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Dive Sites
Miami’s waters offer some of the most incredible diving in the world, from vibrant coral reefs to historic wrecks and abundant marine life. Special thanks to My Adventure Scuba for their comprehensive Miami dive site list, showcasing the region’s amazing underwater diversity. Whether you're exploring the Neptune Memorial Reef or the remains of the Sheri-Lyn, every dive is a unique adventure waiting to be discovered.
ALMIRANTE (135') One of the older wrecks off the coast of Miami, this 200' steel refrigerated freighter was scuttled in 1974 after her owners abandoned her on the Miami River. Prior to her sinking, the City of Miami removed her superstructure for scrap and towed her out to sea for one last time. She sits upright with her stern twisted to port thanks to Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Since then, sea life has re-inhabited this vessel making it a great site once again. There are many areas of twisted metal which are great for exploration. Red gorgonians, goliath groupers, and many other varieties of pelagic life call this ship home.
ANDRO (100') This 160’ luxury yacht built in 1926 and was used by its amateur marine biologist owner, Harry P. Bingham, for expeditions to the Pacific coast of Central America and the Gulf of California to facilitate deep-sea trawling and research; a taxidermist’s room and laboratory were located on the main deck. Her last expeditions to the Bahamas and Bermuda ended in 1927. The vast collection of 3000+ specimens, 200 of which were previously unknown, were donated to Yale University. Later in life, she was converted to a patrol boat for World War II to be used to chase submarines. After the war, she served as a freighter along the Atlantic coast and was eventually seized by Customs for transporting 15 tons of marijuana. Scuttled in 1985, the once proud yacht now sits in the sand with her bow on her starboard side. With a 38’ profile there is plenty to explore at a range of depths. The ship has twin propellers, two smokestacks and a large wheelhouse still intact. Hurricane Andrew broke the ship into three sections and exposed the engine block. This has made the wreck more varied and interesting to explore. This is a great wreck for underwater photographers.
ARIDA (88’) Originally built as a military Landing Craft Infantry (Large) or LCI(L), which were designed to deliver soldiers quickly during an amphibious assault. The exact service history is unknown, but like other shipwrecks in the area, she was pummeled by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. The main section of the almost upside-down wreck has collapsed on itself. The wreck still attracts abundant marine life.
ARMY TANKS (45’) In 1994 the Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM) placed two M60 Army Tanks and 1060 tons of limerock boulders. The result is an area prolific with life. Lobsters are abundant both on the tanks and within the boulders where they can easily hide from their predators. Although the tanks have only been underwater for a short period of time, they look as if they have been here since the last World War. They have an incredible amount of growth, including spiny oysters, sponges and both a variety of hard and soft corals. This site could also be the beginning of a single, long drift dive to the Radio Tower pyramids, sections of radio towers once used by Radio Mambi. that broadcasted anti-Castro, anti-communist sentiment, along with Spanish music content to Cuba. Included in the drift are the wrecks of the Matthew Lawrence, Larsen Barge, Miss Karlene, Patricia and the John Koppin Barge.
BELCHER BARGE II (120’) Not much is known about this 85' steel barge scuttled in 120-feet of water
BELCHER BARGE (60') is a 195’ steel barge was sunk in 1985 by four explosions at each corner and the barge turned over on its way to the bottom. Experienced divers can swim inside the entire length, passing through the holes that were cut in the bulkheads.
BELCHER WRECK TREK (75') This is a popular Wreck Trek. Starting at Belcher Barge, a 195’ steel barge that was sunk in 1985 by four explosions at each corner and the barge turned over on its way to the bottom. The 2nd wreck is the Belzona II; a 90’ tug was built in the early 1900s and carried refugees during the Cuba Boat lift. She was also intentionally sunk in 1991 and lies in 60’ of water. During Hurricane Andrew, she was shaken about and lost her roof. She lies 147’ from the Belcher Barge at 189 degrees. The 3rd wreck is the Belzona; an 85’ tugboat sitting upright in 70’ of water. She was used throughout the Bahamas before she was harmed by a fire and intentionally sunk in 1990. She lies 228’ away at 150 degrees. Close by at 114’ and 87 degrees lies Belzona III. This 100’ tug lies in 85’ of water and was sunk in 1991 to complete the Belzona Triangle. She was built in 1953 and used for towing. In 1989, engine failure lead to her demise. The longest trek is to the wrecks of the H.A.V Parker III, a 120’ barge, and the Schurger’s Barge, a 90’ barge. They both lay together 386’ and 8 degrees away. The final swim is back to the Belcher Barger 254’ away at 287 degrees.
BELZONA BARGE (35’) This 115’ steel barge was sunk in August of 1991 at a depth of over 70’ until Hurricane Andrew moved her to 35’ in August 1992. This wreck is mostly broken apart but is fully covered with soft corals and the flowing gorgonians constantly waving in the current; make the wreck look more like a coral reef than a rusty old vessel.
BELZONA ONE (68’) Renamed several times during her career, she eventually was heavily damaged by a fire and donated to Miami-Dade County for use as an artificial reef. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew sheared off her upper deck, which is now lying in the sand next to the hull. She lies in close proximity to two other tugs, the Belzona Two and Belzona Three, as well as the Belcher Barge.
BELZONA THREE (85’) The last of three tugs donated by Belzona America, the 105-foot tugboat was built in 1953 and worked for over 45 years until her engine gave out and it was deemed too expensive to refurbish. The Carinthia was renamed Belzona Three and sunk in 1991 100-feet due east of Belzona One and 150-feet east-southeast of Belzona Two. She is the largest and most intact of the three tugs.
BELZONA TWO (60’) Built in 1915, this 75’ tugboat was assigned to the US Navy in 1917 (ID-1789) for potential use as a patrol craft in World War One but was never enrolled. During her long career, she changed hands many times and was rumored to be involved in the Mariel Boat Lift. Eventually scuttled in 1991, she lies 150-feet west-northwest of Belzona Three. Typically, there are rebar stakes in the sand guiding divers between the various wrecks. While the tug is largely intact, Hurricane Andrew peeled open the amidships area.
BERRY PATCH (150’) This 155' steel ship was sunk in 1988 is upright and intact except for some damage to her stern. She is a rather low-lying wreck, with little penetration potential.
BETEK AR PEN (110’) Reportedly the remains of this 70-foot former dive boat was scuttled in 1997 and rests immediately west of the St Henry Express.
BISCAYNE (60’) This wreck was a well-kept fisherman's secret until about 1980. This 120’ ship was often referred to as the "Banana Freighter" because it was used to transport bananas between the Caribbean Islands and from Central America. It was later confiscated for financial reasons and bought by fisherman who wanted to sink it for themselves at a depth of 250’. When it was being towed to the “secret” spot, strong winds blew the vessel and landed it in only 55’ where it currently lies. Because of this shallow sinking, this site became a great location for divers. Penetration can be done in the cargo hold where bait fish often reside. The picturesque colors and variety of sea life make this a great site for photography. The stern and starboard sections of the wreck have collapsed. However, the decades of growth leave this site fully inhabited with sea life and a great dive.
BLUE FIRE (120’) This 183’ passenger freighter traveled to Cuba as part of a Freedom Flotilla during the Mariel Boat Lift in 1980 and was expected to leave the communist island with up to 5,000 refugees thought to be headed for Florida. However, the freighter was intercepted by the US Coast Guard 37 miles south of Cuba as it steamed for the Cayman Islands. She was escorted to Miami and searched, but the vessel held no exiles and was occupied only by its seven crewmen. She was seized by the US government and was sunk in 1983 as an artificial reef. Today, she is a testament to the power of an intense hurricane. Less than ten years after her deployment, Hurricane Andrew smashed the hull of the wreck. The aft bridge superstructure was ripped from the lower hull and stern and the rest of the hull was folded in half. Today, she is home to many larger fish such as jacks, snapper, cobia, barracuda, and Jewfish. Divers should be warned that currents can be strong at this location. The vessel sits upright and penetration on this wreck is possible. If underwater photography is your goal, this is a dive that should not be missed.
BRANDYWINE (145’) Not much is known about this a 135’ steel hulled ship except that she was seized in 2001 as part of Operation Riverwalk after US Customs officials found cocaine aboard. The drugs were discovered under a waste oil tank in the forward cargo hold. She was scuttled using explosive charges in 2001 where she sits upright and intact along with M/V Miguana and M/V Etoile de Mer to create the US Customs Reef. The small wheelhouse and superstructure grace the bow of the vessel. Swimming west off the stern, divers will encounter the wreck of the Miguana.
C-ONE (70’) This former 110’ Navy tugboat was purchased in 1990 by the Miami-Dade Department of Environmental Resources Management for use as an artificial reef. The aged tug was stripped of her engine and fittings and towed by the tug Captain Donald from Jacksonville to Miami in preparation for her scuttling. Approximately five miles southeast of the Fort Pierce Inlet, the 60-foot long Captain Donald began taking on water, which flooded her engine room causing the three crew members to abandon ship and the tugboat quickly sank beneath them. All were rescued without injury. The still floating C-One was eventually towed to Miami following the dramatic and somewhat ironic event. She was sunk in 70’ off Haulover Inlet in the vicinity of several other artificial reefs. The C-One is straddled by the tug Lady Carmen to the west and the tug White Coast to the east. The two sections of the 155-foot freighter Conception can be found less than 200 feet to the north. Additionally, a 90-foot barge and numerous concrete modules lie a short distance to the southeast.
CARMEN (60’) She is a 45-foot steel hulled tugboat scuttled By DERM in 1999 in 65-feet of water
CASCADES (80’) The Cascades is a series of deep reefs that start near the Orion and end over a mile away to the North. This is an awesome drift dive when the current is favorable.
CONCEPTION (71’) The 164’ Dutch coastal freighter changed ownership and names many times over the years until in 1991 she became a fixture on trendy South Miami Beach. The vessel stacked high with trucks, bicycles, rice, beans and other cargo, was in route to Haiti when it experienced engine problems, forcing it to drop anchor off the coast of Miami. The crew had been working on the issue for two weeks when strong winds and high seas battered the crippled ship. The anchor eventually gave way and the freighter was thrown up on the beach. Almost two months she remained there subject to lawsuits, looters, and graffiti. She was eventually towed and scuttled, but shortly afterwards Hurricane Andrew ripped the ship into two pieces. The wreck is part of a wreck trek that includes the C-One, Lady Carmen, and the White Coast, as well as a barge and numerous concrete modules. Divers can easily visit all wrecks in a single dive.
CRUZ DEL SUR (240’) This 258’ freighter is one of the more impressive deep artificial reefs off South Florida. Like many wrecks off Florida’s shores, she was seized by the US Coast Guard for smuggling drugs. In 1985 a boarding party from USCGC Mesquite found three pounds of marijuana hidden aboard. The forfeited vessel was purchased by Miami-Dade and Broward counties and sunk with explosives in 1986. As a joint project between the two counties, she rests in 240’ on the county line about a mile south of the Tenneco Towers site. She sits upright and intact with her forward kingposts reaching to 140 below the surface. While her cargo holds are largely bare, aside from some scattered hatch covers resting under a fine layer of silt, the decks are adorned with a colorful layer of invertebrate growth which hosts swarms of tropical fish. This dive requires technical dive training and site generally has good visibility where currents are common.
DEEP FREEZE (135') In 1972, while moored in Costa Rica, an explosion rocked this 232’ freighter. The ensuing fire swept through the ship ultimately leading to her demise. The hulk was towed to Miami, where she was stripped of her superstructure and scuttled as an artificial reef in 1976 off the coast of Miami. Now one of Miami's most popular advanced dive sites, she rests at 135’ with her top deck reached at 110'. She was sunk in the artificial reef site known as Pflueger, located north of Government Cut and south of Haulover Islet. Close by are the wrecks of Henry’s Express and the Pimelious. Coincidentally, the wreck of the Ultra Freeze rests 12 miles south and was built in the same shipyard in Neuenfelde, Germany. Fairly strong currents are the norm here. She is a popular spot for local fisherman and spear fisherman. Due to the monofilament lines on this wreck and the heavy buildup of silt, the Deep Freeze is only recommended for advanced divers. Be sure to bring a knife for the monofilament. Hurricane Andrew separated a 35' section of the stern from the hull in 1992, but otherwise caused little damage.
DEMA TRADER (70') Formerly known as the GGD Trader, this 165' general cargo freighter was seized by U.S. Customs for carrying drugs and was renamed DEMA Trader after the Dive Equipment and Marketing Association annual convention held in 2003. She was sunk October 2003. The ship is keel down in the sand. Large openings were cut in the sides of the superstructure to allow safe penetration dives into the former galley and cabin areas. Tons of concrete culvert pipes and junction boxes were loaded into the ship's cargo hold, creating ballast in case of storms, and providing more habitat than just an open cargo hold. She lies just to the north of the tugboat Rio Miami and to the West of the Sarah Jane.
DOC DE MILLE (150') This 287' steel refrigerated freighter was purchased by Fish & Game Unlimited for $15,000 for use as an artificial reef. She was renamed for a local veterinarian and pioneer before it was sunk in 1986. The interesting thing about this sinking is that it was done by the Air Force. They staged an attack on this ship to simulate what may have occurred in war with F4-D Phantoms from the 93rd Tactical Fighter Squadron of Homestead Air Force Base dropping concrete. Unfortunately for the Air Force two-thirds of the practice bombs missed their target, but 200 pounds of explosives rigged aboard by the Dade County Metro Bomb Squad quickly did the task of sinking one of the best wreck dives off Miami-Dade County. She inconveniently lies midway between Miami and Key Largo, making for a long boat trip from either site, but it’s worth the price of admission. The ship’s stern superstructure remains intact and managed to avoid damage in 1992 during Hurricane Andrew, but the bow broke away from the rest of the wreck. Hurricane Irma collapsed the bow section in 2018. While the wreck itself is impressive, the abundant marine life is perhaps the marquee attraction. Dozens of goliath groupers are a common sight and large schools of eagle rays are not uncommon along with the occasional shark sighting. Just to the south lies the 115’ freighter Hugo’s April Fool and to the north rests the 155’ freighter Berry Patch. Don’t forget to look for the many concrete practice bombs used in the sinking laying off in the sand.
ESMERALDA (190’) Built in 1897, she was an antique 147’ luxury yacht trimmed in teak and mahogany and originally named the Hiawatha. She plied the Great Lakes as a pleasure yacht until the early 1920s as the personal yacht of millionaire Julius Fleischmann, the son of the founder of Fleischmann & Company, an industry giant yeast firm. Julius also served as the mayor of Cincinnati. She was known as one of the fastest and most attractive yachts that sailed along the east coast. After three decades, the yacht was sold in 1924 and renamed the Esmeralda and moved to Miami. The Esmeralda sank two years later off the Miami Municipal dock, now Bicentennial Park, during a category 4 hurricane in 1926 that claimed many other vessels. Of the six passengers aboard the Esmeralda when she sank at her mooring, only one survived. The hurricane claimed over 300 lives in South Florida. Esmeralda was raised from the bottom in 1927 and then unceremoniously towed to sea and disposed. In 1994, she was accidentally discovered by divers following a trip to the Mystic Sea. Their anchor was fouled and the dive boat drifted off that wreck and the northbound current snagged their hook into a second wreck. Once the divers descended, they discovered the yacht and very conspicuous artifacts indicating that the vessel had sunk unexpectedly. Several Ashcroft gauges and the bronze engine manufacturer plaque were recovered, but nothing that positively identified the wreck. Further research came across documentation that confirmed it was the Esmeralda. Even after decades below, her hull is largely intact, but the deck and bulkheads have deteriorated. Portions of her upper deck remain off her starboard side. Numerous artifacts remain on the site including portholes, light fixtures, large tubs and sinks mostly resting in the stern of the ship. The engine can still be found within the machinery spaces towards the stern. Undoubtably, more artifacts remain within the wreck, but most are buried by considerable sediment. The wreck is home to large grouper and hogfish, while the occasional sailfish might be spotted during decompression stops especially during the spring.
ETOILE DE MER (135') The “Star of the Sea” is 80’ steel hulled fishing vessel converted to an inter-island freighter used to carry dry cargo. In 2001 while moored on the Miami River, Customs Inspectors received an anonymous tip about suspicious activity onboard. Officials found 186 pounds of cocaine, worth $1.5 million wholesale. The cocaine was discovered on the main deck of the ship in two duffel bags hidden in a false wall between the cargo hold and the engine room. The United States Customs Service sunk three cargo ships previously used to smuggle drugs into South Florida via the Miami River (M/V Brandywine, M/V Miguana and the M/V Etoile de Mer) to create the "U.S. Customs Reef”, a living monument to honor those who protect America's boarders and coastlines- past, present and future. It’s a short swim east off the bow to reach the bow of the Miguana. The Tacoma is approximately 500 feet to the northwest.
FISH HOLE (45') This is a natural recess in the seabed that is frequented by many species of fish, including hogfish, grouper, snapper, angel fish, and parrot fish. This site is also home to nurse sharks, lobsters and various species of eels. This is a great dive!
GIMROCK ATLAS RECYCLING BARGE (112’) There is very little information available about this large 195' steel barge sunk in 1998 in 112-feet of water.
GIMROCK 504 BARGE (248’) Not much is known about this 100-foot steel barge that was sunk in 2004
GIMROCK BARGE (165’) The barge is grown over and in great shape. The inner barge is all on the North side and makes a nice habitat for fish. Look for southern stingrays at the South side in the sand and many lionfish around the wreck and around the debris in the sand.
HALF MOON (10’) Built in Germany in 1908 as the Germania, she was one of the fastest racing yachts of its day, but she had the misfortune to be in England for a race when World War I was declared. The ship and crew were the first German ship to be captured by England. Eventually the ship was purchased and converted to a floating saloon permanently moored in Biscayne Bay throughout Prohibition. The Half Moon broke free of its moorings during a storm and ran hard aground in 1930. Efforts to raise her were futile and the ship sank beneath the water. Eventually the Half Moon was dedicated as Florida’s seventh Underwater Archaeological Preserve. The Half Moon is a terrific spot for snorkelers and beginning divers. The shallow waters are usually very calm. The hull is covered with soft corals and sponges. Damsel fish, angel fish and many juvenile reef fishes hide beneath the deck. The wreck is easy to locate from the Bear Cut channel. Half Moon lies about 75 yards northwest of the red marker #2. The wreck lies within the Biscayne National Park, so divers must remember that collection of artifacts is prohibited. Spear fishing and collection of tropical fish is also prohibited.
HAV PARKER III BARGE (70’) A part of the Belcher Barge wreck trek, the wrecks of the H.A.V Parker III, a 120’ barge, and the Schurger’s Barge, a 90’ barge lay together near the wreck of the Belcher Barge 254’ away at 287 degrees
HOPPER BARGE (234’) This 175-foot barge was scuttled in 1971
HOPPER BARGE (163’) This 150-foot New York garbage barge rests about five miles southwest of Key Biscayne. She was sunk in 1981 in 163 feet of water. Over the years this wreck has attracted a huge number of large schooling fish.
HUGO’S APRIL FOOL (145’) The 115’ freighter, formerly named Danbo, was scuttled in 1988 and now sits upright and generally intact though sections of her superstructure have collapsed. She rests approximately 250 feet south of the Doc de Milly.
JOHN C. KOPPIN MEMORIAL (45’) This 75-foot barge is a memorial to Miami Beach Police Officer John Koppin who was also a US Air Force veteran. The wreck is a part of the Radio Tower Wreck Trek with five other wrecks, two Vietnam-era US M-60 Army Tanks and a cluster of radio tower pyramids.
JUPITER STAR (165’) It is unclear how she became known as Jupiter Star as this name does not appear in the vessel’s documentation history, but she was named the Cleve Jones Jr after the founder of the Jones Boat Yard as a memorial. Built in the Netherlands in 1956, this 226' steel cargo freighter changed ownership multiple times and was converted into a livestock carrier on 1961 for the purpose of carrying horses. With a capacity of 202 horses at a time, she carried more than 50,000 horses between Amsterdam and Lithuania. In 1966, she was re-fitted to her original general cargo configuration. She was eventually abandoned and left to rust on the Miami River. The Atlantic Gamefish Foundation purchased the vessel for use as an artificial reef in 2002 and she was scuttled later that year. She is intact lying on her port side with some damage to her superstructure and rudder, most probably from her sinking. Major penetration (cave diving rules apply here) down the funnel all the way into the engine room where numerous gauge panels can be observed. This is a very large and impressive looking wreck.
KEY BISCAYNE WRECK TREK (85’) The current tends to run to the North most days, so up to 6-9 shipwrecks may be executed in two recreational dives or a single technical decompression dive. The South Seas (75’), Princess Brittney (85’), Paraiso (70’), Rio Miami (70’), DEMA Trader (70’) and the Proteus (75’) await your adventure! The tekkies might add Sheri-Lyn (110’), Ophelia Brian (110’) and/or the Biscayne (60’), but an underwater diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) might help your navigation efforts. This area is full of amazing animal encounters including Goliath Groupers, sea turtles, stingrays, and in the distance a lurking reef shark. Some of the wrecks in this line up were sunk some time ago so they are covered in corals and sponges which create beautiful habitat for fish and photos.
LANDING CRAFT – LCI (202’) Not much is known about this 150-foot steel Military Landing Craft scuttled in 1969
LARSEN BARGE (45’) A part of Koppin Memorial Reef, this 60’ steel barge was sunk in 1999. The site is dedicated to a deceased Miami motorcycle patrolman. Several other barges are nearly, including Billy’s Barge, Police Barge and the Police Barge #2. Nearby there are large and small concrete pipes known to be excellent building blocks to support coral growth, especially for gorgonians and stone corals. Most of the concrete structures came from the building of Rickenbaker Causeway which connects Key Biscyane to the City of Miami.
MANDALAY (20’) On New Year’s Day, 1966, the 110-foot schooner Mandalay ran aground on Long Reef. The wreck now lies in the eastern part of Biscayne National Park and is one of the best shallow dive spots in the park. Built in 1928, she changed hands many times until Windjammer Cruises purchased, refitted, and renamed the vessel Mandalay in 1965, for use as a luxury cruise ship. She was beautifully outfitted in mahogany, brass, and ivory, and had a teak deck. She was headed toward Miami with 23 vacationers and 12 crew, returning from a 10-day Bahaman cruise. Passengers had retired to their rooms after celebrating the arrival of the New Year. The Captain and crew went to sleep after midnight leaving a novice seaman at the helm. All were awakened when Mandalay was driven hard aground on Long Reef due to a miscalculation of the distance from Fowey Rocks, causing Mandalay to be 20 miles off course. Coast Guard helicopters and patrol boats rushed to the scene in windy conditions with 10-foot waves. All aboard were rescued and the only injury was to one man, who cut his hand. Scavengers stripped the vessel, taking the ship’s compass, sextant, chronometers, passenger cameras, watches, and purses, and the owner’s personal gear before salvage tugs could arrive.
MATTHEW LAWRENCE (50’) This vessel was deployed in memory of Mathew Lawrence who was one of the founders of Aqua Video and was involved in the early development of underwater video housings. He died while diving on the Andrea Doria in 1992 and a memorial plaque can be seen at the top of the pilot house. This 110’ barge was sunk in 1995 as part of the Dade County Artificial Reef Program. Sites nearby can be accessed via rebar stakes.
MARY STAR OF THE SEA (210’) This 138’ Panamanian freighter initially sunk in rough seas in 1990 at anchorage about one mile off Miami in 27’ of water with her mast protruding from the water, but the five-man crew was rescued by the Coast Guard. Coincidentally, the sinking occurred just three days after the Raychel sunk a short distance away in the shipping channel. The abandoned vessel affectionally named “Mary Star of Debris” was moved from her site to another site to serve as a deep-water artificial reef after being split in half prior to deployment. A relatively short distance separates the two sections and both sections can be visited as one section is to the northeast from the southernmost section and the technical divers are assisted by the current or scooters.
MERCI RABBI (165’) This 85’ Haitian freighter, formerly the Tortue Express, was seized by the Coast Guard following a search that discovered 117 pounds of cocaine hidden aboard. It is unclear how the vessel was named Merci Rabbi, but she was ultimately scuttled off Haulover Beach in 1997. At some point after the deployment, she was renamed after Nick Cocoglio, a Miami-area diver who disappeared during a training dive to beat the deep air record (513’ at that time). He failed to resurface after signaling he had reached a depth of 450’ and his body was never found. The wreck sits upright off Haulover Inlet.
MIAMI RIVER BARGE - ZT 202 (120’) There is very little information available about this rather imposing 210' Intermediate bulk container barge. She sits upright and fully intact 400' east of the Sheri-Lyn.
MIGUANA (140') This 101’ former garbage scow was converted to carry dry cargo before she was seized as part of Operation Riverwalk when Customs Inspectors and the Florida Highway Patrol officers found 125 pounds of cocaine worth over $1 million wholesale aboard. The cocaine was initially discovered when "Bandit," a U.S. Customs drug detection dog, and "SPEC," a Florida Highway Patrol drug detection dog, alerted to the presence of cocaine near two propane tanks at the stern of the ship. While examining the tanks Inspectors discovered they were not properly connected to the galley stove, contained no propane gas, and were unusually heavy. An examination of the bottom of those tanks revealed that the bottoms had been cut and patched with a Bondo type material in an apparent effort to hide the illegal cargo. The United States Customs Service sunk three cargo ships previously used to smuggle drugs into South Florida via the Miami River (M/V Brandywine, M/V Miguana and the M/V Etoile de Mer) to create the "U.S. Customs Reef”, a living monument to honor those who protect America's boarders and coastlines- past, present and future. Miguana now rests between the larger Brandywine, which can be found by swimming east off the stern, and the Etoile de Mer, which lies west off the Miguana’s bow. The wreck has easy access into its interior where divers can view the engine.
MINE SWEEPER (180’) Very little can be found in regards to this 177’ wooden Naval vessel sunk in 1971
MIRACLE EXPRESS (65’) This small 100’ inter-island freighter had been intercepted and seized by the US Coast Guard Cutter Cape Current while trying to smuggle illegal aliens into Florida. She was scuttled as an artificial reef in 1987, but in 1992, Hurricane Andrew pushed the Miracle Express onto the nearby wreck of the Biscayne, which resulted in the Miracle Express breaking apart into several large pieces. Today, there is little left of the Miracle Express aside from scattered debris adjacent to the wreck of the Biscayne.
MISS KARLENE (55’) This 85’ trawler was scuttled in 1989 as an artificial reef off the coast of Miami. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew ripped the vessel open and the wreck now lists heavily to one side with only her bow and stern recognizable. She is part of the Miami Wreck Trek, which also includes the 65’ tug Patricia resting a short distance away. This site could also be the beginning of a single, long drift dive to the Radio Tower pyramids, sections of radio towers once used by Radio Mambi. that broadcasted anti-Castro, anti-communist sentiment, along with Spanish music content to Cuba. Included in the drift are the wrecks of the Matthew Lawrence, Larsen Barge, John Koppin Barge and two M60 US Army Tanks.
MISS LUCY (224’) This 38’ pushboat was built in 1965 in Louisiana and was sunk as an artificial reef in 2001.
MYSTIC ISLE (185’) Built in 1942 as the first all-steel, all-welded passenger boat of its kind on the Great Lakes. This stout 103’ boat had room for 335 passengers and 20 autos per trip. She served until 1950 and was purchased by Fisher Island Ferry District of New York. In 1979 she was transferred to Fort Lauderdale and converted into a fishing vessel. Later, in 1984, she was seized by the US Coast Guard carrying a huge load of marijuana. She was towed into the Miami River and later scuttled in 1986 as an artificial reef. She sits upright, intact and easy to penetrate through the large automobile opening in her hull just below the wheelhouse. Just off the stern and to the north lies the wreck of the yacht Esmerelda. It is possible to visit both wrecks in a single technical dive if the northern current is flowing.
NARWAL (115’) This 136’ coastal freighter was built in the Netherlands in 1939 and plied her trade until she eventually outlived her usefulness. She was acquired for use as an artificial reef off Miami in 1986. She used to be an excellent dive site until Hurricane Andrew visited South Florida in 1992, the massive hurricane obliterated the Narwal, breaking her into several large pieces. Over time, the wreck has further collapsed and now consists of flattened hull plates in the sand.
NEPTUNE MEMORIAL GRAVEYARD (40') The Atlantis Reef Project is a man-made reef in the image of The Lost City of Atlantis. Atlantis will be the largest man-made reef ever built, covering more than 600,000 square feet of ocean floor and using 10,000 cubic yards of cement. The completed site will have a diameter of over 900 feet, making this a multi-tank dive! Billed as the first underwater theme park in the world, Atlantis also has a memorial for the dearly departed. Cremated remains will be deployed in most of the columns, domes, and other structures. If you’ve ever dared to visit a graveyard on a dark night dive, this is the dive for you! While ghostly visions have been reported from time to time on this site, there is almost a guaranteed chance to get a glimpse of a spirit from the past on this night dive.
NEPTUNE WRECK TREK (80’ PLUS) With the help of a scooter (DPV), up to six shipwrecks on the Key Biscayne Wreck Trek may be executed in one recreational dive or a single decompression technical dive. The South Seas (75’), Princess Brittney (85’), Paraiso (70’), Rio Miami (70’), DEMA Trader (70’) and the Proteus (75’) await your adventure! Extended Range Divers might add Sheri-Lyn (110’), Ophelia Brian (110’) and/or the Biscayne (60’). The Tekkies could head due east of Princess Brittney to the Tacoma (135’) and/or further east to the Operation Riverwalk Wreck Trek made up of the M/V Etoile de Mer (135’), M/V Miguana (140’) and the M/V Brandywine (145’), but an underwater diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) is essential. This area is full of amazing animal encounters including Goliath Groupers, sea turtles, stingrays, and in the distance a lurking bull shark. Some of the wrecks in this line up were sunk some time ago so they are covered in corals and sponges which create beautiful habitat for fish and photos.
NEW YORK CENTRAL NO. 3 (220’) This 104’ derelict tugboat had been abandoned for some time on the Miami River, she was demolished as an artificial reef in 1973. Unfortunately the sinking caused a significant oil slick from 300 gallons of crude oil that escaped from the wreck off Miami Beach. Records indicate a vessel known as the “Fire Boat” was sunk in the location, which might possibly be this tugboat. The New York Central No. 3 has an official number 214507 and she was built in 1916 for the New York Central Railway Company. Many details about this shipwreck are still unknown.
O.L. BODENHAMER (372’) This “Liberty” ship is named after as former US Army Major and former National Commander of the American Legion. She was built in New Orleans in 1944 for the US Army Transportation Services. The EQ2-S-C1 type freighter (E for Emergency, C for Cargo, 2 indicating size of 400-450 feet, S for steam propulsion, and C1 for the particular design) was a representative of how fast these vessels could be built in World War II in about 43 days. She was 442 feet in length and after a brief service in WWII, she was laid up ban eventually deemed obsolete. Her superstructure was razed and she was scuttled off Miami in 1976. Due to extensive scrapping of the vessel, she now resembles a giant canoe on the bottom and offers little to divers except depth and structure.
OPHELIA BRIAN (110') This wreck is the second largest artificial reef off the coast of Miami, second only to the Doc De Mille, and was specifically deployed by and for the sport-diving community. Miami-Dade Reef Guard Association (MIRA) scuttled the 210’ freighter, Sea Taxi, in December 2009 in 110’ of water. Built in 1965 in Germany and christened the Hoheburg, the vessel is a sister ship to two very popular, previously sunk Miami-Dade artificial reefs- the Ultra Freeze and the Deep Freeze. It's been renamed several times in the past 40 years; most recently called the Sea Taxi. The new artificial reef is expected to boost the local marine ecosystem by creating a new home for fish and other marine creatures while diverting diving pressure off adjacent natural reefs. The wreck is being re-named the Ophelia Brian after the daughter of donors from the Brian and Lavinia Snyder Foundation- avid divers who contributed funds for the project.
OPERATION RIVERWALK WRECK TREK (150’) In 2001, US Customs agents seized over 10.000 pounds cocaine valued at over $88 million from inbound freighters on the Miami River. Operation Riverwalk was a joint task force set up to deter drug smuggling on the Miami River. Members included federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. In addition to the drug seizures, the freighters involved in these smuggling operations were also seized. In 2001-2002, three of the ships were scuttled as artificial reefs to create a living monument to honor those who protect America's boarders and coastlines- past, present and future. Today, the result is a wonderful wreck trek of the Miguana, a 101’ garbage scow, the Tacoma, a 165' steel freighter and the Etoile de Mer, an 80’ steel inter-island freighter. Each lie together to create a triangle with each shipwreck no more than 150’ apart offering an opportunity for advanced certified divers or for the technical divers to explore.
ORION (95') Scuttled in 1981 in 95' of water. A 118' Navy Tug Orion was used during the widening of the Panama Canal in Central America. Eventually the boat went unused for 5 years until the State of Florida seized it and absorbed this ship into the artificial reef program. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew brought destruction to this vessel, tearing off the pilot house which landed in the sand next to the ship still intact. The pilot house often contains schools of bait fish. Grouper are also a common sight at this location.
OSTWIND (275’), German for “east wind” was built along with her sister ship, Nordwind in 1939 and commissioned by Adolph Hitler as an Olympic racing vessel following a poor showing in the 1936 Olympic races. The 84-foot racer was never able to compete at the 1940 Olympics and was later seized by the US Navy towards the end of WWII. She now sits off the South Florida coast as a monument to the 937 Jewish refugee passengers aboard the SS St. Louis -- refugees who were denied the right to enter this country in 1939. The yacht did not come to rest there without considerable trouble. At the commemoration ceremonies in 1989, the yacht got cut loose early and came to rest on a coral reef Becoming more trouble than it was ever worth, a lot of wrangling and some donated money later, the vessel got moved to the site for which it was originally intended be due east of the Doral Hotel. The yacht is now an artificial reef, 2.5 miles out in about 275 feet of water. Other than advanced trimix, divers need not apply.
PARAISO (70’) She is a 115’ steel freighter was used as a research vessel before becoming an artificial reef in 2000. Little is known about the vessel’s construction or service history, but it appears she was originally built as an offshore supply vessel. She now rests between the Rio Miami and Princess Brittney.
PASCAGOULA (180’) This somewhat unremarkable 120’ steel barge never appeared in the county's official wreck listing. She was originally sunk in 120’ of water, but the county was unable to locate her after sinking. She was later found in 180’ of water just south of the Raychel.
PATRICIA (55') This steel tug was sunk in 1990 and is mostly intact. This wreck is only 100’ from the Karline. Also close by are the Radio Tower Pyramids and Army Tanks. The once sandy area now has a great deal of coral and marine life. This is an excellent site for photography.
PIMELIOUS (135’) Little is known about the history of the Pimellous. Numerous spelling variations appear in records though none have been found to reference a former vessel. When sunk in 1971, the approximately 120‐ foot long vessel, perhaps a converted barge, consisted of a flat, featureless hull, with a large crane truck parked on the stern deck. Since its deployment, the wooden decking of the vessel has been consumed, leaving just the steel support beams in place. The crane truck can be found resting in the sand off the wreck, though the cab of the truck has long since rusted away.
PINK FLOYD – THE WALL (80’) There’s nothing like a dive with a frenzy of fish and little critters all doing their best to hide from the currents that constantly replenish the reef with an abundance of nutrients. Many forms of marine life can be sustained in these subsequent biodiversity hotspots. You’ll find a vast array of animals in these places, from sponges and sea fans to stingrays and lionfish as well as tons of color in reefs. This offshore reef is found just two miles offshore and you can literally drift from one end to the other with no effort needed on the right day!
PIONEER ONE (215’) The 195' Pioneer 1 was scuttled off shore near Fowey Rocks and the wreck of the Blue Fire. At the same time, twenty-six steel tanks were sent to the bottom which have now settled in the sand around the vessel. Little is known of the vessels construction or service history.
PIPES (45') This is actually a "secret spot." These left-over sewer pipes were disposed of just offshore south of Government Cut where they have sort of "stacked up" on top of each other in about 55 feet of water. The growth on the structures is incredible as the open pipes allow uninhibited flow of water and thus nutrients. Oysters, clams, sponges and the associated invertebrates are abundant and growing not only on the outside, but all along the inside of the pipes. Fish congregate on the adjacent reef and moray eels and lobster are a common occurrence here. The inside of the pipes is literally full of gorgonians attached to the sides, making it difficult, but not impossible to swim through. Yes, the pipes are large enough for a diver to comfortably navigate. It is truly amazing how these discarded sewer pipes have turned into a base for prolific life. These all-concrete pipes not only attract varied and numerous marine critters to the area, but if placed closer to shore would also prevent the erosion of the sand beach.
PRINCESS BRITTANY (85') This 165’ general cargo freighter was seized by Customs and Border Protection in 2002 during Operation River Walk when more than 156 pounds of cocaine were found hidden underneath the deck inside the engine room. The expected value of these drugs was $1.3 million. The forfeited vessel was subsequently cleaned and scuttled in 2003 off Key Biscayne. Sea life immediately found this wreck and made it their new home. Barracudas in large numbers and giant basket stars are a couple of the organisms that are often seen by divers who explore this site. She currently rests upright and intact, and in close proximity to other artificial reefs, such as the South Seas, which lies 250 feet to the southwest.
PROTEUS (75’) Sunk in 1985, this 220' freighter makes an excellent opportunity for the novice wreck diver. Built in 1957, this 218-foot general cargo freighter, she was once a ferry boat on the Great Lakes before carrying freight and supplies between the Caribbean islands. Most of her superstructure was removed to allow maximum cargo space, but the ship failed to make a profit resulting in bankruptcy in 1980. The freighter sat on the Miami River for 5 years as a derelict vessel when NAUI expressed their interest in helping to obtain and sink a ship in late 1984. Volunteers cleaned and prepared the ship to make it environmentally safe before sinking. Resting on a sandy bottom, the Proteus was broken into several large pieces by the forces of Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Since the structure spread out over a wider area, more marine life seems to have taken up residence in the various twisted metal remains of the wreck. Moray eels, schooling grunts, barracudas, angelfish and the occasional groups can be found within the wreck and around debris field.
RAILROAD BARGE (163’) This 100' railroad barge was sunk in 1980
RADIO TOWER WRECK TREK (55') Where else could a diver visit six wrecks, two Vietnam-era US M-60 Army Tanks and a cluster of radio tower pyramids? The nineteen steel and concrete pyramids were cut and sunk in 1988 to attract marine life and to create a popular dive spot off Miami Beach. The radio tower was originally used by Radio Mambi to transmit anti-Castro, anti-communist sentiment, along with Spanish music content. The broadcasts were also popular with the Cuban community in South Florida. The pyramids rest in 50 feet of water, each rise about 20 feet from the bottom where schooling fish have great chances to grow and breed which offers great photo opportunities. Drift to the north to visit the wrecks of the Patricia and Miss Karline or head south for the Matthew Lawrence shipwreck while the two Vietnam era M-60 US Army Tanks are to the southeast. This trek also features three barges (John Koppin, Larsen Barge, & one other) & several artificial reef rock piles.
RADIO TOWERS (55') These pyramids are from sections of radio towers once used by Radio Mambi used to transmit anti-Castro, anti-communist sentiment, along with Spanish music content. The broadcasts were also popular with the Cuban community in South Florida. The old radio tower was cut into nineteen steel and concrete pyramids and sunk in 1988 to attract marine life and to create a popular dive spot off Miami Beach. The pyramids rest in 50 feet of water, each rise about 20 feet from the bottom where schooling fish have great chances to grow and breed which offers great photo opportunities. This site is also drifted along with three shipwrecks (Patricia, Miss Karline & Matthew Lawrence), three barges (Larsen Barge, John Koppin Memorial & one other), two Vietnam era M-60 US Army Tanks & several artificial reef rock piles.
RAYCHEL (185’) A frequent visitor to Miami, this 164’ Honduran freighter carried cargo from South Florida to ports in the Caribbean and South America. On October 18, 1990, she cleared Government Cut outside the Port of Miami to head southbound for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Burdened with cinderblocks, lumber, vehicles and cargo containers, the captain took over the helm form the harbor pilot. In a 20-knot wind the freighter’s cargo suddenly shifted, she listed and began to capsize. The crew of nine abandoned ship unharmed, but Raychel settled at the bottom in 43’ of water. Opportunistic local divers descended upon the wreck and liberated her cargo, especially numerous crates of Jack Daniels. After several months she was salvaged, cut into three pieces and placed on the sea floor in deep water along with a barge and a large floating buoy which presumably was used in the salvage operation. This site consists of the five pieces about 150 feet apart in a North-South line and has 20’ of relief.
REX BAER (225’) Also known as the M/V Augie Ferrigno, this 273' German-built steel coastal freighter cruised into the Port of Miami from Haiti and squatted along the Miami River for several years while she slowly rusted under the blazing Miami sun. Following a long saga that played out in local newspapers and in courtrooms, the derelict vessel was ultimately donated to be sunk as an artificial reef. She was scuttled in 1998 outside Government Cut and she lies on the seabed upright and intact with 80’ of relief. Considering her age, the ship is in great condition with little signs of breakdown or collapse. She has very little in the way of coral growth other than general encrustation. With her superstructure intact, there’s plenty of opportunities for penetration for those with the proper training and equipment. The skylights aft of the superstructure allow entrance into the engine room. Her deck work areas are still full of winches, windlasses and other deck gear. Her mast is lying down and hanging over the rails, football-style goalposts rise from her deck and the cargo holds are cavernous There’s a lot to explore on just one dive and a little mystery makes for some desire to return. There is some evidence of fishing on the wreck but nowhere near the extent commonly noted. This is a particularly large and impressive wreck, certainly one of the most interesting sites off Miami below 200 feet.
RIO MIAMI (70’) This wreck was featured on a 1989 episode of 20/20 where Hugh Downs detonated the ship for sinking and dove the site less than 24 hours later. The publicity brought some popularity to this location. Today, this 105-foot tug lies in 72 feet of water after being shifted by Hurricane Andrew. She is upright, and her cabin and ladders are intact and rise to 30 feet from the surface. This is one of the most intact wrecks in the area and is easily penetrated. Rebar stakes lead off the bow to the wreck of the nearby Paraiso III.
ROSSMERRY (240’) Approximately 300 pounds of explosives sent the 190’ freighter to the bottom off North Miami Beach. Little is known about the vessel’s construction and service history.
SAN RAFAEL (282’) Scuttled before Miami-Dade County had established a formal artificial reef program, specific information on this vessel is apparently unavailable and it is unclear if San Rafael was the actual name of the vessel when it was in service.
SARAH JANE (95’) In 1981, the 65’ wooden-hulled shrimp trawler was sunk to become Miami’s first official artificial reef. She rests approximately 300 feet east of the DEMA Trader.
SCHURGER’S BARGE (70’) A part of the Belcher Barge wreck trek, the wrecks of the H.A.V Parker III, a 120’ barge, and the Schurger’s Barge, a 90’ barge lay together near the wreck of the Belcher Barge 254’ away at 287 degrees.
SCOTT MASON-CHAITE (240’) A technical dive site, situated 26 miles north of Key Largo in Dade County, the Ocean Freeze is a 297’ freighter. Even though she is further out, she's still a favorite wreck diving site for those with proper scuba diving certification. Sunk in 1998, the whole ship is upside down with her rudder at the highest point and her frame resting on the inverted superstructure of her stern.
SHAMROCK (45’) This 119’ freighter was one of 965 landing craft utility (LCU) vessels built during World War II. These general‐purpose amphibious vessels were sold or transferred under military aid programs. The vessel was purchased and converted into a general cargo ship. In 1978, US Customs Service agents discovered 3,168 pounds of marijuana sealed in drums aboard and subsequently seized the vessel. The US Government sought forfeiture of the vessel due to violation of numerous narcotic smuggling laws, which was ultimately granted by US District Court in 1981. In 1983, the judgment was reversed due to a failure to prove either the owner or the captain of the vessel was privy to the illegal activity. While the vessel was released, the Shamrock did not operate long before her engine failed, and she was tied up along the Miami River. After sitting idle for almost a year, her owner agreed to sell her to Miami-Dade County. With the help of 200 pounds of dynamite and 30 tons of concrete blocks, the Shamrock was scuttled to serve as an artificial reef in 1985. She came to rest upside down off Miami Beach and is a good site for novice divers with abundant marine life.
SHERI LYN (110') She is a 235’ freighter that took 400 pounds of explosives to bring down. Dutch-built, she carried a small crew as she was launched in 1952 and used for shipping. When she had been docked for several years without use, it was assumed that this ship was abandoned, and ownership was gained by the Department of Environmental Resource Management. The vessel took a hard hit from Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and was spread across a wide area. Her bow lies 60 feet away from the rest of the wreck. This allowed for increased marine life to inhabit the remains. Although prior to this she was intact and upright, she now has a larger variety of sea life. She has many foot holes cut through bulkheads that allow for exploration. South of the bow lies 50 Chevron tanks, each 30 feet long and 8 feet in diameter with the ends cut off. Twenty cement-mixer tanks also lie nearby. The variety of wreckage provides home to large amounts of pelagic life. She rests closely between, but slightly offshore of the Paraiso and the Princess Brittney.
SIR SCOTT (220’) This 250’ general cargo freighter was built in 1958 and carried her shipments under Spanish, Panamanian and Greek ownership until 1984 when her new Cayman Islands owner stripped her of engine parts and anything aboard of any value and left her abandoned in the Miami River. She was acquired and donated to Miami-Dade County to be sunk as an artificial reef. Following a detonation of several hundred pounds of dynamite, she now rests upright and intact south of Fowey Rocks and three miles east of the Ragged Keys and has developed into a spectacular deep-water reef.
SPIRIT OF MIAMI (75’) The retired Boeing 727 jetliner was billed as the jewel of Miami-Dade's thriving artificial reef program. But almost as soon as the "Spirit of Miami" was scuttled 17 years ago, vandals unbolted steel cables attaching it to the bottom of Biscayne Bay and made off with souvenirs. Tropical Storm Gordon snapped it into pieces in 1995. Rolling free on the sandy bottom, the pieces scattered, and the reef that had been sunk with national fanfare disappeared, pretty much forgotten. One of the wings remains in the sand about 500 feet northeast of the original deployment site off Key Biscayne.
SOUTH SEAS (75') One of the more infamous of Miami's artificial reefs, the "South Seas" sits in 73 feet of water off Key Biscayne. This vessel is a 175-foot luxury yacht that was built back in 1928 for the Guggenheim family. It is the sister ship and exact replica of Adolph Hitler's private yacht. In 1942, she was sold to the US Navy and commissioned as USS Girasol (PY-27) and was dispatched to the Pacific Theater for patrols. The ship changed hands over the years and in 1962 was converted to a restaurant and cocktail lounge on the Miami River adjacent to the well-known Tony’s Fish Market. In 1971, she sank in a Miami canal and it was finally decided that the ship be donated to DERM, Department of Environmental Resource Management. Sunk in 1983, the South Seas has been scattered across the sand bottom over the years, however, the area is still shrouded by baitfish and barracudas. The wreck of the freighter Princess Brittany lies 250’ to the north.
ST HENRY EXPRESS (113’) This 120’ vessel has little growth on it and, overall, does not have much appeal for the average diver. She rests between the Tortuga, which is found 300 feet to the south, and the Betek Ar Pen, which is 150 feet to the north.
STAR TREK (210’) This 200' Landing Ship Medium (LSM) was sunk in 1982 and has 32’ of relief. She lies on her starboard side and her hull is bent about one-third of the way back from the bow. Unlike her sister ships the Lakeland and the Pioneer One, also sunk off Miami, the Star Trek's superstructure was extensively modified from her wartime configuration. The years have not been kind to the Star Trek; the modified bridge and superstructure were badly damaged in Hurricane Andrew and now lie mostly destroyed in the sand beneath the wreck. She also had aircraft carrier like external walkways installed on both sides to allow the crew to traverse the ship without entering the cargo holds, however the external walkway on the port (top) side has begun to fall off making for an interesting swim through. About the only interesting original features left intact are the guarded props. Some penetration possible (she has many dark silty internal passages) but probably inadvisable in her deteriorating state. Given her age there is surprisingly little coral growing on her.
STARFISH REEF (35') Considered to be, by far, the most beautiful shallow reef group in Miami. The colors in clear water are breathtaking. Sponges of every color are complimented by patches of living coral, where every coral and sponge teem with juvenile tropical fish in the spring and summer. There are many larger fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, grouper, barracuda, puffer fish, lizard fish and hogfish.
STEANE ANNE D'AURAY (70') Often referred to as the "St. Anne"; she is a 110' North Atlantic trawler. Some of the wreck has been torn apart and scattered across the bottom in the sand after Hurricane Andrew in August of 1992. Sunk in 1986, she has a tremendous amount of growth. The rich nutrients of the Gulfstream have brought an abundance of life to her structure. Brilliant soft corals undulate in the current while the dark passageways beckon you to investigate her inner structure. The wreck of the Tarpoon rests 1,200 feet to the north.
STEEL DECK BARGE (111’) There is very little information available about this 120'' steel barge sunk in 2002 in 111-feet of water
TACOMA (135') The Tacoma is a 165' steel freighter that was sunk in 2002. This wreck remains in good condition and intact. Big game fish are often found on this dive because it is rarely visited. The Tacoma was seized as part of the Operation River Walk, a drug confiscation mission. This dive is deep and great for seeing pelagic life and the beauty that lies underwater.
TARPOON (65’) As a memorial to Mike Kevorkian, the owner of Tarpoon Diving Center in Miami, the 150’ Haitian freighter Medor Herode was scuttled in 1988. She was severely impacted by Hurricane Andrew in 1992 which moved the vessel several hundred feet and broke her into several pieces. Due to the wreck’s proximity to the reef, the scattered debris is typically enveloped by schools of fish.
TENNECO TOWERS (110') This is the largest artificial reef in SE Florida and was created in 1985 when the Tenneco Oil Company sank five large sections of oil production platforms. The decommissioned oil platforms were transported by barge and sunk in a straight east-west line, each a little deeper than the next. Three of the platforms are within recreational diving limits. The smallest of the three platforms rests at 97’ feet of water and rises to 65’. The two larger platforms are in 110’ and top out at 60’. The second platform lies about 100 yards from the first, and the third is about another 85 yards away. The two deep water sections lie in 190’ and rise to 80’. When Hurricane Andrew stuck in August 1992, it caused the two deep towers to list at close to a 45-degree angle. The flow of tides and currents that move freely through the site gave almost instant growth to a jungle of soft coral that has since covered the entire wreck. Many large pelagic fish can be found at the wreck along with queen angels, Spanish hogfish, and the occasional turtle.
TIMOTHY ALLEN REED REEF (65’) This 80’ steel barge was sunk by the Division of Environmental. Resources Management (DERM) in 1999
TORTUGA (110') Sometimes called the Fair Game ship because its explosion and sinking in 1995 was used as the final scene in the movie Fair Game, starring Cindy Crawford and William Baldwin. The 165’ steel ship sits upright and has large openings that make this wreck fairly easy for the trained wreck diver to penetrate. The wheelhouse can be explored, and the twin propellers are intact. There is a good amount of growth and abundant marine life. Divers report spotting Boxfish, Snapper, and Barracuda.
ULTRA FREEZE (135’) This 207’ refrigerated freighter was built in 1959 and was owned by Trans Caribbean Lines and managed by Trans Caribbean Agencies Inc. of Miami. In 1983, in dramatically poor condition, she set sail from Ecuador to Miami loaded with 200 tons of shrimp valued at $1.5 million dollars. Due to her condition, she was forced to stop in Panama for repairs that never happened. Several months later with the cargo of badly decomposed shrimp, she was towed to Miami to face numerous lawsuits claiming negligence. While on the Miami River, she was abandoned, vandalized and slowly stripped until she was worthless. In 1984, she was scuttled. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew ripped the starboard side of the hull open, bent the hull 90 degrees at amidships and stripped the pilothouse from the hull. The is extensive penetration possible, but care should be taken due to fallen electrical cables and general deterioration.
USS LAKELAND (150’) Landing Ship Medium (LSM-373) were 200’ amphibious assault ships of the United States Navy in World War II and she was one of 558 made for the USN between 1944 and 1945. Most vessels of this type were scrapped during the Cold War, but several were sold by the United States Department of Defense to foreign nations or private shipping companies. During the final weeks of World War II, she participated in operations in the Marianas, Solomons and Okinawa. After the Japanese surrender, she transported troops and supplies for occupation forces in Korea and China until 1946. After the war, she was placed in the Atlantic Reserve to serve as a logistic supply ship until she was decommissioned in 1960. The Lakeland was converted to a Panamanian inter-island freighter and was in service for two decades before finally being scuttled as an artificial reef off Miami in 1982. The Lakeland now rests almost completely upside down. While the inverted hull does not present an appealing dive visually, there are numerous penetration points that allow access under and into the interior of the vessel. To the north, an extensive debris field with numerous cement mixer drums that were also deployed to serve as artificial reef materials can be found scattered along the bottom.
USCGC LOTUS - WAGL-229 (230’) Built in 1920 for the US Army Quartermaster Department, she was named in honor of Col. Albert Todd, a distinguished artilleryman and commander of the Eastern Artillery District as a Mine Planter. She was decommissioned in 1924 and transferred to the US Lighthouse Service until she was absorbed into the US Coast Guard as USCGC Lotus. During World War II, the tender laid buoys and anti-submarine nets to assist convoys rallying at Newfoundland, and later conducted standard work in the Caribbean and was decommissioned by Coast Guard in 1947. After a period of service with private owners, the Lotus was abandoned on the Miami River. In 1971: Miami‐Dade County, in an effort to remove some of the derelict vessels along the Miami River, loaded the rusting Lotus with explosives and had it blown up at sea approximately two miles offshore. She is a 110' steel ship with over 30’ of relief. She is upright and intact with pretty lines, despite over 100 years of age.
USS STAR TREK (210’) This 200' Landing Ship Medium (LSM) was sunk in 1982 and has 32’ of relief. She lies on her starboard side and her hull is bent about one-third of the way back from the bow. Unlike her sister ships the Lakeland and the Pioneer One, also sunk off Miami, the Star Trek's superstructure was extensively modified from her wartime configuration. The years have not been kind to the Star Trek; the modified bridge and superstructure were badly damaged in Hurricane Andrew and now lie mostly destroyed in the sand beneath the wreck. She also had aircraft carrier like external walkways installed on both sides to allow the crew to traverse the ship without entering the cargo holds, however the external walkway on the port (top) side has begun to fall off making for an interesting swim through. About the only interesting original features left intact are the guarded props. Some penetration is possible (she has many dark silty internal passages) but probably inadvisable in her deteriorating state. Given her age there is surprisingly little coral growing on her.
WALKE Q (282’) One of several wrecks deployed as an artificial reef of Miami prior to the establishment of an official Miami-Dade County program. As a result, there is a general lack of specific data on the vessel and its deployment.
WATER TOWER REEF (170’) This iconic retired Miami Beach water tower has been lying on the bottom at 170' next to an impressive looking 195’ barge with 65' of relief since 1997. There is considerable debris inside the barge, mostly consisting of the support structure from the water tower.
WHITE COAST (68’) This small tugboat was scuttled in 1995 and is very close to the C-One tugboat, the Lady Carmen tugboat, and the freighter Conception. All are within easy swimming distance.