If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring real shipwrecks without needing a deep-sea diving license or pirate map, this Florida road trip is calling your name.
We’re talking about seven shipwrecks you can actually visit.
Some sit in crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling, and a few are hiding in rivers and reefs with wild stories behind them.
Each wreck has its own crazy past, from luxury yachts gone wrong to Spanish treasure ships swallowed by storms.
Whether you’re into snorkeling, scuba diving, or just love weird history, this trip packs in sun, salt, and sunken ships, all in easy-to-reach spots across the Sunshine State.
1. Vamar Shipwreck Site
The Vamar Shipwreck sits about 3.7 miles offshore from Mexico Beach, in shallow water only about 25 feet deep.
You can still see parts of the hull, scattered metal pieces, and large beams sticking out of the sand, all visible to snorkelers on a clear day.
The ship was built in England in 1919, later used by explorer Richard E. Byrd for his Antarctic expedition, and mysteriously sank in 1942 during a cargo run.
It’s one of the easiest shipwrecks to explore, lying in about 25 feet of water, making it easily accessible to divers.
2. City of Hawkinsville Underwater Archaeological Preserve
A little farther inland, the City of Hawkinsville sits at the bottom of the Suwannee River near Old Town.
It’s one of the few shipwrecks in the state that’s completely underwater in a freshwater river.
This 141-foot steamboat was abandoned in 1922 and now rests in the river, with one side about 20 feet below the surface, where fish drift through its old wooden frame.
You’ll need scuba gear to see it up close, but the site is part of Florida’s Underwater Archaeological Preserve program, which means it’s protected and marked for easy diving.
Unlike saltwater wrecks, the Hawkinsville has been preserved surprisingly well thanks to the river’s fresh water, which has helped keep its wooden hull largely intact.
3. Urca de Lima, Fort Pierce
If you’re up for a saltwater dive with some real pirate vibes, head to the Urca de Lima site just offshore from Fort Pierce.
This Spanish ship sank in 1715 during a hurricane as part of a royal fleet, and now rests about 10 to 15 feet deep in the Atlantic.
Today, you won’t find gold bars, but you can see the ballast stones, scattered timbers, and tons of fish weaving through the wreck.
It was Florida’s first Underwater Archaeological Preserve, and snorkelers and scuba divers can reach it easily by boat from Pepper Park Beach.
4. Half Moon Underwater Archaeological Preserve
Next up is the Half Moon, a shipwreck with a wild backstory that now sits just 10 feet underwater in Biscayne Bay near Miami.
This sleek racing yacht was originally built in Germany in 1908 and once hosted fancy parties before it sank in 1930 under much less glamorous circumstances.
You can snorkel right above the site and spot the curved hull, broken metal frames, and schools of tropical fish darting through the remains.
It’s easy to reach by kayak or boat from Crandon Park Marina, and the shallow depth makes it perfect for beginners.
5. Mandalay Wreck, Biscayne National Park
Just a short boat ride away, the Mandalay Wreck sits in the clear blue waters of Biscayne National Park, resting on a coral reef at Long Reef.
This 1928 luxury schooner ran aground in 1966 while returning from the Bahamas to Miami, and now its steel hull and scattered debris are home to colorful coral and reef fish.
The wreck lies in about 12 feet of water, so it’s great for snorkeling, and the visibility here is usually awesome thanks to the shallow reef.
Since it’s inside the national park, you’ll need a boat to get there, but the trip is totally worth it for the views and underwater exploring.
6. SS Benwood, Key Largo
Further south in Key Largo, the SS Benwood wreck is one of the most popular dive spots in the Florida Keys.
It sits roughly 25 to 45 feet deep off the coast of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
The ship sank in 1942 after colliding with another vessel during a World War II blackout, and today you can still see its steel hull and structural remains scattered on the seabed.
It’s covered in soft coral and attracts everything from parrotfish to sea turtles, making it a favorite for underwater photographers.
This one’s best for scuba divers, but it’s easy to reach by dive boat and totally worth it if you’re up for a deeper adventure.
7. San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
Last on the route is the San Pedro, part of a 1733 Spanish treasure fleet that sank off the coast of Islamorada.
It now rests just 18 feet underwater in San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park.
This 287-ton ship went down in a hurricane while carrying cargo and silver coins, and today you can snorkel over its replica cannons, ballast stones, and coral-covered anchor.
There’s no treasure left, but the site is full of marine life and surrounded by seagrass beds that feel like a hidden underwater garden.
It’s easy to reach by boat from Indian Key Fill or nearby marinas, and it’s the perfect final stop to wrap up your Florida shipwreck road trip.
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