Frederick W. Day Wreck, Offshore Charleston, SC - Florida Springs

The Frederick W. Day sits offshore from Charleston, a wooden schooner that met its end back in 1894. For a wreck that’s been down so long, she’s surprisingly intact in places, offering a real sense of stepping back into maritime history. We love picking out the lines of the hull and the deck planking, still visible amidst the growth, though time and tide have taken their toll. This isn’t a huge wreck, but it’s perfect for a relaxed exploration. At 20m, it’s an easy dive, even for newer divers, with usually mild currents. Our favourite spots are around the stern, where loggerhead turtles often cruise by, unbothered by divers. Look closely into the nooks and crannies – you’ll find sheepshead and spadefish hanging around, and sometimes a grumpy gag grouper peeking out from under a broken beam. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the water, illuminating the wreck’s timbers and the sandy seabed beyond. It’s a gentle, atmospheric dive that really lets you connect with a piece of the past.

Location
Florida Springs, United States, North America
Coordinates
32.710400, -79.768200
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Marsh View

Best Time to Dive in Florida Springs

The warmest water temperatures in Florida Springs occur in August, averaging 31.3°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 15.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 15.9°C
  • February: 16.7°C
  • March: 20.4°C
  • April: 23.4°C
  • May: 26.8°C
  • June: 29.5°C
  • July: 30.9°C
  • August: 31.3°C
  • September: 29.4°C
  • October: 25.6°C (air: 22.4°C)
  • November: 21.3°C (air: 18.1°C)
  • December: 17.6°C (air: 14.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Florida Springs

Nearest Dive Centres to Frederick W. Day Wreck, Offshore Charleston, SC

Marine Life in Florida Springs

Home to 145 recorded species including 122 reef fish, 8 other, 4 sharks & rays, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 clams & mussels, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Frederick W. Day Wreck, Offshore Charleston, SC

Based on average water temperature of 24.1°C, currents 1 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 24°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