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.
ScubaBoat EntryIntermediate
ReefWreck
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.
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Research Estimate At Benwood
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 25m
AccessModerate entry effort
Marine LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
CrowdedQuite busy
Current StrengthModerate 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
Boat-access wreck dive with a readable bow-and-hull profile, easy penetration potential, and broad appeal for certified divers.
Freedive
Not a typical freedive target; the wreck is best explored with scuba and boat access.
Snorkel
Not a primary snorkel site; the main features sit below comfortable surface viewing.
Benwood Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Benwood.
Current Snapshot
No data
🌥️Variable
Sunrise
No data
Time
No data
Sunset
No data
Surface / Entry
Wind No data · Tide No data
Sea State
Swell No data · Period unavailable
Visibility Outlook
Rain chance No data
Wind
No data
Swell
No data
Exposure Profile at Benwood
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Exposure Note
Hourly forecast data is not available yet.
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.
No Dive Logs Yet
Be the first to log a dive at this spot and share your experience!
Dive Spot Log Averages At Benwood
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility25m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
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Benwood Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Benwood Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
keylargoscubadiving.com · Operator
Operator dive-site page calling Benwood an intermediate wreck with easy penetration and common marine life.
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