Wreck of Half Moon
Protected Area
Half Moon Underwater Archaeological Preserve
Why dive here
With 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, seahorses and sea turtles - Wreck of Half Moon offers some of Florida Keys's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 19-32°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Half Moon wreck in the Florida Keys offers a real taste of history, a steel-hulled German schooner that sank in 1908. It’s sitting pretty upright in about 30 metres, which is a comfortable depth for experienced recreational divers. We love poking around the bow and stern, imagining what life was like on board. The wreck itself has become a fantastic artificial reef. What you'll see here isn't just a sunken ship; it's a bustling apartment block for all sorts of reef dwellers. Schools of snapper and grunts hang out in the shadowy holds, and we’ve often spotted large hogfish cruising the deck. Look closely and you might find a shy sand stargazer peeking from the sand nearby, or a curious shortnose batfish waddling along. The coral growth isn't overwhelming, but there are some nice sponges and gorgonians adding splashes of colour. It’s a rewarding dive for those who appreciate both maritime history and the resilient marine life that colonises it.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to Wreck of Half Moon
Dive shops near Wreck of Half Moon
Divers Paradise
Juliet Sailing and Diving
ACE DIVING
Grove Scuba
Underwater Unlimited
Austin's Dive Center
Reviews for Wreck of Half Moon
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Half Moon
Wreck of Half Moon Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Half Moon, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: 8725520 - Fort Myers, FL (28km away)
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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