Windjammer Wreck

A school of fish crowd an artificial reef while a snorkeler floats on the surface of the water.

A 261-foot iron-hulled ship rises from the seafloor at 22-foot depth, its three masts and two decks arranged in two wreckage fields 1,100 yards southwest of Loggerhead Key. The Avanti, wrecked January 22, 1907, while transporting lumber from Pensacola, resists corrosion far better than wooden vessels—its iron hull remains structurally sound over a century later. The wreck now functions as an artificial reef, hosting coral and reef fish. Divers and snorkelers must control buoyancy and avoid disturbing artifacts or fragile marine life.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 24.623549999, -82.942466666
Accessibility: Accessible only by boat or snorkel/dive charter; 22-foot depth requires swimming ability; diving certification recommended for detailed wreck exploration.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Bird Key Wreck, Fort Jefferson, Garden Key, Little Africa Patch Reef, Loggerhead Key, Tortugas Harbor Light.
Nearby Facilities: Garden Key Campground, ferry dock, dinghy beach (W. Garden Key), information station (Dock House). No facilities at wreck itself; supplies and services in Key West, FL.
Tips Advice: Observe coral colonization on the hull—it shows how reefs reclaim wrecks over time
Orient yourself to the distinct bow (east-west) and stern (north-south) sections to understand the wreck's final position
Watch for sea turtles sheltering in structure; move slowly to avoid startling them
Maintain neutral buoyancy throughout—less contact means better photos and safer diving
Photograph the intact masts and deck structure—iron preservation after 119 years is rare and visually striking.

More details

Attraction Type: Historic Shipwreck
Accessibility Level: Diving or snorkeling required
How To Get There: Ferry access to Dry Tortugas National Park required. Once in park, wreck is accessible only by boat or dive/snorkel charter, located 1,100 yards southwest of Loggerhead Key at 22-foot depth. Park entrance fee: $15 per person (valid 7 consecutive days). Children under 15 exempt.
Main Features: 261-foot iron-hulled sailing vessel with three masts and two decks; two main wreckage fields (bow oriented east-west, stern oriented north-south); exceptional structural preservation due to iron's corrosion resistance; thriving coral colony and reef fish population using wreck as artificial reef habitat.
What Youll See: 261-foot iron-hulled ship structure with intact masts and deck framework; two separate wreckage sections (bow and stern); heavy coral encrustation and growth; abundant reef fish and other marine life using structure for habitat; sandy seafloor providing depth and orientation reference; clear water conditions on favorable days.
Unique Characteristics: Exceptional preservation of iron hull 119 years after sinking; three-masted sailing ship larger than most accessible wrecks; serves as artificial reef while remaining a submerged cultural resource protected by federal law; two distinct wreckage sections from specific sinking event January 22, 1907.
Safety Considerations: Depth: 22 feet requires buoyancy control and diving experience. Wreck structures are fragile and sensitive to diver contact—poor buoyancy can damage the ship or injure marine life. Artifacts are protected cultural resources; removal and disturbance are prohibited by federal law. Ocean conditions subject to change; verify weather before diving. Nitrogen narcosis is a factor at this depth; assess your experience level and dive limits.
Common Wildlife: Reef fish populations, coral species, sea turtles.
Fishing Nearby: 1
Boating Allowed: 1

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit if I'm not a certified diver?

Yes, with snorkel access via a guide, but 22-foot depth is deep for snorkeling. Consult your operator about your swimming fitness. Most visitors use certified dive operators.

What makes this wreck special?

The Avanti is exceptionally preserved due to iron's corrosion resistance—wooden wrecks deteriorate much faster. At 261 feet, it's among the largest accessible wrecks in the region. Excellent coral and fish habitat has developed on the structure.

Can I take artifacts or souvenirs?

No. All artifacts are protected cultural resources. Removal and disturbance are prohibited by federal law. Leave them for scientists and future visitors to study and enjoy.

What do I need to bring?

Standard snorkel or diving gear. Reef-safe sunscreen is required—regular sunscreen damages coral ecosystems. Bring an underwater camera; the wreck preservation is spectacular.

How do I book a dive?

Contact authorized snorkel/dive operators. Ferry access to the park is via private ferry from Key West (separate fee from $15 park entrance). Children under 15 receive free park entry.