19th-Century Shipwreck - Maritime Archaeology

Q: 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.

Q: Can I collect or remove artifacts?

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

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Type

Shipwreck

Accessibility

Boat access and snorkeling/diving capability required

Best Season

December to April — dry season, calm seas, optimal diving and snorkeling conditions

Busiest Season

Winter holidays (December-January); spring break (March-April)

Features

Basalt ballast piles, wooden structural elements, rigging elements, iron fasteners, scattered wreck debris on seafloor

Overview

About This Attraction

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.

Quick Facts

Type

Shipwreck

Access

Boat access and snorkeling/diving capability required

Main Features

Basalt ballast piles, wooden structural elements, rigging elements, iron fasteners, scattered wreck debris on seafloor

What You'll See

Stone ballast heap, scattered rigging components, corroded iron fastenings, remnants of wooden hull structure on the seafloor in 20-50+ feet of water

What Makes It Special

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

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.

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.

Visitor Tips

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.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Shipwreck

GPS: 25.398867, -80.160867

What Makes It Unique:

Geology

Formation Type: Shipwreck

Scientific Interest:

19th-century vessel construction techniques, maritime commerce patterns, ballast sourcing and trade routes, salvage archaeology methods, historical preservation

Getting There

Directions:

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.

Access Type: Boat access and snorkeling/diving capability required

Road: N/A — marine access only

Seasonal Access: Year-round, weather permitting. Hurricane season (June-November) carries tropical storm risk and sea state deterioration.

Parking: Parking available at Convoy Point launch facility; limited lot capacity during peak season

Entry Fees: No separate fee for site access; America the Beautiful annual pass $80 (covers all federal recreation sites)

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

Boat anchoring area near GPS coordinates; snorkeling view of ballast piles in shallower sections; full site requires diving

Photo Opportunities:

Underwater photography of ballast formations and rigging elements (requires camera housing); wide-angle boat-level shots of the site

Best Photo Spots:

Ballast pile formations from multiple angles; rigging element clusters; wider site panorama from surface boat position

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Tropical reef fish (grouper, snapper, jacks), rays, moray eels, sea turtles (occasional), corals, sea urchins

Best Wildlife Viewing: Year-round fish presence; sea turtle sightings more likely May-October; fish activity peaks at dawn and dusk

Seasonal Information

Best Season: December to April — dry season, calm seas, optimal diving and snorkeling conditions

Best Times: Early morning (calmer water, better light); mid-week to avoid weekend boat traffic and crowds

Busiest: Winter holidays (December-January); spring break (March-April)

Winter Access: Year-round accessible to boats. Winter (December-April) safest due to calm seas and stable weather.

Weather:

Afternoon squalls common. Tropical storm season June-November. Afternoon wind typically increases wave height and chop.

Activities

Fishing (Grouper, snapper, permit, tarpon, mackerel, amberjack, typical reef fish species)
Swimming Allowed
Boating Allowed

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

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

Nearby Services:

Fuel, supplies, and boat rentals at Convoy Point area; no services at offshore site

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.

Visitor Information

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.

Family Friendly:

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.

Nearby Facilities:

Restrooms, parking, and picnic areas at Convoy Point visitor facility. Fuel and supplies available at marina services on mainland.

FAQs

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?

Can I collect or remove artifacts?

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

What if water conditions are rough or I get seasick?

📖 National Park Service — 19th Century Wooden Sailing Vessel (official page) (checked 2026-07-12) 📖 National Park Service — Biscayne National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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