19th-Century Shipwreck - Maritime Archaeology

Round objects resting on the sandy bottom of the ocean

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 25.398867, -80.160867
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.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Other historic wrecks (Alicia, Arratoon Apcar, Erl King, Lugano, Mandalay), Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, coral reef formations, marine sanctuary areas
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, and picnic areas at Convoy Point visitor facility. Fuel and supplies available at marina services on mainland.
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.
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.
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.

More details

Park Area: Biscayne Offshore Waters
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.
Attraction Type: Shipwreck
Elevation Feet: 0
Accessibility Level: Boat access and snorkeling/diving capability required
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.
Parking Availability: Parking available at Convoy Point launch facility; limited lot capacity during peak season
Road Type: N/A — marine access only
Seasonal Access: Year-round, weather permitting. Hurricane season (June-November) carries tropical storm risk and sea state deterioration.
Entry Fees: No separate fee for site access; America the Beautiful annual pass $80 (covers all federal recreation sites)
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
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.
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
Photography Spots: Ballast pile formations from multiple angles; rigging element clusters; wider site panorama from surface boat position
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 0
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Unreliable; spotty coverage offshore
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Nearby Services: Fuel, supplies, and boat rentals at Convoy Point area; no services at offshore site
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
Winter Access: Year-round accessible to boats. Winter (December-April) safest due to calm seas and stable weather.
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
Weather Patterns: Afternoon squalls common. Tropical storm season June-November. Afternoon wind typically increases wave height and chop.
Busiest Season: Winter holidays (December-January); spring break (March-April)
Fishing Species: Grouper, snapper, permit, tarpon, mackerel, amberjack, typical reef fish species
Fishing Nearby: 1
Swimming Allowed: 1
Boating Allowed: 1
Climbing Areas: 0
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.