Alicia Shipwreck - 1905 Spanish Steamer

Bones of a shipwreck resting on the ocean floor with tropical fish swimming over

The wooden skeleton of the Spanish steamer Alicia lies preserved at Long Reef in Biscayne Bay, a silent witness to the fierce 1905 storm that sank her. Her cargo—valued at over $1 million and including fine silks, silverware, and even pianos destined for Havana—rests scattered on the seafloor below. Nearly 120 years of preservation make her hull structure and cargo debris visible to snorkelers and divers, revealing both the vulnerability of early 20th-century ocean travel and the salvage operations that followed.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 25.41175, -80.127667
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible at Convoy Point and Elliott Key boat launch facilities only. Wreck itself accessible via boat and water skills (swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving). Moderate swimming ability required for snorkel access; advanced skills for deep scuba exploration.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Other shipwrecks nearby (Arratoon Apcar, Erl King, Lugano, Mandalay, 19th Century Wooden Sailing Vessel); Fowey Rocks Lighthouse; Elliott Key Campground; Boca Chita Campground.
Nearby Facilities: Boat launch ramps at Convoy Point and Elliott Key; restrooms, parking, and picnic areas at launch sites; mooring buoys and docking available at Elliott Key and Boca Chita; no facilities directly at wreck site.
Best Time To Visit: October to April when seas are calmer, water clarity is better (40+ feet visibility), and air/water temperatures remain warm (72-80°F).
Tips Advice: The wreck sits at Long Reef where currents can be strong—visit on calm days only
Bring snorkel or scuba gear; hull sections and cargo debris visible 5-30 feet below surface
Stay 25 yards from marine wildlife per park regulations to avoid disturbance
Look for scattered cargo and wooden hull structure—the original cargo included fine silks, silverware, furniture, and pianos
Visibility 5-40 feet depending on weather; October-April offers clearest water
Bring a guide or charter boat for safety; avoid the site alone
Insider Tips: The steamer's cargo included fine silks, linens, silverware, household furniture, machetes, paint, pianos, wine, and even a complete iron bridge—centuries-old treasures now colonized by coral and fish
Named after Linea de Vapres Serra (Spanish shipping line) registry port in Bilboa, Spain
Captain "Hog" Johnson, master wrecker, arrived first on scene with his schooner Mount Olive after the 1905 sinking
Currents at Long Reef can funnel nutrients and create excellent fish habitat
Best underwater visibility 3-4 hours after slack water when currents minimize turbidity
Coordinate with park concessionaires for scheduled tours; offers safety and local knowledge

More details

Park Area: Biscayne Bay - Long Reef
Family Friendly Notes: Best for children ages 8+ with swimming and snorkeling skills under adult supervision. Water conditions variable; always check park conditions and sea state before departing. Hypothermia risk on extended water exposure; younger children should wear wetsuits and flotation devices. Boat ride approximately 30-45 minutes depending on departure point; ensure children are comfortable in boats and water.
Attraction Type: Shipwreck - Maritime Archaeological Site
Elevation Feet: 0
Distance From Entrance: Accessible by boat from Convoy Point (approximately 10 nautical miles) or Elliott Key (approximately 5 nautical miles).
Accessibility Level: Moderate to difficult: requires boat transportation and swimming or snorkeling ability. Scuba certification required for deep exploration.
How To Get There: Access by private boat or chartered tour service from Convoy Point or Elliott Key. Navigate Biscayne Bay to Long Reef coordinates 25.41175, -80.127667. Park concessionaire boat tours available; private canoe and kayak launch at Convoy Point.
Parking Availability: Parking at Convoy Point and Elliott Key boat launch areas; capacity varies by season. Lot fills on popular weekends October-March.
Road Type: Water access only via Biscayne Bay.
Seasonal Access: Open year-round for boat access. Optimal conditions October to April when seas are calmer. Summer months (June-September) subject to afternoon thunderstorms and reduced visibility.
Entry Fees: America the Beautiful annual pass $80 (covers entrance to all federal recreation sites). Individual park entrance fees may apply; check Biscayne NP visitor services for current rates.
Main Features: Preserved wooden hull of Spanish steamer; scattered cargo debris on seafloor; Long Reef coral and rock formation; marine life colonizing wreck structure.
What Youll See: Wooden hull sections, metal fittings, cargo scattered on seafloor, tropical fish species, sea turtles, rays, coral colonies on wreck structure, sand and rock formations surrounding the site.
Unique Characteristics: Sunk April 20, 1905 during storm; cargo valued at over $1 million; salvage operation led by legendary wrecker Captain "Hog" Johnson with 70+ salvors; preserved maritime archaeological site demonstrating early 20th-century ocean commerce and shipwreck recovery; wooden hull remarkably intact after 121 years.
Safety Considerations: Strong currents common at Long Reef—do not visit on rough seas. Hypothermia risk even in warm water on extended exposure. Nitrogen narcosis risk if diving below 60 feet. Avoid touching wreck structure to prevent personal injury and preserve archaeological site. Stay 25 yards from marine wildlife per park regulations. Boat traffic hazard—watch for other vessels and mark your location.
Best Viewpoints: Directly above and around the wreck site from boat while snorkeling or diving at Long Reef. Hull sections visible at 5-30 feet depth.
Photo Opportunities: Underwater photography of hull cross-sections, close-ups of wooden beams and metal fittings, marine life around the wreck, wide-angle shots of the full site, aerial views from boat at sunrise/sunset.
Photography Spots: Underwater: hull sections from multiple angles, cargo debris on seafloor, marine life interactions with wreck. Surface: sunrise/sunset from boat, aerial views of site location during calm conditions.
Stargazing Quality: Good from boat at night; some light pollution from mainland Miami visible on horizon.
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Excellent from boat; unobstructed 360-degree views over Biscayne Bay. Best alpenglow effect at sunrise; golden hour lighting at sunset ideal for photography.
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 0
Restroom Type: Restrooms available at Convoy Point and Elliott Key boat launch areas only, not at wreck site.
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Limited and unreliable over open water in Biscayne Bay.
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 1
Trailheads Here: None—water access only.
Connecting Trails: None—water access site.
Nearby Services: Boat rental and charter services at Convoy Point; supplies, accommodations, and restaurants in Homestead (approximately 15 miles north); fuel and basic supplies at Elliott Key and Boca Chita.
Common Wildlife: Tropical fish (snappers, groupers, jacks), sea turtles, rays, octopus, sea urchins, corals, parrotfish, angelfish.
Best Wildlife Times: Year-round. Early morning and dusk hours increase chances of seeing larger fish species and sea turtles.
Wildflower Peak: Not applicable—marine site.
Fall Colors Peak: Not applicable—marine site in tropical climate.
Geological Formation Type: Not applicable—maritime shipwreck, not geological formation.
Scientific Interest: Maritime archaeology and preservation of 1905 Spanish steamer; cargo assemblage research (silks, linens, silverware, household goods, machinery); wreck ecology and marine organism colonization on wooden structure; early 20th-century ocean commerce and maritime technology study; salvage history documentation.
Road Opening Dates: Not applicable—water-based access open year-round.
Snow Lingering: Not applicable—South Florida tropical climate.
Winter Access: Accessible year-round by boat. Winter water temperatures 72-80°F; warmer than northern waters but still require wetsuit for extended exposure.
Best Visit Times: October to April for calmest seas and best water clarity. Early morning hours (dawn to mid-morning) for optimal visibility and fewer crowds.
Best Season: October to April—calmest seas, best water clarity, most comfortable water temperatures (72-80°F), and lowest thunderstorm frequency.
Weather Patterns: Afternoon thunderstorms common June to September. Strong winds and rough seas possible November to March. Calm conditions typical October and April-May. Water temperatures: 72-80°F winter, 80-85°F summer.
Peak Fill Times: Not applicable to boat-based site.
Busiest Season: December to March (winter holiday season and spring break).
Lake Size: Not applicable—ocean wreck in Biscayne Bay.
Fishing Nearby: 1
Swimming Allowed: 1
Boating Allowed: 1
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Visitors with snorkeling and diving skills appreciate the historical significance and tangible connection to early 20th-century maritime commerce. The preserved wooden hull and scattered cargo create compelling underwater photography opportunities. Swimming-only visitors may find limited visible structure without submersion. Most positive feedback comes from October-April visitors when water clarity is optimal. Site's remote location at Long Reef requires careful seamanship and respect for weather conditions.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Do I need diving certification to see the Alicia?

No. Snorkeling offers views of hull sections and cargo debris visible at 5-30 feet. Scuba certification required only for deeper wreck exploration below 40 feet.

Is it safe to visit the wreck?

Yes, with proper precautions. Strong currents at Long Reef require calm sea conditions. Never visit alone; always bring a guide or charter a boat. Stay alert for boat traffic and other vessels in the area.

Can I take artifacts or cargo from the wreck?

No. The Alicia is a protected maritime archaeological site managed by the National Park Service. Removing any artifacts is illegal and destroys irreplaceable historical record.

What's the best way to reach the wreck without my own boat?

Charter boat services and guided tours operate from Convoy Point and Elliott Key. Contact Biscayne NP visitor services for current concessionaire partnerships and tour schedules.

When is the water clearest for viewing the wreck?

October to April typically offers 40+ feet visibility. Summer months (June-September) have reduced clarity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Visit on calm days when waves are minimal and sunlight penetrates deepest.

What will I actually see underwater?

Wooden hull sections, metal fittings, scattered cargo debris on the seafloor, tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral colonies growing on the wreck. The hull is partially intact after 121 years and creates an artificial reef habitat.