The Georges Valentine Underwater Archaeological Preserve, located off the coast of Hutchinson Island in Martin County, Florida, is a historic shipwreck site accessible to divers and snorkelers. The wreck lies just 100 yards offshore, making it easy to reach from the House of Refuge. The shipwreck is partially buried in sand and broken into five distinct sections. Depending on seasonal weather, the visibility of the wreck changes, with some years offering clear views of the wreck’s tile deck and others obscured by shifting sand.
Marine life thrives on the wreck, with various species like snook, sheepshead, moray eels, and stingrays. The sand migration at the site alters the sea life from season to season, making each dive unique. Historically, the Georges Valentine was an iron-hulled barkentine that was wrecked in October 1904 after being blown ashore during a storm. The ship’s crew sought refuge at the nearby House of Refuge, where five crew members perished. The wreck is now listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is a popular underwater exploration destination.
Read on about more things to do, see, and enjoy on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
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