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Snorkeling the Half Moon Shipwreck
Explore a historic, shallow-water shipwreck just outside Bear Cut between Virginia Key and Key Biscayne. Time it for high slack tide for the calmest conditions and best visibility.
The Half Moon Shipwreck is one of Miami’s most accessible underwater history sites—an iconic, shallow wreck resting just outside Bear Cut, between Virginia Key and Key Biscayne. Because it sits in roughly 8–12 feet of water, it’s a favorite for snorkelers and newer divers who want a rewarding “wreck dive” feel without deep water.
Beyond the snorkeling, the site is a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve and a listed historic place—so it’s a true look-but-don’t-touch destination. With the right tide timing and smart boat handling around this busy cut, you can enjoy clear-water peeks at a wreck now coated in soft corals, sponges, and juvenile reef fish.
About This Experience
Sitting on a shoal just outside Bear Cut, the Half Moon wreck is shallow enough that parts may be close to the surface at low tide—making it both an easy snorkel target and a charted navigation hazard. The hull is commonly described as lying on its port side and still largely intact, creating structure that collects marine growth (sponges and soft corals) and attracts schools of small reef fish.
The wreck’s backstory adds to the experience: originally built in 1908 in Germany as a racing yacht, it later became part of Miami’s Prohibition-era scene as a floating restaurant/dance hall before sinking in a 1930 storm. Today it’s protected—take only photos, leave everything as you found it, and avoid contact with the wreck and surrounding bottom.
Boat-Friendly Snorkel Routes (Sample Itineraries)
Quick Half Moon Snorkel (High-Slack Tide Window)
Launch from Crandon Park Marina, run to Bear Cut, and approach the site slowly. Snorkel the wreck perimeter as a group with a dive flag, then return before currents build.
Half Moon + Key Biscayne Shoreline Cruise
Start with the wreck at high slack tide, then transition to a relaxed cruise along the Key Biscayne/Crandon Park shoreline for a swim stop and lunch onboard.
Virginia Key–Bear Cut Loop (Conditions Dependent)
Combine the Half Moon snorkel with a scenic loop around Virginia Key/Bear Cut. This area can see chop and heavy boat traffic—choose a calm forecast and keep a conservative plan.
Perfect Boats for This Activity
Donzi Dream
Giselle at Key Biscayne
Robalo Crandon
BeerBoss at Key Biscayne
Gulf to Golf at Key Biscayne
Balboa at Key Biscayne
Whiskey & Waves at Key Biscayne
Shining Force at Key Biscayne
Bubble at Key Biscayne
Le Grand Bleu at Key Biscayne
Por Que Knot
Lucido
Donzi Dream
Giselle at Key Biscayne
Robalo Crandon
BeerBoss at Key Biscayne
Gulf to Golf at Key Biscayne
Balboa at Key Biscayne
Whiskey & Waves at Key Biscayne
Shining Force at Key Biscayne
Bubble at Key Biscayne
Le Grand Bleu at Key Biscayne
Por Que Knot
Lucido
Where This Activity Takes Place
Getting There
Multiple departure points available
Open in Maps
Tips for a Safe, Clear Snorkel
Go at high slack tide: visibility often improves and current is typically reduced around the turn of the tide.
Use a dive/snorkel flag and keep a tight group—Bear Cut is a high-traffic boating area.
Approach slowly: the wreck is very shallow and marked as a hazard to navigation; maintain a sharp lookout.
If wind is up or the cut is choppy, postpone—shallow sites can become uncomfortable and visibility can drop fast.
Plan for entry/exit: assign a spotter onboard, and avoid drifting into the channel.
Do not remove or disturb artifacts—this is a protected cultural resource. Take only photos.
Best Time to Go
Aim for a calm-weather day and plan your arrival for high slack tide (around the high-tide turn). This timing often delivers the clearest water and the least current—key for comfortable snorkeling in the Bear Cut area.
Visit the Half Moon Shipwreck with BoatPass
BoatPass makes it easy to plan a boat-first snorkel day trip to Bear Cut and Key Biscayne. Your BoatPass membership covers captain, fuel, and docking—so you can focus on tide timing, safety, and enjoying the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
The published waypoint is 25.7275667, -80.1344833 (25° 43' 39.240" N, 80° 08' 04.140" W), just outside Bear Cut between Virginia Key and Key Biscayne near Miami. It’s also described as about 75 yards northwest of red marker #2 in the Bear Cut area.
Most reports place it in roughly 8–12 feet of water, with some portions closer to the surface—especially around low tide. It’s shallow enough for strong snorkelers but still requires current and boat-traffic awareness.
High slack tide is commonly recommended because currents tend to ease and visibility can improve significantly compared with moving tide stages.
Some sources reference mooring buoys at or near the wreck, but availability can vary. Confirm locally on the day of your trip, and avoid anchoring on sensitive bottom or near the wreck structure.
Yes—it's a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve and a protected cultural resource. Do not remove or disturb artifacts; take only photographs and avoid contacting the wreck and marine life.
Crandon Park Marina (4000 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL 33149; (305) 361-1281) is a convenient nearby hub. The boat ramp is open 24 hours, with office hours typically 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. Parking fees/policies can vary—check posted signs on arrival.
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