Benwood Wreck

The Benwood Wreck is one of the premiere boats dives in Key Largo, Florida. It is one of the only natural wrecks that is not only an underwater reef but also in excellent condition for easy navigation. The depth range for a boat dive is 20 to 45 feet.

The Benwood was a Norwegian freighter that ended up grounded during World War II when it collided with another ship. The incident was due to practice with the freighter and the other boat trying to navigate in order to escape German U-boat detection once out in open waters. The wreck occurred on April 9, 1942 in the early morning hours. The Benwood's bow struck the Tuttle on its port side.

Dive boats from Key Largo shops leave in the morning or afternoon for the Benwood, which lies between Dixie Shoals and French Reef. With a 50 minute dive the entire wreck can be seen including the sides and top of the ship. Along the top there is mostly the metal shell of the hull that is used by parrot fish, eels, sun fish, and tang. As a shallow wreck it can be a perfect night dive for bioluminescence. The crystal clear waters off Key Largo make visibility more than 50 feet on most days.