Mercedes I - Florida Keys

The Mercedes I, she's a beauty if you like your wrecks with a bit of a story. This 190-foot freighter ran aground in 1984 during a storm, just off Molasses Reef. Now, she rests upright in about 25 feet of water, close enough to the surface that even snorkelers get a good view of her bow. We love diving her on a sunny day; the light filters through the structure beautifully, illuminating schools of grunts and snapper that have claimed the cargo holds. What makes Mercedes special isn't her intactness, but her accessibility and the way marine life has utterly taken over. You can swim through the main deck and peer into the engine room, often spotting a nurse shark tucked away or a massive goliath grouper lurking in the shadows. Look closely at the superstructure for colourful sponges and anemones. We'd suggest going early to avoid the crowds, especially if you want to take your time exploring her nooks and crannies. It’s a site that suits everyone, from new divers getting their first taste of a wreck to seasoned pros looking for an easy, relaxing dive with plenty to see.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
26.156267, -80.075230
Type
wreck

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 Mercedes I

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 Mercedes I

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