Capt Dan Wreck - Florida Keys

The Capt Dan Wreck in the Florida Keys gives us a real sense of history. We love how the wreck, an old coastal freighter, lies broken in three main pieces, offering plenty to explore without being overwhelming. As you descend, the sheer size becomes apparent, a dark silhouette against the blue. Schools of grunts and snapper hang in the shadow of the hull, and we’ve often spotted a green moray peering out from a dark crevice. Our favourite section is the bow, surprisingly intact, where you can peer into what was once the bridge area, imagining the ship's final moments. This wreck really suits those who appreciate both history and the way nature reclaims man-made structures; it’s a dive that tells a story.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
26.218750, -80.066250
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Capt Dan Wreck

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
scuttled

The Capt Dan is one of the many popular wrecks that make up the Florida Keys' famous artificial reef system. Like many ships in the region, it was intentionally scuttled to create a vibrant habitat for marine life and an exciting destination for scuba divers. These purpose-sunk vessels are carefully prepared before sinking, with potential hazards removed to ensure safer penetration and exploration for trained wreck divers.

Today, the Capt Dan rests on the sandy bottom, transformed from a simple vessel into a bustling underwater metropolis. Over the years, it has been completely colonized by corals, sponges, and anemones. Schools of snapper and grunts swarm its superstructure, while larger residents like goliath grouper and moray eels often take shelter within its hull. Its accessible depth and the typically clear, warm waters of the Keys make the Capt Dan an excellent dive for experiencing the beauty of a mature artificial reef.

Marine Protected Area: SS Copenhagen Underwater Archaeological Preserve

Best Time to Dive in Florida Keys

The warmest water temperatures in Florida Keys occur in July, averaging 31.5°C (up to 34.8°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 19.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 19.3°C (air: 18.5°C)
  • February: 20.5°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • March: 23.1°C (air: 22.4°C)
  • April: 25.5°C (air: 24.3°C)
  • May: 27.8°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • June: 30.2°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • July: 31.5°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • August: 31.5°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • September: 30.2°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • October: 27.3°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • November: 24.1°C (air: 22.3°C)
  • December: 20.9°C (air: 19.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Florida Keys

Nearest Dive Centres to Capt Dan Wreck

Marine Life in Florida Keys

Home to 91 recorded species including 69 reef fish, 6 sharks & rays, 3 other, 3 hard corals, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Capt Dan Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 26.0°C, currents 1 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories