Almirante
Wreck · Miami Beach
25° 24.960' N 80° 07.080' W
Advanced Open Water Max 135 ft Avg 120 ft Temporary Line
Today PMPoor
Details
Advanced Open Water
Minimum recommended certification
- Max depth
- 135 ft
- Average depth
- 120 ft
- Access
- Temporary Line
- Sea state today
- AMPoor PMPoor
Video
🎥 ISDC
Pictures 6
Where it is
25° 24.960' N 80° 07.080' W
Next boats to this site 0
No confirmed trips to this site are listed yet.
Best Gas
Gas prices
| Diluent tank | $35.50 |
| O2 tank | $10.00 |
atm
atm
Gas prices
| Aluminum 80 | $10 |
| Steel HP 100 | $10 |
| Steel LP 85 | $10 |
NDL at is
24 hr min surface interval
Always use a dive computer
Wreck Details
Sunk April 1st, 1975
Freighter
200 ftLength
30 ftBeam
Site description
The Almirante, an artificial reef off Miami, rests near Elliott Key. Although it mostly stands upright, its stern is twisted to port, and some sections have collapsed amidships due to Hurricane Andrew’s impact in August 1992. The reef is adorned with abundant gorgonian growth, and other marine life thrives there. Divers may come across barracudas, reef sharks, eagle rays and southern stingrays. Unfortunately, this wreck sees a lot of lion fish who are invasive in these waters and have no natural predator.
There is no penetration possible in this wreck which has been underwater for a long time. Most of its structure is weak - divers should be extra careful as sharp edges are present everywhere in this site.
Route & typical conditions
Route
Depending where operators set the temporary line, divers may choose to explore both the stern and bow of the wreck before coming back to the line. Keep in mind that this wreck sit right on the depth limit for recreational divers. Nitrox is highly advisable.
Typical conditions
Conditions are typically good in this part of the Biscayne bay. Current tend to be strong even at depth. This brings the advantage of above average visibility which may range from 50 to 80 feet.
Wreck history
The Almirante, originally launched as the H.M.S. Gillstone (T355) by Cochrane and Sons, Limited in Selby, United Kingdom on July 19, 1943, became an Isles Class trawler upon commissioning into the Royal Navy on November 19, 1943. In 1947, it underwent a name change to Argo after being sold to a Norwegian company. Subsequently, in 1952, the ship was converted into a refrigerated cargo vessel.
Over the years, the Almirante underwent several more name changes:
In 1961, it was known as the Freedom First.
By 1964, it had become the Glenrock.
In 1969, the ship was renamed the Sea Enterprise.
Finally, in 1970, it acquired the name Almirante when purchased by Miami Maritime.
However, after only a few years, the owners abandoned the Almirante on the Miami River. In response, on April 13, 1975, the city of Miami took action. They removed the upper decks of the Almirante’s superstructure and towed the derelict vessel offshore, intentionally sinking it as an artificial reef.
Unfortunately, in 1992, Hurricane Andrew wreaked havoc on the wreck. The storm twisted the stern to port and caused the center of the ship to collapse, leaving a lasting impact on this once-proud vessel.
Divers' uploaded pictures
No diver pictures yet.
