Shipwreck Diving in Florida: Famous Wrecks, Underwater Trails and Dive Sites

Florida's shipwrecks include historic Spanish galleons; a luxury liner that’s been reborn as a sprawling artificial reef; and World War II casualties, promising underwater adventures for recreational divers, advanced wreck divers and snorkelers.

The Sunshine State is one of the world's great destinations for shipwreck diving, with thousands of vessels lost along its coastline over centuries of maritime history.

The state's underwater attractions include the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, the Wreck Trek in South Florida, Biscayne National Park's Maritime Heritage Trail and the Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail. Historic wrecks along Florida's Treasure Coast lead divers through the story of Spanish fleets, hurricanes and lost cargo.

Some Florida shipwrecks rest in shallow water accessible to snorkelers and beginning divers. Others lie more than 100 feet below the surface, where strong currents, limited bottom time and the challenges of deep diving make advanced training essential.

And then there are the giants. Florida is home to the world's two largest artificial reefs: the 990-foot SS United States off Destin–Fort Walton Beach and the 911-foot USS Oriskany off Pensacola, enormous underwater landmarks that weave a tapestry of history, adventure and beauty.

Florida Shipwreck Diving at a Glance

These depths are approximate and may refer to the seabed rather than the shallowest part of a wreck. Certification guidance is a planning aid, not an authorization to dive. Conditions, currents and individual dive operators' requirements determine whether a site is appropriate.

These are selected highlights, not a complete inventory. Open Water recommendations assume suitable conditions, training and operator approval. Some sites have significant current or overhead hazards.

Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail: Diving Northwest Florida's Wrecks

The Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail stretches across Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast, with dive sites off Pensacola, Destin, Panama City and Port St. Joe. Its 20 featured wrecks include former military vessels, commercial ships, tugboats and World War II casualties.

Unlike a single underwater route, the trail is a collection of dive destinations that visitors can explore individually or over multiple trips. Many wrecks have become artificial reefs, attracting snapper, grouper, amberjack, barracuda and other Gulf marine life.

USS Oriskany — Pensacola

One of Florida's most spectacular wreck dives, the USS Oriskany is an aircraft carrier deliberately sunk in 2006, approximately 22 miles south of Pensacola. The enormous vessel attracts marine life ranging from schooling fish to large pelagic species.

• GPS: 30° 02.555′ N, 87° 00.397′ W
• Depth: Approximately 80 feet to the upper structure; flight deck around 145 feet; seabed approximately 212 feet.
• Experience: Advanced Open Water or equivalent deep-diving experience for appropriate shallower portions; technical training for deeper exploration.
• What divers see: The carrier's island superstructure, massive steel structures, reef growth and schooling fish.
• How to dive: Book a dedicated Oriskany charter departing from the Pensacola area. Operators may require documented deep-diving experience.
• Fun Fact: The Oriskany is nicknamed “the Great Carrier Reef.”

Read more: Diving the USS Oriskany off Pensacola.

SS United States — Destin–Fort Walton Beach

The historic SS United States, launched in 1952 and famous for its record-setting transatlantic speed, was sunk Nov. 11, 2026, and is now the world's largest artificial reef, resting off the Destin–Fort Walton Beach coast. The former ocean liner adds a remarkable new attraction to Northwest Florida's already impressive collection of shipwreck dive sites.

• GPS: 30° 07.148′ N, 86° 46.755′ W (planned location; final position awaiting confirmation).
• Depth: Approximately 55–180 feet (pending survey).
• Experience: Recreational to technical; certification requirements TBD.
• What divers see: The massive structure of the 990-foot ocean liner, including its decks and superstructure, which will gradually become habitat for fish and other marine life.
• How to dive: Public diving access and charter availability have not yet been announced. Check with Destin-area dive operators for updates.
• Fun Fact: The ship's designer was so determined to prevent fires that he banned nearly all wood from the vessel. Even a Steinway piano was tested by pouring gasoline on it and setting it alight.

Read more: SS United States

Miss Louise — Destin

The Miss Louise, a 95-foot push tug sunk in 1997, rests upright on a sandy bottom. Although storms have damaged parts of the upper structure, the wreck remains a popular habitat for reef fish and a relatively accessible training destination.

• GPS: 30° 22.282′ N, 86° 25.315′ W
• Depth: Approximately 60 feet.
• Experience: Open Water; suitable for novice to intermediate divers under appropriate conditions.
• What divers see: Tugboat structure, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, barracuda and occasionally larger visitors.
• How to dive: Arrange a Destin-area charter that includes the Miss Louise on its itinerary.
• Fun Fact: Unlike many artificial reefs created from large ocean-going ships, the Miss Louise spent her working life as a push tug—a relatively small vessel built to move barges and other floating equipment.

Black Bart — Panama City Beach

This former offshore supply vessel was sunk in 1993 as a memorial to Navy salvage officer Charles Bartholomew. It offers a recognizable ship structure and several features that make it especially appealing to wreck enthusiasts.

• GPS: 30° 03.648′ N, 85° 49.433′ W
• Depth: Approximately 85 feet at the bottom; wheelhouse around 40 feet and deck around 66 feet.
• Experience: Open Water for suitable shallower portions; Advanced Open Water recommended for deeper exploration. Entering enclosed spaces requires appropriate wreck-penetration training.
• What divers see: The wheelhouse, cargo holds, galley and marine growth.
• How to dive: Book a Panama City Beach wreck-diving charter and request Black Bart specifically.
• Fun Fact: The Black Bart honors Navy Capt. Charles “Black Bart” Bartholomew, who helped lead recovery efforts after the Challenger space shuttle disaster and participated in the cleanup of the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

Empire Mica — Cape San Blas

Unlike Florida's intentionally sunk artificial reefs, Empire Mica is a genuine wartime shipwreck. The British tanker was torpedoed by a German submarine in June 1942 while carrying fuel during World War II.

• GPS: 29° 18.6822′ N, 85° 21.228′ W
• Depth: Approximately 110 feet.
• Experience: Advanced divers with deep-diving experience.
• What divers see: Scattered tanker wreckage, large metal structures, snapper, grouper, barracuda and baitfish.
• How to dive: Seek a specialized offshore charter serving the Cape San Blas or Port St. Joe area.
• Fun Fact: One of the Empire Mica's enormous bronze propellers was salvaged from the wreck and now stands outside Captain Anderson's Restaurant in Panama City Beach. Weighing approximately 32,000 pounds, it's become a popular photo opportunity.

Additional Panhandle Trail wrecks include the San Pablo, Pete Tide II, USS Strength, USS Chippewa, Vamar and El Dorado. The official trail website provides individual wreck profiles, GPS positions and depths.

The Wreck Trek: Three Shipwrecks in One Dive off Fort Lauderdale

The Fort Lauderdale Wreck Trek offers a distinctive South Florida diving experience: three artificial reefs close enough together that divers may be able to explore all three during a single drift dive.

The Jay Scutti, Tracey and Merci Jesus lie offshore in approximately 55 to 72 feet of water. The route depends on current direction, visibility, navigation and the dive leader's plan. All three wrecks were seized by officials for drug smuggling.

Jay Scutti

• GPS: 26° 09.520′ N, 80° 04.760′ W
• Depth: Approximately 55–72 feet.
• Experience: Open Water with suitable drift-diving skills.
• What divers see: A 95-foot tugboat, reef fish, coral growth and sometimes stingrays in the sand.
• How to dive: Join a Fort Lauderdale wreck charter offering the Wreck Trek.
• Fun Fact: Before becoming an artificial reef, the Jay Scutti was a tugboat in Aruba that was seized by the U.S. Coast Guard with 15 tons of marijuana aboard. It was later purchased at auction and renamed in memory of a local businessman's son.

Tracey (Ken Vitale)

• GPS: 26° 09.559′ N, 80° 04.763′ W
• Depth: Approximately 55–72 feet.
• Experience: Open Water; drift and navigation experience beneficial.
• What divers see: A former offshore supply vessel, now covered with marine growth, with neighboring wrecks close by.
• How to dive: Book a Wreck Trek charter or a dedicated Tracey dive.
• Fun Fact: Before becoming an artificial reef, the Tracey was seized by U.S. Customs for drug trafficking. It sat abandoned in the Miami River before being sunk off Fort Lauderdale in 1999.

Merci Jesus

• GPS: 26° 09.635′ N, 80° 04.747′ W
• Depth: Approximately 55–72 feet.
• Experience: Open Water with drift-diving experience.
• What divers see: The remains of a freighter, tropical fish, barracuda and other reef inhabitants.
• How to dive: Visit as part of a Wreck Trek dive when conditions permit.
• Fun Fact: When federal agents searched the Merci Jesus in Miami in 1998, they discovered 969 pounds of cocaine concealed in a ballast tank. The crew was arrested, and the vessel eventually became an artificial reef.

Local dive operators: South Florida Diving Headquarters and Force-E Scuba Centers provide information about wreck dives in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Biscayne National Park Maritime Heritage Trail: Shallow Wrecks and Snorkeling

South of Miami, Biscayne National Park protects coral reefs, islands and centuries of maritime history. Its Maritime Heritage Trail includes six historic shipwrecks and Fowey Rocks Lighthouse.

Many sites lie in just 10 to 30 feet of water, making this one of Florida's most accessible areas for exploring historic shipwrecks. All sites require boat access, and the National Park Service identifies several as particularly good snorkeling destinations.

Mandalay

The Mandalay was a steel-hulled schooner that grounded on Long Reef in 1966. Its shallow remains are among the park's best sites for snorkelers.

• GPS: 25.442283° N, 80.121783° W (NPS mooring position).
• Depth: Approximately 8–20 feet.
• Experience: Snorkeling or beginning scuba.
• What visitors see: The vessel's remaining framework, reef habitat and tropical fish.
• How to visit: Join a boat-based snorkeling excursion that specifically includes the Mandalay site.
• Fun Fact: The Mandalay was once known as the “red carpet ship of the windjammer fleet,” with decks finished in teak and mahogany—a surprisingly luxurious past for a wreck now explored by snorkelers.

Arratoon Apcar

The Arratoon Apcar grounded in 1878 near the site where Fowey Rocks Lighthouse was being constructed.

• GPS: 25.591917° N, 80.095583° W (NPS mooring position).
• Depth: Approximately 11–23 feet.
• Experience: Snorkeling or beginning scuba.
• What visitors see: Historic wreckage incorporated into the surrounding reef.
• How to visit: Arrange a boat trip to the northern part of the Maritime Heritage Trail.
• Fun Fact: The Arratoon Apcar ran aground only a few hundred yards from workers constructing Fowey Rocks Lighthouse—a dramatic demonstration of why the lighthouse was needed.

Erl King

The Erl King represents the transition from wooden sailing ships to steel steamships in the late 19th century.

• GPS: 25.424967° N, 80.124150° W (NPS mooring position).
• Depth: Approximately 15–20 feet near the listed moorings.
• Experience: Open Water; the NPS recommends scuba rather than snorkeling.
• What divers see: Scattered historic ship components and reef growth.
• How to visit: Book a boat-based scuba excursion to the trail.
• Fun Fact: The ship's name comes from the Erlking, a supernatural figure in German folklore.

Alicia

The Alicia grounded during a storm in 1905 while carrying a cargo of valuable household goods. Its wreck became the subject of an unusually contentious salvage effort.

• GPS: 25.412733° N, 80.127450° W (NPS mooring position).
• Depth: Approximately 16–30 feet.
• Experience: Open Water; better suited to scuba than snorkeling.
• What divers see: Wreckage and coral reef habitat.
• How to visit: Visit with a boat-based dive operator familiar with Biscayne National Park.
• Fun Fact: The wreck sparked fierce competition among approximately 70 groups of salvagers, leading to changes in U.S. salvage law.

Lugano

When the Lugano ran aground in 1913, it was the largest ship yet wrecked in the Florida Keys.

• GPS: 25.444683° N, 80.119217° W (NPS mooring position).
• Depth: Approximately 18–30 feet.
• Experience: Open Water.
• What divers see: The remains of a large historic vessel along Long Reef.
• How to visit: Arrange a scuba excursion to the park's Maritime Heritage Trail.
• Fun Fact: When the Lugano grounded in 1913, it was the largest vessel ever wrecked in the Florida Keys—although much larger ships have since been lost or deliberately sunk nearby.

The trail also includes a 19th-century wooden sailing vessel and Fowey Rocks Lighthouse. Visitors may snorkel around the lighthouse base, but the structure itself is not open to the public.

Planning: Use the National Park Service Maritime Heritage Trail guide and its official mooring coordinates to plan a visit. Ask park-authorized or locally operating boat providers which sites are currently included in their trips.

Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail: Nine Historic Wrecks

The Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail features nine wrecks protected within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Stretching from Key Largo toward Key West, the sites represent different chapters of maritime history, from wooden sailing vessels to 20th-century military ships.

Some lie in less than 30 feet of water. Others reach 120 feet and are best suited to experienced divers. NOAA provides individual underwater site guides with wreck and mooring positions, maps, histories and marine life information.

Benwood — Key Largo

The British merchant marine freighter Benwood sank after colliding with another ship in 1942. Its remains are among the most frequently visited wrecks in the Florida Keys.

• GPS: 25° 03.144′ N, 80° 19.930′ W
• Depth: 25–45 feet.
• Experience: Open Water.
• What divers see: The damaged bow, steel framework, coral growth and tropical fish.
• How to dive: Book a Key Largo wreck-diving charter, such as those offered by Rainbow Reef, and confirm the Benwood is on the itinerary.
• Fun Fact: During World War II, the Benwood and the ship it collided with were both traveling without lights to avoid detection by German submarines. The blackout meant neither crew spotted the other vessel in time to prevent the collision.

USCGC Duane — Key Largo

The former Coast Guard cutter Duane was deliberately sunk in 1987. It rests upright off Molasses Reef, with the upper structures rising well above the seabed.

• GPS: 24° 59.388′ N, 80° 22.888′ W
• Depth: Mast around 60 feet; bridge around 70 feet; seabed approximately 120 feet.
• Experience: Advanced Open Water with deep-diving experience; technical training for exploration beyond recreational limits.
• What divers see: The cutter's bridge, railings, ladders, superstructure and abundant marine life.
• How to dive: Arrange a dedicated deep-wreck charter from Key Largo.
• Fun Fact: During its long career, the Duane helped rescue 346 people at sea and participated in sinking a German submarine during World War II.

Eagle — Islamorada

The Eagle is an artificial reef lying on its starboard side approximately three miles northeast of Alligator Reef Light.

• GPS: 24° 52.171′ N, 80° 34.203′ W
• Depth: Approximately 110 feet.
• Experience: Advanced Open Water and appropriate deep-diving experience.
• What divers see: A large freighter wreck, encrusted steel structures and reef fish.
• How to dive: Book an Islamorada or Tavernier charter that offers the Eagle.
• Fun Fact: The Eagle nearly escaped its planned sinking location when it broke free of its moorings in December 1985. Crews dropped an anchor, and the ship was sunk the following day at a different location.

Thunderbolt— Marathon

Originally built for the U.S. Army, the Thunderbolt later served as a research vessel before being intentionally sunk as an artificial reef in 1986.

• GPS: 24° 39.663′ N, 80° 57.784′ W
• Depth: Superstructure around 75 feet; cable reel around 80 feet; seabed approximately 120 feet.
• Experience: Advanced Open Water and deep-diving experience.
• What divers see: An upright 189-foot ship, a large cable reel, superstructure, propellers and marine life.
• How to dive: Arrange a deep-wreck charter from Marathon or nearby Key Colony Beach.
• Fun Fact: The Thunderbolt earned its name when Florida Power & Light used the vessel to study the electrical energy produced by lightning strikes.

San Pedro— Islamorada

The San Pedro, a Spanish vessel lost in the 1733 hurricane, is one of the Keys' most historically significant underwater sites. Its shallow remains are protected within San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park.

• GPS: 24° 51.802′ N, 80° 40.795′ W.
• Depth: Approximately 18 feet.
• Experience: Snorkeling or beginner scuba.
• What visitors see: A ballast mound, replica cannons, an anchor, coral and reef fish.
• How to visit: Arrange a snorkeling or shallow-water scuba trip from the Islamorada area.
• Fun Fact: The San Pedro was carrying Mexican silver and crates of Chinese porcelain when it sank in the 1733 hurricane. The cannons visitors see today are replicas added to help interpret the historic site.

Four more wrecks on the Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail

These sites include wooden sailing vessels, an artificial reef and a historic steamship. Some have only scattered remains rather than recognizable ship structures.

Local dive operators: NOAA's Blue Star dive operator directory identifies businesses committed to responsible sanctuary tourism. Options include Rainbow Reef in Key Largo, Conch Republic Divers in Tavernier, Captain Hook's Marina and Dive Center in Marathon, and operators in Key West. Confirm that the specific wreck is offered before booking.

The 1733 Spanish Galleon Trail: Diving Florida's Maritime History

Florida's 1733 Spanish Galleon Trail follows the remains of a Spanish treasure fleet devastated by a hurricane in July 1733. The wreck sites extend across approximately 80 miles of the Florida Keys.

Unlike modern artificial reefs, these vessels have spent nearly three centuries deteriorating beneath the water. Divers and snorkelers may find ballast stones, buried timbers, scattered artifacts and coral-covered remains rather than intact ships.

The Florida Department of State's 1733 Spanish Galleon Trail provides historical accounts, coordinates and site descriptions.

Sueco de Arizón — Conch Key

The Sueco de Arizón was a merchant vessel swept into shallow water during the 1733 hurricane. Although its hull is no longer visible, the site offers an unusual opportunity to explore a centuries-old shipwreck in snorkeling depths.

• GPS: 24° 46.625′ N, 80° 53.372′ W and 24° 46.728′ N, 80° 53.480′ W (two ballast locations).
• Depth: Approximately 9 feet.
• Experience: Snorkeling; shallow-water experience recommended.
• What visitors see: Two ballast mounds, seagrass, coral, sea fans and small reef fish.
• How to visit: Arrange a boat-based excursion with a local guide familiar with the historic site.
• Fun Fact: Despite being battered by the 1733 hurricane, the ship lost no lives, and its cargo—including silver, porcelain, tobacco and other goods—was saved.

Almiranta (El Gallo Indiano) — Long Key

The Almiranta was the vice-flagship of the 1733 Spanish fleet, a heavily armed galleon carrying valuable cargo. Its wreck lies in a channel where tidal currents can make diving challenging despite the shallow depth.

• GPS: 24° 48.633′ N, 80° 45.932′ W.
• Depth: Approximately 14 feet.
• Experience: Shallow-water snorkeling or scuba, but only with appropriate current experience and conditions.
• What visitors see: A large ballast mound, remnants of the keel, coral and reef fish.
• How to visit: Seek an experienced local guide and plan around favorable tides and currents.
• Fun Fact: Nicknamed “The Cock of the Indies,” this 60-gun galleon protected the rear of the Spanish fleet and carried royal silver, copper, vanilla and other valuable cargo.

Tres Puentes — Islamorada

The Tres Puentes may actually be the El Nuevo Londres, an English-built vessel lost in the same 1733 hurricane. Its true identity remains uncertain.

• GPS: 24° 53.612′ N, 80° 35.012′ W.
• Depth: Approximately 15 feet.
• Experience: Snorkeling or beginner scuba in suitable conditions.
• What visitors see: Partially buried ballast stones, fire coral, seagrass and small marine creatures.
• How to visit: Arrange a guided boat trip with a provider knowledgeable about the 1733 wreck sites.
• Fun Fact: Survivors from Tres Puentes and nearby ships like the San Pedro were kept alive in part by when a small, dismasted sloop loaded with 256 barrels of flour managed to anchor nearby, serving as an emergency food bank for the stranded survivors.

Chaves — Islamorada

The Chaves, a smaller vessel in the fleet, ran aground in shallow water. Much of its cargo was salvaged before the vessel was abandoned.

• GPS: 24° 56.179′ N, 80° 34.985′ W.
• Depth: Approximately 8 feet.
• Experience: Snorkeling.
• What visitors see: Scattered ballast, seagrass, sponges, sea stars and small reef creatures.
• How to visit: Ask an Islamorada-area snorkeling operator about guided access to the historic site.
• Fun Fact: The Chaves survived the 1733 hurricane with its hull intact, but the water was too shallow to refloat it. After salvaging its cargo, crews burned the ship down to the waterline.

23. Capitana (El Rubí) — Tavernier

The flagship of the 1733 fleet, Capitana carried a valuable cargo of coins, precious metals and other goods. Much of the cargo was salvaged, and the wreck later became an important site in the history of underwater archaeology and treasure hunting.

• GPS: 24° 55.491′ N, 80° 30.891′ W.
• Depth: Approximately 19 feet at the present site.
• Experience: Shallow-water scuba or snorkeling, although there may be little visible wreckage.
• What visitors see: Sand, seagrass, occasional ballast stones and scattered timbers. Much of the site is buried.
• How to visit: Arrange a specialized historical wreck excursion rather than expecting a standard reef charter to stop here.
• Fun Fact: In 1949, treasure hunter Art McKee opened one of the world's first shipwreck museums to display artifacts recovered from the Capitana. He even took tourists to the wreck aboard a glass-bottom boat.

24. San José — Tavernier

The San José was another casualty of the 1733 hurricane. Excavations uncovered ballast, timbers, cannons and anchors, although much of the wreck has since become buried again.

• GPS: 24° 56.919′ N, 80° 29.334′ W.
• Depth: Approximately 30 feet.
• Experience: Open Water; historical wreck-diving interest.
• What divers see: Mostly sand, with occasional exposed timbers and passing marine life.
• How to dive: Seek a guide specializing in historical wreck sites.
• Fun Fact: Treasure hunters rediscovered the buried wreck in 1968 using a magnetometer. Excavations eventually revealed at least 23 cannons and a 25-foot-long rudder.

The San Pedro, described in the Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail section, is also part of the 1733 Spanish Galleon Trail. It is one of the most accessible and visitor-friendly sites for experiencing the history of the fleet.

Other Famous Florida Shipwrecks Worth Diving

Not every outstanding Florida wreck belongs to one of the established trails. Several of the state's most famous artificial reefs and historic wrecks stand on their own, drawing divers for their enormous size, marine life or unusual history.

25. USS Spiegel Grove — Key Largo

The USS Spiegel Grove, a former Navy dock landing ship, was deliberately sunk off Key Largo in 2002. At 510 feet long, it is one of Florida's most impressive artificial reefs.

• GPS: [Insert current NOAA mooring waypoint.]
• Depth: Approximately 60 feet at the upper structures to 130 feet at the seabed.
• Experience: Advanced Open Water recommended; wreck-penetration training required for overhead exploration.
• What divers see: A massive upright ship, decks, railings, marine growth and schooling fish.
• How to dive: Key Largo operators including Silent World Dive Center and Rainbow Reef Dive Center offer local wreck-diving trips; confirm the itinerary and certification requirements.
• Fun Fact: The Spiegel Grove accidentally sank on its side in 2002. Three years later, Hurricane Dennis shifted the enormous ship into an upright position—exactly as its organizers had originally intended.

26. General Hoyt S. Vandenberg — Key West

The General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, a 523-foot former military vessel, was sunk in 2009 approximately seven miles off Key West. Its immense size and recognizable structures make it a favorite among experienced divers.

• GPS: [Insert verified wreck or mooring waypoint.]
• Depth: Upper structure around 45 feet; seabed approximately 145 feet.
• Experience: Advanced Open Water with deep-diving experience; technical training for deeper portions.
• What divers see: Large superstructures, antenna structures, artificial reef growth and schooling fish.
• How to dive: Book a dedicated Vandenberg charter from Key West.
• Fun Fact: Before becoming an artificial reef, the Vandenberg tracked spacecraft and missile launches. It also appeared as a Russian research ship in the 1999 science-fiction movie Virus, starring Jamie Lee Curtis.

27. Adolphus Busch Sr. — Lower Florida Keys

The Adolphus Busch Sr., a 210-foot freighter, was intentionally sunk in 1998 approximately five miles southwest of Big Pine Key.

• GPS: [Insert verified wreck waypoint.]
• Depth: [Verify current wreck depth and accessible upper structure.]
• Experience: Advanced diving experience recommended, subject to operator requirements.
• What divers see: A large steel freighter serving as an artificial reef.
• How to dive: Contact Lower Keys dive operators about trips to the wreck.
• Fun Fact: Because the Adolphus Busch Sr. was being sunk in a protected marine sanctuary, explosives were prohibited. Instead, workers drilled 12 large holes in the hull and pumped in water to send the ship gently to the bottom.

28. Nuestra Señora de Atocha — Waters off Key West

The Nuestra Señora de Atocha sank during a hurricane in 1622 while carrying valuable Spanish cargo. The wreck became internationally famous after treasure hunter Mel Fisher's team located its main hull in 1985.

Unlike the more accessible wrecks in this guide, the Atocha is best treated as a maritime-history attraction rather than a routine recreational dive destination.

• GPS: [Do not publish a dive waypoint without confirming lawful public access.]
• Depth: [Verify for the specific site.]
• Experience: Not presented as a standard recreational dive.
• What visitors can see: Gold, silver, coins, navigational instruments and other artifacts recovered from the wreck.
• How to experience it: Visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West to see artifacts and learn about the discovery.
• Fun Fact: Treasure hunter Mel Fisher spent 16 years searching for the Atocha before his team located its main treasure site in 1985. The discovery included an extraordinary collection of silver bars, gold, coins and emeralds, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.

How to Plan a Florida Shipwreck Diving Trip

Florida offers shipwreck experiences for a wide range of abilities, but choosing the right site matters as much as choosing the destination.

Beginning divers and snorkelers can start with shallow wrecks in Biscayne National Park, the Benwood off Key Largo, or historic sites such as San Pedro. More experienced divers may prefer the large artificial reefs off Pensacola, Panama City Beach, Fort Lauderdale and the Florida Keys. More experienced divers may prefer the large artificial reefs off Pensacola, Panama City Beach, Fort Lauderdale and the Florida Keys.

Before booking, ask the operator about the wreck's maximum depth, current, visibility, minimum certification requirements, equipment, travel time and whether the trip includes a guide. Some advanced wrecks also require proof of recent diving experience.

For historic wreck sites, remember that artifacts are protected. Don’t remove objects, disturb ballast stones, enter fragile structures or touch coral. Use designated mooring buoys where available and follow sanctuary, park and state regulations.

Whether exploring a shallow Spanish shipwreck, drifting between three wrecks off Fort Lauderdale or descending alongside an enormous aircraft carrier, Florida offers an extraordinary way to experience history beneath the water.