San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve

 
This Florida Keys underwater archaeological preserve, between Islamorada to the northeast and Marathon to the southwest, features a submerged 18th century shipwreck. Part of a Spanish flotilla, the San Pedro was a 287-ton, Dutch-built ship that sank in a hurricane on July 13, 1733. Its remains were discovered in 1960 in Hawk Channel near Indian Key. After major salvage efforts during the 1960s, all that remains of San Pedro is a large pile of ballast stones covering an area 90 feet (27 m) long and 30 feet (9 m) wide. The underwater site has been enhanced with seven replica cannons, an anchor, and an information plaque. In 1989, San Pedro became Florida's second Underwater Archaeological Preserve, and now is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Shipwreck Trail. A laminated underwater guide to the San Pedro is distributed through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is also available at local dive shops.
Depths to: 18 feet (5.5 m)
Aquatic life: A variety of Caribbean life.
Fees: None
On-site amenities: None
More info: For local information, contact
Long Key State Recreation Area at (305) 644-4815. For additional information, visit www.flheritage.com/archaeology/underwater/preserves/ or www.fknms.nos.noaa.gov.
Open: Year-round.
Getting there: Visit www.fla-keys.com for
information about local dive shops.