Park Summary for Print - San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park

Welcome to San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park

This underwater archaeological preserve features a submerged shipwreck that is available for diving and snorkeling. Part of a Spanish flotilla, the San Pedro was a 287-ton, Dutch-built ship which sank in a hurricane on July 13, 1733. Her remains were discovered in 1960 in Hawk Channel near Indian Key. After major salvage efforts in the 1960s, all that remains of San Pedro is a large pile of ballast stones covering an area 90 feet long and 30 feet wide. The underwater site has been enhanced with seven replica cannons, an anchor, and an information plaque. Visitors can also appreciate the marine life that occupies the site. Located in 18 feet of water, approximately 1.25 nautical miles south from Indian Key at GPS coordinates 24 degrees 51.802'N, 80 degrees 40.795'W. To prevent anchor damage, please tie up to mooring buoys located at the site.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park, please call 305-664-2540.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park is located in 18 feet of water, approximately 1.25 nautical miles south from Indian Key at GPS coordinates: 24 degrees 51.802’N 80 degrees 40.795’W

Park Fees

Please call the Park for information at 305-664-2540.

Activities at San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park

	Boating Boating is available
	Canoeing Canoeing is available
	Scuba Diving Scuba diving and snorkeling are permitted
	Snorkeling Snorkeling is available in designated areas
	Swimming Swimming is available in designated areas

Special Events for San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Frequently Asked Questions about San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park

Question: What type of park is the San Pedro?
Answer: It is a submerged shipwreck that is available for diving and snorkeling.

Question: Can I fish at the site?
Answer: No, but there are mooring buoys available to tie your boat to.

Question: How do I get to the site?
Answer: A GPS navigation aid will be of much help if you have your own boat. If not, renting a boat or having a Captain drive you out there are other options.

Question: Can I collect artifacts I might find at the site?
Answer: No, Florida law prohibits the removal of artifacts.

San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park History

The San Pedro was a 287-ton, Dutch-built ship which sailed as part of the fleet of New Spain in 1733. Her discovery in the 1960s in Hawk Channel under 18 feet of water, led to the recovery of small silver coins dated between 1731 and 1733, as well as cannons trapped under the ballast pile. Elements of the ship’s rigging and hardware were also unearthed.

Today, the San Pedro is among the most picturesque of the 1733 wreck sites, due to her location in a white sand pocket surrounded by turtle grass and the prolific marine life that inhabits her grave. A large pile of ballast stones, 90-feet long and 30-feet wide, marks her final resting place.