El Capitan

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Fast Facts:

Avg Rating:

Avg Depth: 20 ft. / 6m

Max Depth: 20 ft. / 6m

Skill Level: Novice

Features:

• Good Snorkeling

• Wreck Site

This Galleon was part of the 1733 hurricane-caused wreck that forced 22 ships on to the Florida Keys. These ships were attempting to bring silver pesos from Havana when they were advised to change route to avoid an oncoming storm. This advisory did not come soon enough to save the ships, which all went down on July 15, 1733. El Capitan is known among the fleet because it produces artifacts in high numbers even today. It is located six miles east-southeast of Windley Key and is in 20 feet of water.

All that remains of this ship is a ballast pile covered with coral heads and treasure waiting to be found.

This site is protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) and is included in the research and recovery permit, #FKNMS-2006-029. Artifact recovery is not permitted on this historic shipwreck. Illegal activity that may jeopardize the legal recovery and protection of these very important historic artifacts is strictly enforced.