The Maritime Heritage Trail In Florida Explores Six Different Off-Shore Shipwrecks
By Marisa Roman|Published August 12, 2022
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.