Scuba Diving in Florida the Worlds Ultimate Diving Experience

The Tonawanda

The Tonawanda interesting facts

Built 1863 in Philadelphia
752 ton wooden steam freighter
300 feet long
Purchased by US Navy and renamed The Arkansas
Took part in the Gulf of Mexico Union Blockade during the civil war
Later sold as cargo vessel
Sank May 28, 1866

If you're scuba diving in Florida you will find this dive site located 100m northeast of the Elbow Reef lighthouse.

The Tonawanda lies on the sand based bottom in just 11m (35 feet) of water, is broken up, and its remains spread over the area.

To the west of the wreck just over 90m away there is a six foot cannon which is of some interest.

If you are scuba diving in Florida you will find one of the main attractions of this sight is the photo opportunities

This area with its large shallow reef is a live with colorful marine life and stunning corals. It is also an excellent spot for snorkeling.

Terence's Notes

Tonawanda
Depth: 6-10m (20-35ft)
Visibility: 12-36m (40 - 120ft)
Wreck and Night Dive
Plenty of fish
Novice
Snorkeling: Yes

terence the turtle Terence's Log

Not much to see at the wreck. Would like to have taken some photographs of the canon though but left my camera on board!

I was disappointed, and to make it worse a couple of friendly nurse sharks had turned up for a photo shooting session!

One of the attractions of Florida Key scuba diving is that you will be able to take underwater photographs or underwater videos such as the one below. With excellent light and clear waters you will be able to get some excellent shots.

This video was taken at Elbow Reef and it gives you an idea of what to expect diving off the Florida coast (Press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen)...