19th Century Wooden Sailing Vessel

Basalt ballast and iron rigging mark a 19th-century wreck in Biscayne's reef waters.

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction
Shipwreck0 ft$80 park entryNo permit needed

Stone ballast and iron fastenings scattered across the seafloor reveal a small to medium-sized sailing vessel from the 19th century. The rigging elements and wooden structural remains suggest a working merchant ship, though her origin and fate remain unknown. Most of her cargo was salvaged after sinking, leaving only ballast and structural debris as archaeological evidence.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
Boat access from Convoy Point or Elliott Key launch points. Site coordinates 25.398867, -80.160867. Snorkeling or SCUBA diving required to view the wreck on the seafloor.
Road Type
N/A — marine access only
Parking Availability
Parking available at Convoy Point launch facility; limited lot capacity during peak season
GPS Coordinates
25.398867, -80.160867

When to go

Best Time To Visit
December to April. Calmest seas, stable weather, optimal diving and snorkeling conditions. Early morning departures best for light and water state.
Best Visit Times
Early morning (calmer water, better light); mid-week to avoid weekend boat traffic and crowds
Best Season
December to April — dry season, calm seas, optimal diving and snorkeling conditions
Busiest Season
Winter holidays (December-January); spring break (March-April)
Seasonal Access
Year-round, weather permitting. Hurricane season (June-November) carries tropical storm risk and sea state deterioration.
Winter Access
Year-round accessible to boats. Winter (December-April) safest due to calm seas and stable weather.
Weather Patterns
Afternoon squalls common. Tropical storm season June-November. Afternoon wind typically increases wave height and chop.

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Shipwreck
Main Features
Basalt ballast piles, wooden structural elements, rigging elements, iron fasteners, scattered wreck debris on seafloor
What Youll See
Stone ballast heap, scattered rigging components, corroded iron fastenings, remnants of wooden hull structure on the seafloor in 20-50+ feet of water
Unique Characteristics
19th-century vessel of unknown origin, flag, and destination; basalt ballast shifted between many vessels; well-preserved structural elements; immediately salvaged after sinking; maritime commerce artifact
Photo Opportunities
Underwater photography of ballast formations and rigging elements (requires camera housing); wide-angle boat-level shots of the site
Photography Spots
Ballast pile formations from multiple angles; rigging element clusters; wider site panorama from surface boat position
Best Viewpoints
Boat anchoring area near GPS coordinates; snorkeling view of ballast piles in shallower sections; full site requires diving
Common Wildlife
Tropical reef fish (grouper, snapper, jacks), rays, moray eels, sea turtles (occasional), corals, sea urchins
Best Wildlife Times
Year-round fish presence; sea turtle sightings more likely May-October; fish activity peaks at dawn and dusk
Geological Formation Type
Shipwreck
Scientific Interest
19th-century vessel construction techniques, maritime commerce patterns, ballast sourcing and trade routes, salvage archaeology methods, historical preservation

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
No separate fee for site access; America the Beautiful annual pass $80 (covers all federal recreation sites)
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
No
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Cell Service
Unreliable; spotty coverage offshore
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Boat access required. Snorkeling or SCUBA diving necessary to view wreck. Not accessible for non-swimmers or those without water sports capability or certification.
Accessibility Level
Boat access and snorkeling/diving capability required
Nearby Services
Fuel, supplies, and boat rentals at Convoy Point area; no services at offshore site
Nearby Facilities
Restrooms, parking, and picnic areas at Convoy Point visitor facility. Fuel and supplies available at marina services on mainland.
Family Friendly Notes
Requires strong swimming skills and boating access. Children must be experienced swimmers and comfortable in deep water. Suitable for families with diving or snorkeling experience. Consider water comfort and physical stamina before visiting.

Safety

Safety Considerations
Strong currents and surge possible. Depth 20-50+ feet requires snorkeling or SCUBA certification. Hypothermia risk in prolonged water exposure. Decompression hazard for deep dives. Do not touch or remove artifacts—protected site. Boat safety essential; wear life jacket. Stay with guide at all times.

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Other historic wrecks (Alicia, Arratoon Apcar, Erl King, Lugano, Mandalay), Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, coral reef formations, marine sanctuary areas

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • The basalt ballast is not a shipping signature—ballast was commonly offloaded and reshuffled between vessels for ongoing voyages.
  • Examine rigging elements and iron fasteners closely; they reveal 19th-century maritime construction.
  • Most cargo vanished centuries ago; focus on structural details and ballast heap geometry.
  • Afternoon seas rougher than morning; early departure maximizes safe bottom time.
  • This site rewards maritime history curiosity more than visual drama.
Tips Advice
  • The basalt ballast was moved between ships as ballast cargo—it reveals nothing definitive about her origin or last port.
  • Look for the largest stone piles marking the ship's keel area; these anchor the site.
  • Rigging elements are fragile; observe but do not touch—protected archaeological site.
  • Plan boat departure early morning; afternoon seas rougher and visibility lower.
  • Wreck is largely salvaged; expect subtle details and stone piles, not hulking timbers.

More details

Park Area
Biscayne Offshore Waters
Elevation Feet
0
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Fishing Species
Grouper, snapper, permit, tarpon, mackerel, amberjack, typical reef fish species
Fishing Nearby
Yes
Swimming Allowed
Yes
Boating Allowed
Yes
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Visitors to this site appreciate its archaeological significance and the challenge of accessing a 19th-century wreck. Many note that visible remains are subtle compared to more intact shipwrecks; the site rewards research beforehand and underwater observation skills. The experience appeals primarily to maritime archaeology enthusiasts and diving-savvy travelers.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Do I need SCUBA certification to see the wreck?

Snorkeling can reveal surface ballast piles; full wreck appreciation requires SCUBA certification due to depth (20-50+ feet) and currents.

Can non-swimmers or casual snorkelers visit?

No. You must be a confident swimmer at minimum for snorkeling access to ballast. Deeper sections require SCUBA certification.

Can I collect or remove artifacts?

No. This is a protected archaeological site. Federal law prohibits artifact removal. Observation only.

Is it worth the boat trip for a mostly salvaged wreck?

If you're interested in maritime archaeology and 19th-century trade routes revealed by ballast composition, yes. Otherwise, more visually dramatic wrecks exist in Biscayne.

What if water conditions are rough or I get seasick?

Winter (December-April) offers calmest seas. Summer and fall carry hurricane risk. Always check marine forecasts; rough water days are common offshore.

Fowey Rocks Lighthouse

Five miles offshore, a solitary 50-foot tower marks Miami's deadliest reef. Built 1875, still the "Eye of Miami."

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.