Bird Key Wreck

Underwater photo of a shipwreck covered in algae. There are fish around the wreck. Water is teal.

You'll see a wrought iron propeller and scattered construction bricks resting on Bird Key Bank in 4-6 feet of water—remains of a flat-bottomed steamboat that grounded between 1857 and 1861. The marked firebricks and yellow construction bricks date the wreck and reveal it carried cargo for Fort Jefferson. Over time, marine life colonized the wreckage: lobster, brain coral, and reef fish now thrive among the iron frames and brick fragments. Snorkeling is the primary way to explore this submerged cultural resource, where all artifacts and coral remain protected.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 24.6204666668,-82.8845166668

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Fort Jefferson, Little Africa Patch Reef, Loggerhead Key, Tortugas Harbor Light, Windjammer Wreck, North Coaling Docks, South Coaling Docks
Nearby Facilities: Garden Key Campground (on-site camping available), Yankee Freedom III Ferry Dock (ferry services), Dock House and Information station
Best Time To Visit: Early morning (7-9am) in May-September for calmest seas and best visibility before mid-day boat traffic
Tips Advice: Look for the distinctive six-foot propeller—it's the largest intact artifact and unmistakable underwater.
Check water conditions before entering; currents can shift quickly in shallow water.
The marked bricks are dating evidence: refractory tiles show 'Evens, Howard St. Louis', pinpointing manufacture after 1857.
Bring an underwater camera—the propeller design and brick details photograph well in shallow light.
Snorkel slowly and hover to observe the coral and lobster communities; they're the reason this wreck matters today.
Insider Tips: The 'Evens, Howard St. Louis' markings on refractory bricks indicate post-1857 manufacture; compare to unmarked yellow bricks from Fort Jefferson.
The propeller's design (six-foot, four-bladed, wrought iron with flared tips) reveals this was a screw-driven, composite-construction steamboat.
The wreck was grounded with the engine running—likely an accident, though some evidence suggests intentional grounding.
Nearly 300 shipwrecks scatter the Dry Tortugas reefs; Bird Key Bank's proximity to shipping lanes made it a natural 'ship trap.'

More details

Park Area: Bird Key Bank
Family Friendly Notes: Suitable for snorkelers age 8+. Children must be supervised in water and comfortable with snorkeling. Shallow 4-6 foot depth is accessible. Emphasize artifact protection rules before descent. Calm summer seas are best for family trips.
Attraction Type: Historic Shipwreck
Distance From Entrance: ~70 miles offshore from Key West; ferry travel required (no road access)
Accessibility Level: Snorkel required—swimming ability necessary
How To Get There: Ferry access only. Depart from Key West via the Yankee Freedom III Ferry (included in $15 park entrance fee). Bird Key Bank is accessible by boat; the wreck requires snorkeling in shallow water. No dock or beach access to the wreck—approach by water only.
Parking Availability: Ferry-based access only; no parking lot at site
Seasonal Access: Year-round accessible weather permitting; ferry schedules may vary based on sea conditions
Entry Fees: $15 per person (7-day pass); included in ferry ticket from Key West. America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance.
Main Features: Six-foot wrought iron propeller with flared blade tips, scattered yellow construction bricks (Fort Jefferson materials), refractory firebricks marked 'Evens, Howard St. Louis', boiler frame remains, coral encrustation providing marine habitat
What Youll See: Six-foot iron propeller with distinctive flared blade tips, scattered yellow and refractory bricks, boiler remains, lobster, brain coral, reef fish including grouper and snapper, algae and marine growth covering wreckage
Unique Characteristics: One of ~300 wrecks in the area; unusual for carrying both construction cargo (yellow bricks for Fort Jefferson) and fireboat refractory materials; now an active artificial reef supporting lobster and coral colonies
Safety Considerations: All artifacts and coral are protected federal resources—do not touch or remove. Shallow 4-6 feet deep but water conditions and currents vary seasonally; always snorkel with a buddy. Hurricane season June-November can create rough conditions. Respect all protected cultural resources under federal law.
Best Viewpoints: Directly above the main propeller assembly in the shallowest section; sunlit vantage points on the eastern side of the wreck (morning light best)
Photo Opportunities: Propeller detail shots in shallow light (best early morning), marked bricks with factory stamps, lobster and coral framing the wreckage, fish schools over the propeller assembly
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 0
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Unknown—likely poor to nonexistent 70 miles offshore
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 1
Common Wildlife: Lobster, brain coral, reef fish (grouper, snapper, parrotfish), nurse sharks (occasional), sea turtles
Geological Formation Type: Submerged Shipwreck
Scientific Interest: Dated firebricks ('Evens, Howard St. Louis' post-1857) and construction materials provide precise chronology (1857-1861 sinking window). Study site for 19th-century composite steamboat construction, salvage methods, and marine colonization of iron structures. Visible evidence of hurricane damage and ongoing environmental degradation.
Best Season: May through September offers calmest water and best visibility; winter conditions are rougher
Weather Patterns: Hurricane season June-November; summer squalls common; winter storms rougher; spring and fall offer transition periods with variable conditions
Fishing Nearby: 1
Swimming Allowed: 1
Boating Allowed: 1

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I touch or take artifacts from the wreck?

No. All shipwrecks, artifacts, and coral are federally protected resources. Touching damages marine growth and violates federal law. Photography is allowed; collection is not.

Do I need scuba certification to see the wreck?

No. The wreck sits in only 4-6 feet of water—ideal for snorkeling. A mask, snorkel, and fins are sufficient. Swimming ability is required.

When's the best time to visit?

May through September typically offers calmer seas and better visibility. Winter brings rougher water. Ferry schedules may vary based on weather; always check before departing Key West.

Will I actually see the propeller from the surface?

Yes. In 4-6 feet of clear water, the six-foot propeller is clearly visible from above. Visibility varies by season; summer clarity is best.

Is there any land access or landing spot at the wreck?

No. The wreck is only accessible by boat in open water. There's no beach, dock, or shore access at Bird Key Bank. Dock facilities are at Garden Key, about 5 miles away.