This dive site is the City of Washington, a historical wreck resting on Elbow Reef in the Florida Keys. Sunk in 1917 after striking the reef while being towed, it now lies greatly deteriorated, with its hull and keel shapes still visible and debris scattered over 325 feet. It's easily navigable due to its shallow depth and clear features, making it the most popular wreck on Elbow Reef.
The wreck is teeming with marine life, particularly notable for its resident barracuda, morays, and nurse sharks. These animals have been hand-fed for many years, making them remarkably unafraid of divers and offering unique close encounters. General reef fish and other invertebrates are also commonly found among the wreck remnants and surrounding reef.
The best time to visit the Florida Keys for diving is typically from May to September for warmer waters, or October to April for excellent visibility. This shallow wreck is ideal for divers of all levels, including beginners, and its accessible maximum depth of 9 meters and average depth of 4 meters makes it perfectly suitable for both snorkeling and freediving, offering close views of the wreck and its habituated marine inhabitants.
