If you’re looking for one of the most iconic Key West wreck dives, Joe’s Tug deserves a spot on your dive bucket list. Located approximately seven miles southeast of Key West in about 65 feet of water, Joe’s Tug is actually not a tugboat at all—it’s a 75-foot steel shrimp boat that has become one of the Florida Keys’ most popular artificial reefs. Today, the wreck is covered in colorful corals, giant barrel sponges, and marine growth, creating an underwater oasis that attracts divers from around the world.
Joe’s Tug offers an exciting combination of history, marine life, and easy-to-navigate wreck diving. Although hurricanes split the vessel into two sections years ago, the bow and stern remain upright and are separated by only about 30 feet, making it easy to explore both portions during a single dive. Divers frequently encounter moray eels, barracuda, schools of tropical fish, lobster, crabs, and the legendary resident Goliath grouper nicknamed “Elvis.” With generally good visibility, mild currents, and an abundance of sea life, Joe’s Tug is an outstanding destination for underwater photography and one of the premier Key West diving experiences for both newly certified and experienced scuba divers.
Joe’s Tug is an simply an amazing diving destination in Key West for underwater photography and one of the premier Key West diving location. We made a list of the why’s for you!
- 75-foot steel shrimp boat turned artificial reef
- Located about 7 miles southeast of Key West
- Depth ranges from approximately 40–65 feet
- Excellent dive site for newly certified and experienced divers
- Covered with colorful hard and soft corals
- Home to giant barrel sponges and thriving marine life
- Frequently visited by moray eels, barracuda, lobster, tropical reef fish, and Goliath grouper
- The famous resident Goliath grouper “Elvis” is often seen around the wreck
- Outstanding underwater photography opportunities
- One of the most popular wreck dives in the Florida Keys
Please avoid touching, standing on or collecting coral. Secure loose belongings before entering the water and follow all instructions provided by the captain and crew.
Certified divers should arrive prepared with the documentation and personal items needed for a safe and comfortable day of Key West diving:
Certified divers should arrive prepared with the documentation and personal items needed for a safe and comfortable day of Key West diving:
- Scuba certification card or digital certification
- Dive logbook, especially when returning after time away from diving
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Reef-friendly sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Rash guard or appropriate exposure protection
- Personal mask, dive computer or other preferred equipment
- Waterproof camera with a secure attachment
- Dry bag for clothing and valuables
- Light jacket or windbreaker
- Seasickness medication, when needed
- A change of dry clothes
- Cash or card for gratuities, rentals and purchases
- Any required personal medications
Divers should confirm what rental equipment is included when making their reservation. Remember to allow at least 24 hours between scuba diving and flying. Lost Reef Adventures also asks divers to bring their certification card and logbook.
- Approximately 30 years of local expertise: Lost Reef Adventures brings decades of experience exploring the reefs and wrecks surrounding Key West.
- Official PADI 5-Star Dive Center: Lost Reef is recognized as a PADI 5-Star Dive Center and offers professional scuba instruction and certification programs.
- Full-service Key West dive shop: Guests can arrange dive trips, snorkeling excursions, scuba instruction, equipment rentals, air fills and nitrox services in one convenient location.
- Twice-daily excursions: Morning and afternoon departures provide visitors with more flexibility when planning their Key West vacation.
- Experiences for different skill levels: Lost Reef welcomes snorkelers, newly certified divers and experienced scuba divers seeking reef or wreck adventures.
- Professional scuba training: Programs include Discover Scuba experiences, checkout dives and PADI certification courses.
- Knowledge of local dive sites: The team knows the reefs, wrecks and seasonal conditions surrounding Key West and selects destinations according to the day’s conditions.
- Small-group diving opportunities: Smaller groups can provide a more personal experience and more individual attention.
- Equipment available onsite: Scuba and snorkeling equipment is available for rent or purchase through the full-service shop.
- Convenient marina location: Lost Reef Adventures is based at the Key West Bight Marina in the Historic Seaport, making it easy to reach from Old Town.
- Safety-focused preparation: Guests receive instructions and guidance from trained professionals before entering the water.
- A complete Key West underwater experience: From first-time snorkeling to advanced reef and wreck diving, Lost Reef Adventures helps visitors discover the marine environment that makes the Florida Keys famous.