This dive site, the SS Benwood, is a 360ft World War II wreck located off the Florida Keys. Sunk on April 9, 1942, after a collision with another blacked-out ship, the Robert C. Tuttle, while attempting to evade German U-boats, it was later used as target practice. Today, the Benwood lies in relatively shallow water, making it an easily navigable and fascinating historical dive. Divers typically explore the broken hull sections and the surrounding debris field.
The Benwood is particularly famous for its abundant sea turtle population, making it a reliable spot to encounter these graceful creatures. Beyond the turtles, the wreck has transformed into an artificial reef, attracting various reef fish, moray eels, nurse sharks, and crustaceans that shelter within its nooks and crannies. Hard and soft corals have begun to colonize the structure, adding vibrant colors to the underwater landscape.
This site is a year-round destination, with excellent conditions typically found during the warmer months of spring and summer, though winter diving is also popular. Its shallow average depth of 7 meters makes it ideal for extended bottom times and a favorite for night diving, offering a unique perspective on nocturnal marine life. It is highly recommended for beginner divers, snorkelers, and freedivers due to its accessibility and rich marine biodiversity.
