Castor Wreck
Protected Area
Lofthus Underwater Archaeological Preserve
Why dive here
With 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, seahorses and sea turtles - Castor Wreck offers some of Florida Keys's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 19-32°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Castor Wreck in the Florida Keys is one of those dives that just hits differently. We love its history, a 190-foot freighter sunk deliberately as part of the Shipwreck Trail, and you can really feel that sense of purpose when you’re finning over its deck. The structure itself is fantastic for exploring, with open cargo holds that are easy to penetrate and still have some of the original machinery visible. You’ll weave through the superstructure, often seeing schools of grunts and snapper hanging out in the darker recesses. What truly makes the Castor special for us, though, is how nature has reclaimed it. The wreck is absolutely carpeted in corals – big brain corals, sea fans, and sponges that create a living sculpture. Look closely and you’ll spot moray eels tucked into crevices, barracuda patrolling the mast, and sometimes even a nurse shark resting under an overhang. We’d suggest going early in the morning, before the crowds, when the light filters down through the water and illuminates the wreck in a way that’s just magic. It’s a comfortable dive, usually with moderate currents, making it perfect for divers who want a relaxed wreck experience with plenty to see.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to Castor Wreck
Dive shops near Castor Wreck
Starfish Scuba
Force-E Scuba Centers
Hydrotherapy Dive Charters LLC
Gold Coast Scuba
AQUI Water Sports
The Scuba Store
Reviews for Castor Wreck
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Castor Wreck
Castor Wreck Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Castor Wreck, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: 8725520 - Fort Myers, FL (28km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
27°C
81°F · Range: 20.9–31.1°C
Air Temperature
26°C
79°F
Current Speed
0 cm/s
Direction: S (180°)
Salinity
35.98 PSU
Wind Speed
2.7 m/s
5.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1014.5 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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