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Dive Into the Arms of the Christ of the Abyss in the Florida Keys

Dive Into the Arms of the Christ of the Abyss in the Florida Keys

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on January 11, 2017

Fewer religious icons inspire more visions or real representations than Jesus Christ. News articles report seeing him in pancakes, paintings, and even underwater statues. At the Key Largo Dry Rocks in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, visitors can see the Christ of the Abyss at a mere 25 feet below the surface.

Donated in 1961 by Italian sculptor Guido Galletti, Christ of the Abyss was placed on its 20,000 pound concrete base in 1965. The original mold created three identical statues, one of which still sits underwater off the coast of St. George in the Caribbean. The first statue was placed as a memorial to lost sailors near the spot in the Mediterranean Sea where Dario Gonzatti (the first Italian to use SCUBA gear) died in 1947.

Also known as Christ of the Deep, the 4,000-pound bronze statue stands in a shallow reef near massive brain coral formations that flank its surroundings in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This park was the first underwater preserve designation in the United States and covers around 178 nautical miles. It is home to large spotted eagle rays, southern stingrays, flat coral, sponges, and several species of tropical fish.

One of the most heavily visited underwater structures of all time, this dive site is a very popular location for underwater weddings, and nearly 200 couples tie the knot here every year. So many people want to see the Christ of the Abyss that the crowds can be overwhelming, hinting at something truly special that has made it one of the most famous and visited underwater sites on Earth.

It can be a bit cumbersome to dive near Christ of the Abyss because the water is so shallow. Divers will need to exercise good buoyancy control to avoid bumping into the coral. There are telltale signs of significant damage the site has experienced from divers and snorkelers who stand on or touch the coral. If proper care isn’t taken by each and every one of us, the site won’t be thriving for very long.

Whether you are a spiritual seeker or a lover of cultural novelty, a trip to see the Christ of the Abyss in the Florida Keys will certainly be a memorable one!

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro