floridakeys.noaa.gov · Official
Official shipwreck-trail history, location, and depth context.
City of Washington (Wreck)
Shallow City of Washington wreck with easy access and sharks.
Scuba DivingSnorkelingBoatBeginner4.6m - 7.6m
Wreck
Boat-access wreck on Elbow Reef off Key Largo; shallow water, regular charters, and bold sharks make it beginner-friendly but busy.
About City of Washington (Wreck)
City of Washington is a historic wreck on Elbow Reef east of Key Largo. The wreck is badly broken up, but the hull and keel outline remain readable in shallow water, with scattered structure, coral growth, sponges, and sea fans on the remains. It suits beginner and casual divers, and it stays lively with bold nurse sharks, barracuda, morays, turtles, and other reef life.
Safety & Access
Site Conditions
Boat trafficDangerous wildlife
Safety Notes
Nurse sharks and barracuda have been hand-fed for years and may approach closely; keep hands and gauges clear, and watch for boat traffic around the moorings.
Access Restrictions
Use the mooring buoys, keep clear of other boats, and do not free-anchor on the wreck.
Legal Notes
The site is in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Shipwreck Trail and Elbow Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area; do not damage or disturb the wreck, and fishing and lobstering are prohibited.
Where Is City of Washington (Wreck)?
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Local Intel For City of Washington (Wreck)
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A slow wreck swim over scattered structure works best here; the site is shallow, easy to read, and rewarding for newer divers who still want a historic wreck.
Freediving
The wreck is shallow, but normal visits are better done on scuba or snorkel charter than as a freedive target.
Snorkeling
Snorkel trips can work on calm days because the wreck is shallow, though scuba reveals more of the structure.
Wildlife at City of Washington (Wreck)
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Research Estimate At City of Washington (Wreck)
Access · 5/5Easy entry
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Coral · 3/5Mixed health
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Aquatic Life · 4/5Great variety
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Facilities · 5/5Excellent facilities
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Crowd / Popularity · 4/5Quite busy
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Current · 2/5Light current
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- VisibilityResearch estimate
- 15m
