City of Washington

City of Washington Wreck: Are there any more interesting scuba diving locations than the wrecks, caves, corals reefs and marine life that surround Key Largo?

City Of Washington WreckKey Largo has interesting scuba diving locations such as this dive site located just 500m NE of Elbow Reef lighthouse. The City of Washington wreck lies in shallow waters and is one of the most popular wrecks in the area.

This 320ft steamship built in1877 was previously a schooner and was adorned with two masts. The City of Washington sunk in 1917 and the debris from the wreck is spread over 300ft

Whilst the wreck has deteriorated greatly over the years, for a historic wreck she is one of the most intact, with the hull and keel still visible albeit with holes and gaps appearing, and remains one of Key Largo’s most interesting scuba diving locations.

The main wreck has deteriorated greatly over the years with the hull and keel still visible. Some of the main features you will want to visit are the port side chock, deck ladder, propeller shaft log, bilge pump assembly and top rail. All are worthy of a visit and are quite intact.

The shallow depths and clear waters make City of Washington a great spot for snorkeling and for night dives. The marine life is abundant.

City of Washington interesting facts

  • Built 1877, Pennsylvania
  • 320ft long by 38ft wide two masted schooner
  • 3 decks
  • Steam powered
  • Over 400 passengers and crew
  • Regularly transported cargo and passengers between, New York, Mexico, Panama and Cuba
  • 1898 rescued 90 crewmen from USS Maine when it blew up in Havana’s Harbor
  • Much larger engine fitted in 1898
  • During the war transported troops until 1908
  • 1911 on used as a coal-barge
  • Sank July 10th 1917 after breaking in two on Elbow Reef

Key Largo Scuba Videos

One of the attractions of Florida Key scuba diving is that you will be able to take underwater photographs or underwater videos such as the one below. With excellent light and clear waters you will be able to get some excellent shots.

This video was taken at the City of Washington Wreck and it gives you an idea of what to expect diving off the Florida coast – look out for Bruiser! (Press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen)…

City Of Washington Wreck - TerenceTerence’s Log

City of Washington
Depth: 3-9m (10-30ft)
Visibility: 12-37m (40 – 120ft)
Wreck and Night Dive
Plenty of fish
Novice
Snorkeling: Yes

This was one of my favorite scuba diving locations in Key Largo. This was an easy dive and is excellent for novices.

Meanwhile I was ensuring I wasn’t bitten by one of the barracuda near the wreck! – Apparently over the years they have grown bolder and you have to keep your fingers in and arms at your side to ensure their not mistaken for lunch!

Must admit though that the sight of “Bruiser” the goliath grouper made this dive worthwhile.

Key Largo Dive Sites:

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