The wreck’s structure, including its wheelhouse and cargo holds, is covered in colorful hard corals, further enhancing the biodiversity of the area. The underwater visibility typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters, providing excellent conditions for divers to observe and photograph the rich marine life surrounding the wreck.

Article at a Glance

1. Historical Significance: The Ultra Freeze, a refrigerated cargo ship launched in 1959, was intentionally sunk in 1984 to create an artificial reef, enhancing marine biodiversity.
2. Location and Coordinates: The wreck is located off the coast of Miami, Florida, at approximately 25° 37.741′ N, 80° 05.215′ W, resting at a depth of about 120 feet (36 meters).
3. Diving Experience: Known for its intact structure, the wreck features accessible cargo holds, a wheelhouse, and a staircase, offering divers opportunities for exploration and photography.
4. Marine Life: The Ultra Freeze is home to diverse marine species, including barracuda, grouper, sea turtles, manta rays, and vibrant coral growth, making it a popular site for underwater enthusiasts.
5. Safety Measures: Divers are advised to use the anchor line for descent, be aware of potential hazards inside the wreck, and have advanced certifications due to the depth and conditions.
6. Dive Shops: Several dive shops offer trips to the Ultra Freeze, including RJ Diving Ventures and Yachts Riviera Maya, providing guided dives and equipment rentals.
7. Unique Features: The wreck showcases historical elements such as its wheelhouse and cargo holds, along with hurricane-induced damage that has created new entry points for divers, enhancing the overall diving experience.

Location & Coordinates

Depth

The wreck rests at a depth of approximately 120 feet (about 36.5 meters) underwater.

Location Coordinates

The shipwreck The Ultra Freeze is located at the following coordinates:

• Latitude: 25° 37.741′ N
• Longitude: 80° 05.215′ W

What Do Scuba Divers Say About This Ship

General Impressions

• Visibility and Marine Life: Divers report excellent visibility, averaging around 20 meters, and the site is known for a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, manta rays, grouper, and barracuda. This makes it a favored spot for underwater photography due to the vibrant ecosystem surrounding the wreck.
• Wreck Condition: The hull of the Ultra Freeze is described as virtually intact, providing many opportunities for exploration. Divers can navigate through various openings, including cargo holds and staircases, which adds to the adventure of wreck diving.

Diving Experience

• Depth and Accessibility: The wreck is located at a depth of approximately 100 feet (about 30 meters), making it suitable primarily for advanced divers. The dive site is accessible via boat, and divers are advised to descend along an anchor line, where they first encounter the beautifully overgrown wheelhouse.
• Current Conditions: Some divers note that the current can be strong, particularly during descent, which may be challenging for beginners. Therefore, it is recommended that only divers with advanced certifications attempt this dive.

Recommendations

• Photography: The vibrant coral growth and abundant marine life make the Ultra Freeze a popular destination for underwater photographers looking to capture stunning images of marine ecosystems.
• Safety Precautions: Divers are reminded to be cautious of passing pleasure boats in the area and to ensure they have the appropriate experience level for the dive conditions.

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Ship

• Barracuda: These large predatory fish are commonly seen around the wreck, often patrolling the area for smaller fish.
• Grouper: Various species of grouper inhabit the wreck, providing excellent opportunities for underwater photography.
• Manta Rays: These graceful creatures can be spotted gliding through the water, adding to the site’s allure.
• Sea Turtles: Divers frequently encounter sea turtles, which are a highlight for many underwater explorers.
• Moray Eels: These eels can often be found hiding in crevices within the wreck, showcasing their unique appearance.
• Amberjack and Jacks: These larger fish are also present, contributing to the vibrant marine ecosystem around the wreck.
• Snook and Tarpon: These species are often seen in the vicinity, adding to the diversity of marine life.

Key Information

What Makes Ultra Freeze a Unique Diving Experience

Historical Significance

• Cargo Ship History: Originally a refrigerated cargo ship, the Ultra Freeze was used to transport perishable goods between the Bahamas and Miami. Its transformation into a wreck adds historical value to the dive site, as divers can explore a vessel that once played a crucial role in maritime trade.
• Deliberate Sinking: The ship was sunk in 1984 by the South Florida Spearfishing Council to create an artificial reef, contributing to marine biodiversity in the area.

Dive Site Features

• Intact Structure: The hull of the Ultra Freeze is largely intact, providing ample opportunities for exploration. Divers can navigate through various openings, including the wheelhouse and cargo holds, which are adorned with colorful corals and marine life.
• Diverse Marine Life: The wreck is home to a variety of species, including barracuda, grouper, sea turtles, manta rays, and moray eels. This rich biodiversity makes it a prime location for underwater photography and marine observation.

Diving Conditions

• Depth and Accessibility: The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 100 to 120 feet (30 to 36 meters), making it suitable for advanced divers. The dive site is accessible by boat, with a short ride from popular locations like Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
• Visibility and Currents: Divers report visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters, with an average of about 20 meters. While the current can be strong, experienced divers appreciate the challenge it presents.

Unique Features

• Coral Growth: The wreck is beautifully overgrown with hard corals in vibrant colors, enhancing the underwater scenery. The coral growth has remained largely undamaged despite past hurricanes, providing a stunning backdrop for dives.
• Wreck Penetration: The Ultra Freeze allows for wreck penetration, which is appealing to divers seeking adventure. However, it requires proper training and experience due to potential hazards inside the wreck, such as fallen cables and structural deterioration.

How Does The Ultra Freeze Compare to Other Shipwrecks in Florida

Size and Structure

• Length: The Ultra Freeze is approximately 195 feet (59 meters) long, making it a substantial wreck. This size allows for significant exploration opportunities, including various openings and cargo holds, which are appealing for divers interested in wreck penetration.
• Condition: The wreck is largely intact, with the hull providing ample structure for marine life to thrive. This contrasts with some other wrecks that may have deteriorated significantly over time, limiting exploration options.

Marine Life

• Biodiversity: The Ultra Freeze is known for its rich marine ecosystem, featuring species such as barracuda, grouper, sea turtles, and manta rays. This diversity is comparable to other popular wrecks in Florida, such as the Vandenberg and Dixie, which also attract a wide variety of marine life due to their artificial reef status.

Diving Experience

• Depth: The wreck rests at a depth of approximately 120 feet (about 36 meters), which requires advanced diving skills. This depth is similar to other notable wrecks in Florida, like the USNS Vandenberg, which lies at a comparable depth but offers different diving conditions and experiences.
• Visibility and Conditions: Divers report visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters, with an average of about 20 meters. While this visibility is good, some other wrecks may offer clearer conditions, depending on weather and water currents. The Ultra Freeze can experience strong currents, making it more suitable for experienced divers.

Historical Context

• Sinking History: The Ultra Freeze was sunk in 1984 after being deemed unseaworthy, similar to other wrecks that were intentionally sunk to create artificial reefs. However, its history as a refrigerated cargo ship adds a unique narrative to its exploration, as divers can appreciate its original purpose.

Accessibility

• Location: Located off the coast of Miami, the Ultra Freeze is easily accessible by boat, making it a convenient choice for divers in the area. This accessibility is comparable to other wrecks in Florida, such as the Dixie, which is also a short boat ride from popular diving hubs.

What is The Full History of This Ship

Early Years

• Launch and Initial Use: The Ultra Freeze was launched in 1959 at the J.J. Sietas shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, originally named Herbert Horn. It was designed as a refrigerated cargo ship (commonly referred to as a “reefer”) for transporting perishable goods, primarily between the Bahamas and Miami, Florida.
• Ownership Changes: Over the years, the ship changed ownership multiple times:
  • 1965: Sold to the Hamburg South American Line.
  • 1968: Renamed Mary B after being sold to United Trans-Caribbean Navigation, Incorporated of Panama.
  • 1970: Renamed Ultra Freeze following another sale.

Decline and Sinking

• Deterioration: By 1983, after being sold to Carpentaria S.A. of Panama, the Ultra Freeze was found to be in poor condition during a survey in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Despite the findings, the new owners loaded the ship with 200 tons of shrimp and set sail for Miami.
• Forced Docking: On December 16, 1983, the Ultra Freeze was forced to dock in Panama for repairs due to its deteriorating condition. These repairs were reportedly never completed, and the ship eventually arrived in Miami with a cargo of badly decomposed shrimp, resulting in significant financial loss.

Sinking

• Intentional Sinking: The Ultra Freeze was sunk on July 5, 1984, by the South Florida Spearfishing Council to create an artificial reef. This marked the end of its service as a cargo ship and the beginning of its life as a dive site.

Post-Sinking Events

• Hurricane Damage: In 1992, Hurricane Andrew caused significant damage to the wreck, ripping open the starboard side and bending the hull at amidships. Despite this, the wreck remained a popular dive site due to its intact structure and the vibrant marine life that flourished around it.

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on The Ultra Freeze Weck

Structural Elements

• Wheelhouse: The wheelhouse is one of the most prominent features visible to divers. It is beautifully overgrown with colorful hard corals, providing a striking visual contrast against the ship’s steel structure.
• Cargo Holds: The wreck contains several open cargo holds, which were originally used for transporting refrigerated products. These holds are now accessible to divers, allowing for exploration of the ship’s interior.
• Staircase: Inside the wreck, divers can find a staircase that leads to different levels of the ship, adding to the exploration potential and allowing divers to navigate through the wreck.

Damage and Alterations

• Hurricane Damage: In 1992, Hurricane Andrew significantly impacted the wreck, ripping open the starboard side and bending the hull at amidships. This damage has created new entry points for divers and altered the wreck’s structure, making it more accessible for exploration.
• General Deterioration: Over the years, the wreck has experienced natural deterioration, including fallen electrical cables and structural changes, which divers should be cautious of when exploring the interior.

Marine Life Interaction

• Coral Growth: The extensive coral growth on the wreck is a notable feature, showcasing the ship’s role in fostering marine biodiversity. The vibrant corals have turned the wreck into a thriving habitat for various marine species, enhancing the diving experience.

Historical Context

• Sinking as an Artificial Reef: The Ultra Freeze was intentionally sunk on July 5, 1984, by the South Florida Spearfishing Council to create an artificial reef. This decision reflects a broader trend in marine conservation and artificial reef creation, making the wreck a part of Florida’s underwater heritage.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting The Ultra Freeze

Site Accessibility and Conditions

• Boat Access: The Ultra Freeze is accessible only by boat, which is a standard practice for many dive sites. This helps manage the number of divers and ensures that they arrive safely at the site.
• Anchor Line Descent: Divers are advised to descend via an anchor line, which provides a controlled entry point and helps maintain orientation in the water.

Structural Safety

• Openings for Entry and Exit: The wreck features numerous openings that allow divers to safely enter and exit. This design minimizes the risk of entrapment and facilitates easier navigation through the wreck.
• Warnings About Interior Hazards: Inside the wreck, divers may encounter loose cables and structural hazards due to deterioration. Divers are encouraged to have the requisite experience before exploring the interior to mitigate risks associated with these hazards3.

Environmental Awareness

• Current and Visibility: The site typically has limited current, but divers should remain aware of their surroundings, especially since pleasure boats may pass nearby. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 meters, which is generally favorable for diving but can vary with conditions.

Diver Experience Requirements

• Advanced Certification Recommended: Due to the depth of the wreck (approximately 120 feet or 36 meters) and potential hazards inside, it is recommended that divers have advanced certification and experience in wreck diving. This ensures that divers are prepared for the challenges they may face during the dive3.

General Diving Safety Practices

• Buddy System: Divers are encouraged to dive with a buddy to enhance safety through mutual support and assistance.
• Pre-Dive Briefing: Conducting a pre-dive briefing to discuss the dive plan, potential hazards, and emergency procedures is essential for ensuring all divers are informed and prepared.

Dive Shops That Prove Diving Trips to This Shipwreck

1. RJ Diving Ventures
   • Location: Miami, Florida
   • Details: Offers guided dives to the Ultra Freeze, providing access to the wreck and its unique marine life.
   • Website: RJ Diving Ventures 
2. Yachts Riviera Maya
   • Location: Miami, Florida
   • Details: Organizes wreck dives, including trips to the Ultra Freeze, focusing on both recreational diving and underwater photography.
   • Website: Yachts Riviera Maya