Patricia Wreck - Florida Keys

The Patricia Wreck often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbours in the Keys, but we think that’s a real shame. We love this site for its character. It's not a grand, intact vessel, but a scattered, broken-up cargo ship that feels more like an artificial reef than a formal wreck dive. You’ll find its pieces spread across a sandy bottom, draped in gorgonians and sponges. Our favourite part is poking around the larger sections of hull, where goliath groupers often lurk in the shadows, big and curious. Look closely for spiny lobsters tucked into crevices. The visibility here is usually very good, letting you appreciate the sheer scale of the debris field. This is a great dive for anyone who enjoys exploring a site at their own pace, taking time to discover the smaller creatures that have made the wreck their home. It's a relaxed dive, usually with mild currents, making it a good choice if you want to avoid the crowds.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
25.813267, -80.089400
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Half Moon 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 Patricia 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 Patricia 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