floridakeys.noaa.gov · Official
Sanctuary mooring-buoy map showing Benwood among the buoyed shipwreck trail sites and the no-anchor logistics.
Dive Spot Guide•
Benwood
Shallow Key Largo wreck with easy penetration.
Make this a real next stop
Save it, log a dive, or explore nearby on the map.
Save it to come back later
Boat-only Key Largo wreck with buoyed access, moderate current, and generally good visibility.
About Benwood
Benwood is a shallow Key Largo wreck lying between French Reef and Dixie Shoals, with the crushed bow, intact hull sections, and scattered structure spread across reef and sand. The site is easy to read underwater, works well as a relaxed boat dive, and stays interesting on repeat visits because the wreck holds steady marine life and is often dived at night.
•
Research Estimate At Benwood
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 25m
AccessModerate entry effort
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
Crowd / PopularityQuite busy
CurrentModerate current
Where Is Benwood?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
Benwood Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
7m - 14m
Depth Note
Depth range given as 7–14 m (25–45 ft).
Best Season
Late spring through early summer; calmer weather windows matter more than the month.
Typical Conditions
Shallow wreck profile, moderate current, good visibility, and a strong night-dive reputation.
Safety & Access At Benwood
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Dangerous wildlife
Safety Notes
Reef sharks are present; maintain appropriate distance and situational awareness, especially on night dives.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; no shore entry.
Legal Notes
Inside Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary; use the mooring buoys and avoid anchoring on the wreck or reef.
Local Intel For Benwood
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Boat-access wreck dive with a readable bow-and-hull profile, easy penetration potential, and broad appeal for certified divers.
Freediving
Not a typical freedive target; the wreck is best explored with scuba and boat access.
Snorkeling
Not a primary snorkel site; the main features sit below comfortable surface viewing.
Wildlife at Benwood
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Benwood
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Benwood
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility25m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
