Tonawanda Wreck

Tonawanda WreckTonawanda Wreck: Scuba diving in Florida is an experience like no other. Coral reefs, caves, wrecks; Florida has it all and some of the clearest blue waters in the world!

The Tonawanda interesting facts

  • Built 1863 in Philadelphia
  • 752 ton wooden steam freighter
  • 300 feet long
  • Purchased by US Navy and renamed The Arkansas
  • Took part in the Gulf of Mexico Union Blockade during the civil war
  • Later sold as cargo vessel
  • Sank May 28, 1866

If you’re scuba diving in Florida you will find this dive site located 100m northeast of the Elbow Reef lighthouse.

The Tonawanda lies on the sand based bottom in just 11m (35 feet) of water, is broken up, and its remains spread over the area.

To the west of the wreck just over 90m away there is a six foot cannon which is of some interest.

If you are scuba diving in Florida you will find one of the main attractions of this sight is the photo opportunities

This area with its large shallow reef is a live with colorful marine life and stunning corals. It is also an excellent spot for snorkeling.

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 Elbow Reef and it gives you an idea of what to expect diving off the Florida coast (Press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen)…

Tonawanda Wreck - TerenceTerence’s Log

Tonawanda
Depth: 6-10m (20-35ft)
Visibility: 12-36m (40 – 120ft)
Wreck and Night Dive
Plenty of fish
Novice
Snorkeling: Yes

Not much to see at the wreck. Would like to have taken some photographs of the canon though but left my camera on board!

I was disappointed, and to make it worse a couple of friendly nurse sharks had turned up for a photo shooting session!

Key Largo Dive Sites:

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