U-2513 - Florida Keys

The U-2513, a German U-boat from the end of WWII, sits upright in about 70 metres of water off Key West, offering a deep, dark dive that we absolutely love. It’s one for the experienced wreck divers, no doubt. Dropping down onto that massive hull, the sheer scale of it really hits you. You’re often surrounded by schooling amberjacks, sometimes a Goliath grouper or two, just hanging in the blue. We usually try to penetrate the conning tower, maybe peek into the control room if conditions are calm. The visibility here can be superb, 30 metres isn’t uncommon, which really helps when you’re navigating the exterior. You’ll spot barracuda lurking, and the deck guns are still there, overgrown with sponges and coral. It’s a proper piece of history, just sitting there on the seabed, waiting for divers who appreciate the cold, deep embrace of a true wreck. Our favourite time to hit it is early morning, before any current picks up.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
24.866917, -83.309900
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Tortugas Marine Reserves Habitat Areas of Particular Concern Marine Reserve

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 U-2513

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 U-2513

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