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The Maritime Heritage Trail In Florida Explores Six Different Off-Shore Shipwrecks

Florida's Maritime Heritage Trail in Biscayne National Park offers snorkelers and divers the chance to explore six historic shipwrecks.

Published Aug 12, 2022

Written by 

Marisa Roman

With Florida being a peninsula, it’s not difficult to visit any number of shipwrecks that have occurred off-shore over the years, especially if you’re an avid snorkeler or scuba diver. In fact, there are so many popular shipwrecks that have taken place throughout history specifically in one park, that Florida has designated an actual maritime trail for them. The Maritime Heritage Trail in Biscayne National Park offers an opportunity for visitors to explore the remains of six different shipwrecks within the area.

Biscayne National Park’s Maritime Heritage Trail provides guests with a chance to dive into six different shipwrecks within the park as long as they have a boat to do so.

Sign for Biscayne National Park featuring a brick design and a park emblem, surrounded by greenery.
Flickr daveynin

Six wrecks, spanning about a century, can be found throughout different portions of the park, each a different vessel and size.

Underwater scene of a shipwreck with exposed beams and surrounding marine vegetation.
Flickr NPCA Photos

The area has been mapped, plus snorkelers who have the means to get there can use the brochure to guide them as well as keep an eye out for the mooring buoys.

A serene coastal view featuring turquoise waters, a sandy shore, and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
Flickr Bruce Tuten

In fact, you don’t have to be a professional diver in order to enjoy this trail. There are tours offered for anyone looking for a three-hour adventure on the high seas.

Aerial view of a waterfront property with docks, lush greenery, and a large building with red roofs.
Flickr Florida Fish and Wildlife

A few of the shipwrecks you’ll find within this trail include the Arratoon Apcar, which sank back in 1878 when it ran aground.

A historic sailing ship with multiple masts and sails, navigating through choppy waters under a cloudy sky.
Wikipedia John Scott

The latest addition to the trail is the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, built back in 1878. Known as the “Eye of Miami” guests can snorkel around the base of this spot.

A lighthouse stands in clear blue waters, surrounded by boats under a bright sky with fluffy clouds.
Google Captain Wilson

Or dive down to see Erl King, the 306-foot vessel which sank in 1891 and historically marked the time period of transitioning from wooden vessels to steel steamships.

Four people in life vests swimming in clear water under a partly cloudy sky.
Google Alex hendy

Spend the day exploring all six of these historic shipwrecks when you tackle the Maritime Heritage Trail in Florida.

A weathered lighthouse stands on stilts in turquoise waters, with boats and swimmers nearby under a blue sky.
Google Ezra Van

Have you ever heard of the Maritime Heritage Trail in Florida before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Also, if off-shore shipwrecks are of interest, check out the shipwreck ruin from 1715 With 3,000,000 silver coins in Florida.

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