Florida Keys, United States
    USS Massachusetts (BB-2) Underwater Archaeological Preserve

    USS Massachusetts

    Best months: Apr–Jun

    Protected Area

    USS Massachusetts (BB-2) Underwater Archaeological Preserve

    Why dive here

    With 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, seahorses and sea turtles - USS Massachusetts offers some of Florida Keys's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 19-32°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeApr–Jun
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBull Sharks, Dolphins, Hammerhead Sharks, Seahorses and Sea Turtles · 87+ species recorded
    Water19-32°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The USS Massachusetts, sitting upright in around 25 feet of water, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. It’s got such character, especially for a shallower wreck in the Keys. You can practically spend an entire afternoon nosing around the nooks and crannies, and we often do. We love how the structure itself still feels substantial, even with all the years underwater. The gun turrets are always a highlight; you can really picture the ship in its former glory. Keep an eye out for the resident barracuda, they're often lurking in the shadow of the hull. We've seen some impressive schools of snapper here, too, shimmering over the deck plates. Our favourite detail might be the way the light filters through the remaining deck openings on a sunny day, illuminating the inside just enough to make out the twisted metal. It’s a pretty easy dive, suitable for anyone comfortable with a wreck, and the currents here are usually manageable, making for relaxed exploration. It’s definitely one of our top picks for a straightforward, rewarding wreck dive in the Lower Keys.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for USS Massachusetts

    USS Massachusetts Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for USS Massachusetts, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: 8725520 - Fort Myers, FL (28km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    27°C

    81°F · Range: 20.9–31.1°C

    Air Temperature

    26°C

    79°F

    Current Speed

    0 cm/s

    Direction: S (180°)

    Salinity

    35.98 PSU

    Wind Speed

    2.7 m/s

    5.2 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1014.5 hPa

    Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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