USS Massachusetts - Florida Keys

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.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
30.295668, -87.312035
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: USS Massachusetts (BB-2) 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 USS Massachusetts

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 USS Massachusetts

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