Erl King Shipwreck - 1865 Iron-Hulled Steamer

Q: What happened to the Erl King, and when?

The ship ran aground on Long Reef on December 16, 1891, while en route to New Orleans from Swansea, England. It was abandoned after salvage attempts. Iron hull plates were later used as scrap metal during World War II.

Q: Is it safe to snorkel around the wreck?

Yes, when following standard boating and marine safety protocols. Maintain 25-yard distance from marine life (dolphins, sea turtles). Wear a life jacket on the boat and check weather and visibility before entering the water.

Q: Can I take souvenirs or artifacts from the wreck?

No. The shipwreck is a protected historical site. All artifacts and structural remains are protected by National Park Service regulations.

Q: When is the best time for visibility?

December through April offers calmest seas and clearest water. Avoid the site after recent storms when sediment clouds the water. Early morning departures yield the calmest conditions.

Type

Shipwreck / Maritime Archaeological Site

Accessibility

Boat and swimming/snorkeling required. Moderate to advanced water skills needed.

Best Season

December to April.

Busiest Season

December–April (winter refuge season) and spring break (March–April).

Features

1865 iron-hulled steamer hull outline, concrete cargo casts, 19th-century shipwreck remains, maritime historical site.

Overview

About This Attraction

The outline of an iron-hulled steamer rests 18 feet below the surface of Long Reef—a 306-foot vessel named Erl King, built in Glasgow in 1865. The ship ran aground here in December 1891 while en route to New Orleans from Swansea, England, and was abandoned after salvage attempts. Today, visitors can see the hull's silhouette and the ship's cargo: concrete casts that once were wooden barrels filled with dry concrete mix, their wooden forms long consumed by shipworms, leaving only stone impressions behind.

Quick Facts

Type

Shipwreck / Maritime Archaeological Site

Access

Boat and swimming/snorkeling required. Moderate to advanced water skills needed.

Main Features

1865 iron-hulled steamer hull outline, concrete cargo casts, 19th-century shipwreck remains, maritime historical site.

What You'll See

Hull outline in 18 feet of water, barrel-shaped concrete objects (formerly wooden barrels), iron hull plates, sand and coral surrounding the wreck.

What Makes It Special

Built 1865 in Glasgow, Scotland by A. and J. Inglis Shipbuilders. Named after German mythical elf Erlkonig. Wrecked December 1891 carrying cargo from England. Hull plates salvaged as WWII scrap metal. Cargo remains remarkably preserved as concrete casts.

Best Time to Visit

December to April for calmest seas and clearest water visibility.

Safety Considerations

Water depth: 18 feet. Boating hazards: afternoon thunderstorms (summer), strong currents, and shallow reefs. Wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Snorkeling hazards: limited visibility in poor conditions, marine life encounters (maintain 25-yard distance from dolphins/turtles). Check weather forecasts before departing.

Visitor Tips

Bring an underwater camera or snorkel gear to photograph the wreck.
Look for the concrete cargo casts—barrels long hollowed by shipworms.
Visibility improves on calm days; avoid murky water after storms.
Check boating forecasts and tidal conditions before launching.
Marine life is abundant; maintain 25-yard distance from dolphins and sea turtles.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Shipwreck / Maritime Archaeological Site

Distance from Entrance: Accessible by private boat from Convoy Point or Boca Chita marina launch areas.

GPS: 25.424639, -80.124389

What Makes It Unique:

Water Feature Details

Height: Not applicable.

Size: Not applicable.

Flow/Best Viewing: Not applicable.

Fish Species: Grouper, snapper, permit, tarpon, various tropical saltwater species.

Geology

Formation Type: Shipwreck

Scientific Interest:

Maritime archaeology, 19th-century iron shipbuilding techniques, preservation of organic and inorganic cargo under saltwater conditions, historical documentation of Atlantic shipping routes.

Getting There

Directions:

Launch a private boat or kayak from Convoy Point or Boca Chita marina. Navigate to Long Reef (coordinates: 25.424639, -80.124389). Allow time for boat travel and tidal conditions.

Access Type: Boat and swimming/snorkeling required. Moderate to advanced water skills needed.

Road: Boat access only.

Seasonal Access: Year-round access; weather and water conditions affect visibility and boating safety.

Parking: Parking available at Convoy Point and Boca Chita launch areas; fill times vary seasonally.

Entry Fees: No additional fee beyond park entrance. Covered by America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) or daily entrance fee.

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Boat access only; no hiking trails.

Connecting Trails:

None; boat access only.

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

From boat deck directly above the wreck; snorkeling position for close-up views of cargo and hull structure.

Photo Opportunities:

Aerial drone shots from boat showing hull outline, underwater snorkel photos of cargo casts and hull remnants, close-up shots of concrete barrel forms.

Best Photo Spots:

Boat deck facing the wreck for surface views; snorkel/dive position for underwater composition; early morning light for best drone footage.

Facilities

Restrooms (Flush facilities at Convoy Point and Boca Chita visitor areas.)
Potable Water
Picnic Areas

Cell Service: Variable; unreliable on open water. Download maps and coordinates before launching.

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Grouper, snapper, sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, tropical fish, seabirds.

Best Wildlife Viewing: Year-round; dolphins and sea turtles common in all seasons.

Seasonal Information

Best Season: December to April.

Best Times: Early morning for calmest water conditions and best visibility.

Road Opens: Year-round access; no seasonal road closures.

Busiest: December–April (winter refuge season) and spring break (March–April).

Parking Fills: Marina and boat launch areas busiest mid-morning; consider dawn or late-afternoon departure to avoid crowds.

Snow Until: Not applicable.

Winter Access: Year-round; best December–April for calm seas and clear water.

Weather:

Summer: afternoon thunderstorms common; high heat and humidity. Winter: calm seas, lower wind, excellent boating conditions. Spring: variable weather, occasional squalls. Fall: hurricane risk.

Activities

Fishing (Grouper, snapper, permit, tarpon, various tropical saltwater species.)
Swimming Allowed
Boating Allowed

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Other shipwrecks: Alicia, Arratoon Apcar, Lugano, Mandalay, 19th Century Wooden Sailing Vessel. Fowey Rocks Lighthouse. Boca Chita Key. Elliott Key.

Nearby Services:

Boat launches at Convoy Point and Boca Chita. Restrooms, picnic facilities at Convoy Point visitor area. Supplies and fuel nearest in Homestead or Florida Keys.

Insider Tips

The concrete cargo casts are the remnants of wooden barrels filled with dry concrete mix—shipworms hollowed the wood centuries ago.
Best visibility occurs on calm, sunny days after winter cold fronts.
Bring polarized sunglasses and a fish-and-wildlife identification guide.
Coordinate your visit with tidal windows for easier navigation.
Snorkel photos are clearest in morning light when shadows are minimal.

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Boat launch with ramp at Convoy Point and Boca Chita. Water access requires swimming ability or snorkeling skills. Water depth 18 feet; no accessible viewing from shore.

Family Friendly:

Children must wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets on boats. Snorkeling requires swimming ability and adult supervision. Not recommended for very young children or weak swimmers due to open water and depth.

Nearby Facilities:

Boat ramps, picnic areas, and restrooms at Convoy Point and Boca Chita. Visitor centers with interpretive displays at park headquarters (Convoy Point). No fuel or supplies on islands.

FAQs

Can I see the wreck from my boat without snorkeling?

Yes. The hull outline is visible in 18 feet of water from directly above in calm conditions. Snorkeling or diving reveals more detail and photographable cargo remains, but surface viewing is possible.

What happened to the Erl King, and when?

Is it safe to snorkel around the wreck?

Can I take souvenirs or artifacts from the wreck?

When is the best time for visibility?

📖 National Park Service — Erl King (official page) (checked 2026-07-12) 📖 National Park Service — Biscayne National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Visit Website