Locals call the Benwood Wreck the “Turtle Hotel,” thanks to the array of turtle species that call it home.
You’ll also find lobsters, moray eels, damselfish, parrotfish, yellowtail snapper, grunts, nurse sharks, and goliath groupers — wildlife at its finest.
On any given dive, it’s a prime spot for underwater photography, with something new to capture around every corner.
The Benwood Wreck, located just offshore of Key Largo near French Reef, is one of the area’s best-known shallow wreck dives. Abundant marine life, turtles, tropical fish, and natural sunlight filtering across the wreckage make it an especially great site for underwater photography.
Adventures are better with the right people — and the best crew. Join Sail Fish Scuba for daily guided scuba diving tours in Key Largo, Florida, and explore the Benwood Wreck, one of the most iconic Florida Keys dive sites. Experience the difference with our small groups and personalized attention, ensuring safety, professionalism, and an unforgettable dive. Dive among green sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral-covered wrecks, and enjoy complimentary underwater photography to make your land-dwelling friends jealous of the adventure you just lived.
The Benwood Wreck is one of Key Largo’s most popular shallow wreck dives. Sunk during World War II, the wreck has become part of the reef and is now home to schools of tropical fish, moray eels, lobsters, and sea turtles. Its shallow depth, abundant marine life, and recognizable wreckage make the Benwood a favorite for divers and underwater photographers.
The Benwood Wreck is a great place to slow down and look closely. Its structure provides plenty of hiding places for some of Key Largo’s best-camouflaged marine life — the kind of creatures you can easily swim right past if you’re not paying attention.
Green sea turtles are a favorite sight on the Benwood Wreck, and divers will often find them tucked into the shelter of the wreck, seemingly taking an afternoon nap.
The Benwood is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Shipwreck Trail, a collection of nine historic wreck sites throughout the Keys
Part of the fun of exploring the Benwood is looking closely—you never know when you’ll find an anemone tucked away among the wreckage.
Keep an eye out for porcupinefish while exploring the Benwood Wreck! These distinctive reef fish can often be spotted around the wreck and surrounding coral, with their large eyes, spotted bodies, and unmistakable spines making them a fun find for divers
You’re looking for a crowded cattle boat, prefer diving without a guide, or just want to be another name on the manifest. That’s not our style.
At Sail Fish Scuba, we keep our groups small, our dives always guided, and our trips personal.
There’s a reason we’re one of the top-rated dive shops in the Upper Keys. If that sounds like the kind of diving experience you’re looking for, come dive with us at Sail Fish Scuba, Mile Marker 103 in Key Largo.
