artificial reefs
In recent years, centuries old historic wrecks have been joined by ships that were intentionally sunk to create artificial reefs and now are home to 55 varieties of delicate coral and nearly 500 species of fish in the sanctuary's federally protected waters.
Resting in depths from 20 to 140 feet, the wrecks on the shipwreck trail reflect a diversity of origins and locations. There are vessels of Spanish explorers dating to the early 1700s, as well as modern cargo and military ships.
The earliest shipwrecks lured divers with the prospect of rich cargoes, and still offer prized and colorful marine life and a glimpse of history. (Florida Keys)
Wrecks are scuttled in order to spur reef growth, such as Adolphus Busch and the Ocean Freeze. Wrecks like Adolphus Busch and historic wrecks such as SS Thistlegorm are of interest to recreational divers who find diving shipwrecks because they are interesting to explore, provide large habitats for many types of marine life, and have an interesting history. (Shipwreck)
Resting in depths from 20 to 140 feet, the wrecks on the shipwreck trail reflect a diversity of origins and locations. There are vessels of Spanish explorers dating to the early 1700s, as well as modern cargo and military ships.
The earliest shipwrecks lured divers with the prospect of rich cargoes, and still offer prized and colorful marine life and a glimpse of history. (Florida Keys)
Wrecks are scuttled in order to spur reef growth, such as Adolphus Busch and the Ocean Freeze. Wrecks like Adolphus Busch and historic wrecks such as SS Thistlegorm are of interest to recreational divers who find diving shipwrecks because they are interesting to explore, provide large habitats for many types of marine life, and have an interesting history. (Shipwreck)