Lofthus - Florida Keys

The Lofthus, or Cashmere as she was originally known, isn’t your typical Keys wreck, and that’s precisely why we love her. This isn't a deep dive. Instead, it’s a beautiful scattering of history in the sand near Boynton Beach. She went down in 1898, a grand iron-hulled barque built in Sunderland, and while the structure itself is now heavily broken up, the sense of age is palpable. We’re talking about massive iron plates and ribs, some still standing proud like ancient sentinels, others splayed out, creating mini-canyons for fish to dart through. You’ll find Atlantic sharpnose sharks cruising the periphery and yellow stingrays half-buried in the sand, their eyes barely peeking out. Look closely at the metal itself. Little nut semeles and miraculous pedipes cling to the rust-coloured iron, and we often spot puffcheek blennies bobbing in tiny crevices. The ambient light here, filtering through the relatively shallow water, gives everything a warm, slightly melancholic glow. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the slow reclamation by the ocean, rather than vertical walls of intact steel. We’d suggest going on a calm day; visibility can shift, but when it's good, the detail is fantastic.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
26.562778, -80.038330

Marine Protected Area: Lofthus 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 Lofthus

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 Lofthus

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth for diving the Lofthus shipwreck in Florida?
The typical depth for diving the Lofthus shipwreck is currently unknown based on our available data. This historic Norwegian shipwreck, also known as the Cashmere, is located near Boynton Beach, Florida, United States. For more information on diving in the Florida Keys, explore our regional guides.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Lofthus dive site?
Divers exploring the Lofthus, an historic 222-foot iron-hulled Norwegian shipwreck, can expect to see the remains of a vessel originally rigged as a three-masted barque. This site, also known as the Cashmere, was built in 1868 and even featured false gunports to ward off pirates. While specific marine life details are not available, its classification as a reef site suggests potential for various encrusting organisms and fish. To learn more about common marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Lofthus shipwreck as a dive site for different skill levels?
The Lofthus shipwreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. This suggests that divers should have some experience beyond entry-level certifications, comfortable with various conditions, and potentially deeper or more complex environments. Always ensure you have the appropriate equipment and training for intermediate dives.
What are the best conditions or time of year to dive the Lofthus shipwreck in Florida?
Information regarding the best conditions or specific time of year to dive the Lofthus shipwreck is not available in our current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section for the Florida Keys.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive the Lofthus shipwreck?
Given that the Lofthus shipwreck is an intermediate difficulty dive site, divers are typically recommended to hold an Advanced Open Water certification or have equivalent experience. This ensures you are prepared for potential conditions and the complexities of wreck diving. Always dive within your training and comfort limits.
What are the typical current and underwater conditions at the Lofthus shipwreck?
Details regarding the typical current and specific underwater conditions at the Lofthus shipwreck are not provided in our current data. Divers planning a trip to this historic site should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on conditions before their dive. You can find more information about the Lofthus dive site on its dedicated page.