George Valentine
Wreck · Stuart also known as schooner reef
27° 11.957' N 80° 09.799' W
Open Water Max 20 ft Avg 15 ft Beach Access, 550 ft from shore
Today PMPoor
Details
Open Water
Minimum recommended certification
- Max depth
- 20 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Access
- Beach Access (550 ft from shore)
- Sea state today
- AMPoor PMPoor
Pictures 1
Where it is
27° 11.957' N 80° 09.799' 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 October 16th, 1904
Schooner
189 ftLength
31 ftBeam
Site description
Schooner Reef, located off the coast of Stuart, Florida, is named after the schooner ships that once sailed these waters. While the reef itself is a natural formation, the name reflects the historical significance of the area, which was frequented by schooners during the height of maritime trade. These ships, known for their speed and agility, were commonly used for transporting goods along the East Coast and the Caribbean.
Today, the wreck of the Georges Valentine lies in shallow water, only about 100 yards offshore from the House of Refuge, making it accessible to both divers and snorkelers. The wreckage covers a large area, approximately 270 by 280 feet, and lies in five prominent sections at a depth of about 22 feet. The site is teeming with marine life, including various fish species, corals, and invertebrates, making it a vibrant underwater habitat. The combination of historical significance and rich marine biodiversity makes the Georges Valentine a must-visit dive site for those exploring the waters off Stuart.
Route & typical conditions
Route
Divers should enter the water and only swim 100 yards to reach the wreck. There is very little that can be recognized from the old schooner, but still a great shore dive.
Typical conditions
Conditions can vary a lot. In a calm day, divers are suggested to explore this site during high tide - to avoid murky water coming of the St. Lucie inlet during low tides.
Wreck history
The Georges Valentine is a historic shipwreck located off the coast of Stuart, Florida, and is one of the region’s most intriguing dive sites. The wreck is part of Florida’s Underwater Archaeological Preserves and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The ship, originally built in 1869 in England as the Cape Clear, was an iron-hulled screw steamer designed to carry goods and passengers between England and Australia. In 1889, it was sold to a French company and rechristened as the Georges Valentine, later being outfitted as a three-masted barkentine. By 1895, the ship was purchased by Italian owners who used it to transport lumber from Pensacola, Florida, to South America.
The Georges Valentine met its fate in October 1904. After returning from South America with a load of lumber, the ship encountered gale-force winds while navigating the Straits of Florida. The crew battled the storm for three days, but the ship ultimately grounded near the House of Refuge on Hutchinson Island. The wreck resulted in the loss of six crew members, while seven others were rescued thanks to the efforts of Captain William E. Rea, the keeper of the House of Refuge.
Divers' uploaded pictures
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