Half Moon Preserve

Located in only 10 feet of water, about 75 yards northwest of the red marker (#2) from the Bear Cut Channel. This 154 foot sailing yacht sank in 1930. It is now an Underwater Archaeological Preserve within Biscayne National Park. No collecting of artifacts is allowed, no collecting or spearing fish is allowed. The Half Moon was originally called the Germania. It was a racing yacht that won the German Kaiser’s cup. Captured by the English when WWI began, it was purchased by Captain Earnest Smiley who turned the yacht into a floating saloon during prohibition. There is a wealth of undersea life living in and around the site – so it is a nice place for underwater photography. You can see the main sheet winches still in place port and starboard as well as deck plank fastners on her deck beams. Remember not to take anything from the site since it is the seventh site designated as an Underwater Archaeological Preserve.

Notes: Marine Preserve, Good Snorkeling