator Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA). Fishing, collecting & lobstering have been prohibited in the area bounded by four yellow balls since July 1997. Depths in the SPA range from 16 to 25 feet.  Marine life is abundant here and visibility is good when the wind is not from the south to west bringing in greener bay water.

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