Esso Bonnaire - Florida Keys

The Esso Bonnaire is a real treat for wreck divers, especially if you’re into a bit of history with your dive. This isn’t a purpose-sunk artificial reef, it’s a genuine casualty of a hurricane back in 1969, and you can feel that sense of history as you descend. We love that it’s broken up, but not so much that it's just a pile of rubble. Instead, you get these fantastic, dramatic sections of hull and machinery scattered across the sand, creating perfect little hideouts for marine life. As you navigate through the wreckage, expect to spot schools of grunt and snapper darting in and out of the shadows. There are always a few Goliath groupers lurking, often tucked right against a particularly large piece of metal, eyeing you curiously. Keep an eye out for moray eels too, we’ve seen some hefty green morays peeking from crevices. Our favourite part has to be the large boiler section; it's a fantastic spot for photography, especially when the light hits it just right and illuminates the clouds of tiny silversides. It’s a great site for divers who appreciate the story behind a wreck, and who enjoy a more explorative, less linear dive. Currents can pick up a bit, so we’d suggest timing your dive for slack tide if you want a more relaxed exploration.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
26.964167, -80.008000
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Phil Foster

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 Esso Bonnaire

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 Esso Bonnaire

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