Wreck of H. L. Hunley - Florida Springs

Diving the H.L. Hunley wreck is less about a riot of colour and more about a quiet journey into history. This isn't a tropical reef, it's a piece of the past, resting on the silty bottom. The Hunley herself is relatively small, a compact cigar-shaped submarine, but her story is immense, and that’s what we dive for here. You’ll spend your time circling the hull, imagining the crew inside, feeling the chill of the water and the weight of history. Visibility can swing wildly, so pick your day carefully, especially after heavy rains. We’ve found early mornings offer the best chances. There isn't an explosion of marine life, but look closely and you'll find the wreck acting as an artificial reef, attracting small freshwater fish like bream and bass. Occasionally, a turtle might glide past, adding a living counterpoint to the silent steel. We love this site for its solemn beauty and the tangible connection it offers to a pivotal moment in naval history. It suits divers who appreciate historical context over coral, and who don’t mind a bit of a low-visibility challenge for the reward of something truly unique.

Location: Florida Springs, United States, North America
Coordinates: 32.856667, -79.958885
Type: wreck

Marine Protected Area: Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to Wreck of H. L. Hunley

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

Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) - Reef Fish
Prodigal Son (Rachycentron canadum) - Reef Fish
Least Killifish (Heterandria formosa) - Reef Fish
Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna) - Reef Fish
Rainwater Killifish (Lucania parva) - Reef Fish
Freshwater Flounder (Trinectes maculatus) - Reef Fish
American Gulf Pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli) - Reef Fish
Bream (Lagodon rhomboides) - Reef Fish
Sheepshead Minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) - Reef Fish
Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) - Reef Fish
Clown Goby (Microgobius gulosus) - Reef Fish
Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) - Reef Fish
Silver mojarra (Eucinostomus argenteus) - Reef Fish
Anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli) - Reef Fish
Silver Perch (Bairdiella chrysoura) - Reef Fish
Longnose Killifish (Fundulus similis) - Reef Fish
Common mojarra (Eucinostomus gula) - Reef Fish
Inland Silverside (Menidia beryllina) - Reef Fish
Swordfish (Strongylura marina) - Reef Fish
Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Wreck of H. L. Hunley

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