City of Washington • Saturday, September 5, 2026
The 320-foot City of Washington was an iron-hulled steamship launched in 1877. Today, her remains are a popular attraction on Elbow Reef.
At a Glance
| What you need to know | |
|---|---|
| Dive 1 | Reef |
| Dive 2 | Reef |
| Max depth in feet | 25 |
| Minimum cert level | Open Water |
| Departs from | Key Largo |
| Minutes from shop | 100 |
| Be at the boat no later than | 12:30 PM |
| Boat departs | 1:30 PM |
| Expected return | 5:00 PM |
| Price without gear rental | 109.95 |
| Price with tanks and weights | $135.95 |
| Price with full gear rental | $165.95 |
| For Nitrox, add | $12.50 per tank |
Every charter includes an Aquatic Ventures Divemaster or Instructor, and you’re welcome to dive with them at no additional charge. If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can reserve your own private dive guide for an additional $100.95.
You may also have friends or family members join you and your private guide for just $49.95 each, making it an excellent option for couples, friends, or family members who want a more individualized diving experience.
The wreck
In addition to her engines, the City of Washington carried two masts with schooner-rigged sails. The ship initially saw service transporting cargo and passengers between New York, Cuba and Mexico.
The Washington was in Havana harbor on February 15, 1998, when the battleship Maine exploded. The Spanish-American War began shortly afterward, during which the City of Washington served as a troop transport.
Following the war, the Washington was converted to a coal barge. While under tow in 1917, the vessel ran aground on Elbow Reef and sank.
The Diving
The wreck has deteriorated significantly in the more than 100 years since her sinking. Nevertheless, her hull, keel and various pieces of machinery are clearly visible. Debris from the wreck spans and area of more than 300 feet.
The shallow waters surrounding the wreck make it suitable for divers of any experience level. Marine life is plentiful. Divers have been hand-feeding barracuda, morays and nurse sharks here for years. As a result, these animals have very little fear of people.
“ But wait…there’s more”
Following our dive on the City of Washington, we will dive the Hannah M. Bell, a 315-foot British steamship that ran aground on Elbow Reef on April 4, 1911. Built in 1893 in England, the ship was carrying coal to Mexico when it struck the reef in a severe storm. Strong weather eventually tore it apart, leaving hull portions rising up to 15 feet off the seafloor today.
Balance is due in full when you sign up. There are no refunds unless we find someone to take your place.
- DAN insurance
- Crew gratuity
- Certification cards
- Dive insurance
- Signed travel waiver and Statement of Understanding
- Personal dive gear
- Audible and visual surface signals
…and don’t forget:
- One towel each for showers and diving
- Dive light
- Safety sausage
- Emergency mirror
- Whistle
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
Learn more or reserve space
Use this form to send us a question about this specific trip. You can also use this form to let us know you are interested in joining us and how many people will be in your group — just be aware that reservations are not considered firm until we receive paymentt.