The Maze

The Maze is a named offshore reef dive in Dry Tortugas National Park, known for coral caverns, swim-through pinnacles and pronounced vertical relief. Divers carrying tanks need to arrive on a private boat or charter because the park ferry and seaplane cannot carry compressed cylinders. The NPS-published point is a mooring reference, not a landing or navigation route; confirm current access and sea conditions before setting out.

NPS gives the site a depth range of 20 to 60 feet. A diver's field account describes small canyons and pockets beneath coral heads, so the appeal is the reef's twisting structure rather than one open wall. Photographers can frame a swim-through with the coral edges in the foreground to show that maze-like relief.

The park's moorings are intended for recreational vessels up to 100 feet and suitable weather and seas, not overnight use. NPS limits mooring in the Research Natural Area to two hours and asks vessel operators to check that a buoy is holding before relying on it. Coral and shells are protected, so look without touching or collecting them.