Joe's tug

Joe's Tug is a wreck about seven miles southeast of Key West, Florida, in roughly 65 feet (20 m) of water. Despite the name it is not a tugboat but a 75-foot (23 m) steel shrimp boat that has become one of the most popular artificial reefs in the Florida Keys. Hurricanes split the vessel into two sections, but the bow and stern remain upright and only about 30 feet (9 m) apart, so both can be explored on one dive. Depths range from about 40 to 65 feet (12 to 20 m).

The wreck is covered in hard and soft corals and giant barrel sponges. Moray eels, barracuda, schools of tropical fish, lobster and crabs are regular sights, and a resident Goliath grouper known as Elvis is often seen around the wreck.

Visibility is generally good, currents are mild, and water temperature runs 24 to 29°C through the year. It suits newly certified and experienced divers, and it is a good site for photography. Do not touch, stand on or collect coral.