Mandalay Shipwreck

Overview

The Mandalay Shipwreck is the skeletal remains of a 110‑foot, steel‑hulled schooner embedded on Long Reef. It’s an “outstanding snorkeling wreck” precisely because it sits in very shallow water—easy to see, easy to enjoy, and a favorite stop on Biscayne’s Maritime Heritage Trail.

What You’ll See

Expect the ship’s steel framework resting on a sandy, coral‑reef bottom with a modest debris field. Much of the superstructure was stripped long ago, so you’re exploring a dramatic outline rather than intact rooms. The shallow depth keeps the water bright and clear, and parts of the wreck rise just a few feet below the surface—great for snorkelers but a reminder to approach cautiously by boat.

History Snapshot

Launched in 1928 (originally named Hardi Biou, later Valor, and finally Mandalay), this schooner lived many lives—luxury charters and even WWII patrol duty—before running aground on Long Reef in the early hours of New Year’s Day, 1966. Everyone aboard survived. Locals salvaged the vessel quickly, leaving the bare bones you see today.

Wildlife

The shallow reef setting typically hosts reef fish, corals, and various invertebrates. Visitors consistently note lots of fish around the wreck—another reason it’s beloved by snorkelers.

Getting There & Logistics

This is a water‑access‑only site offshore—no restrooms, parking, or services at the wreck. You’ll find mooring buoys on site so boats can tie up without anchoring on the reef. Many visitors include Mandalay as one stop on the park’s Maritime Heritage Trail.

Best Time to Visit

It’s popular, and crowding can happen at peak times. Aim for less‑busy periods so you have more space around the mooring buoys and better photo moments over the wreck.

Safety & Etiquette

Shallow metal edges and reef structures demand care—don’t touch or stand on the wreck or corals. Use the mooring buoys rather than anchoring, and leave everything as you found it.