Erl King
Wreck · Miami Beach
25° 25.479' N 80° 07.462' W
Open Water Max 25 ft Avg 20 ft Temporary Line
Today PMPoor
Details
Open Water
Minimum recommended certification
- Max depth
- 25 ft
- Average depth
- 20 ft
- Access
- Temporary Line
- Sea state today
- AMPoor PMPoor
Video
🎥 SheViking Adventures
Pictures 3
Where it is
25° 25.479' N 80° 07.462' W
Next boats to this site 0
No confirmed trips to this site are listed yet.
Operators that dive here
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 December 16th, 1891
Steamer
305 ftLength
34 ftBeam
Site description
Erl King is a historic shipwreck located off Long Reef within Biscayne National Park, Miami. This site is part of the Maritime Heritage Trail, which features several notable shipwrecks that tell the story of the region’s rich maritime history. The Erl King was a 306-foot iron-hulled, three-masted steamer built in Scotland in 1865. Originally designed to carry cargo, the ship also had first-class accommodations for 50 passengers.
On December 16, 1891, while en route from England to New Orleans, the Erl King struck a reef and sank. Today, the wreck rests in about 20 feet of water, making it accessible to both snorkelers and scuba divers. The site offers a fascinating underwater landscape, with the outline of the collapsed hull framed by metal plates and other remnants of the ship. Divers can explore the coral-encrusted wreckage, which has become a thriving habitat for various marine species.
The Erl King is a popular dive site due to its historical significance and the vibrant marine life it supports. The clear waters of Biscayne National Park provide excellent visibility, allowing divers to fully appreciate the wreck’s structure and the colorful coral formations that have grown over it. The site is also equipped with public mooring buoys to prevent anchor damage, helping to preserve the wreck for future generations.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or an avid diver, the Erl King offers a unique glimpse into Miami’s maritime past. Its combination of historical intrigue and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the underwater wonders of Biscayne National Park.
Route & typical conditions
Route
This shallow wreck sits in the well known Long Reef. It's typically visited as part of a dive to Long Reef and not necessarily stand alone. Navigation is very easy in this site.
Typical conditions
Conditions are often very good in this site. Visibility ranges from 40 to 80 feet. Surface conditions can affect divers underwater. Divers should be aware of their surroundings as this area is very popular with boaters.
Wreck history
The Erl King was a 306-foot iron-hulled, three-masted steamer built in 1865 by A. and J. Inglis Shipbuilders and Engineers of Glasgow, Scotland. Named after the mythical mischief-making elf from German literature, the Erl King was primarily a cargo ship but also featured first-class accommodations for 50 passengers. Initially owned by Robertson and Company of London, the ship sailed under various charters, trading between China and Australia during its early years.
On January 18, 1881, the Erl King ran aground at Tennessee Reef in the Middle Keys but was successfully removed, repaired, and returned to service. A decade later, on December 16, 1891, the ship met its final fate when it struck Long Reef while en route from Swansea, England, to New Orleans. Despite efforts to salvage the cargo and conduct repairs, the ship was declared a total loss. Some of its machinery and 200 tons of cargo were saved, but the ship itself was doomed.
Today, the wreck of the Erl King lies in about 18 feet of water off Long Reef, within Biscayne National Park. The site is part of the Maritime Heritage Trail and serves as a popular dive spot, offering a glimpse into the past with its coral-encrusted remains. The wreck has become a thriving habitat for marine life, and the clear waters of Biscayne National Park provide excellent visibility for divers exploring this historic site.
Divers' uploaded pictures
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