Dive-site story
Resting within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary on Elbow Reef, the City of Washington is a historic iron-hulled steamship that sank in 1917 while being towed as a barge. Famous for assisting in the rescue of crew members after the USS Maine explosion in Havana Harbor, the vessel's remains are scattered over a hard coral bottom. The hull frames, bilge sections, and iron wreckage serve as a sturdy substrate for marine growth and shelter for schooling fish.
Historically significant wreck tied to the Spanish-American War era
Exposed iron framing and structural remnants embedded in the reef
Frequent encounters with resting nurse sharks and large green moray eels
Shallow depth offering extended bottom time and ambient natural light
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late spring through early autumn typically brings the flattest sea conditions and warmest water.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Moray EelGymnothorax funebris | Common | ||||||||||||
| Nurse SharkGinglymostoma cirratum | Common | ||||||||||||
| Great BarracudaSphyraena barracuda | Common | ||||||||||||
| French GruntHaemulon flavolineatum | Common | ||||||||||||
| Spotted Eagle RayAetobatus narinari | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
