Ss Benwood (Wreck)

SS Benwood is a famous wreck diving site off the Florida Keys, located near Key Largo. The steel-hulled freighter lies on a sandy bottom at a depth commonly explored by recreational divers, with the bow oriented to the north and ample exterior hull structure to explore. The wreck sits in clear Caribbean-style waters, typically offering good visibility and relatively calm conditions, though currents can occur depending on tides. Divers often navigate around the intact bow, cargo holds, and stanchions, with opportunities to see schools of reef fish, groupers, and surrounding soft corals encrusting the wreck. The site is suitable for experienced divers with proper buoyancy and adherence to penetration rules if choosing to swim through interior sections; however, many opt for external exploration due to ongoing silt and restricted interior access. Access usually involves a short boat ride from nearby dive shops in Key Largo and nearby marinas in the upper Florida Keys.