10 Must-See Dive Sites in Fort Lauderdale

From sprawling reefs to ghostly shipwrecks, the dive sites in Fort Lauderdale are any ocean explorer’s dream. Dive down to discover what lies off the shore of South Florida’s premier dive destination.

Below, we describe our 10 favorite dive sites in Fort Lauderdale – including shore dives, shipwrecks, and offshore coral reef sites. Truly, there’s something for every diver here in Fort Lauderdale!

Exploring Dive Sites in Fort Lauderdale

Apart of the larger Florida Reef Tract, Fort Lauderdale’s unique three tier coral reef system provides underwater explorers with more than enough environment for a stunning dive experience.

Ranking Fort Lauderdale Dive Sites

From a couple of locals to you, these are our 10 favorite dive sites in Fort Lauderdale:

10. Tenneco Towers

Okay, Tenneco Towers aren’t technically in Fort Lauderdale. In fact, they’re practically in Miami-Dade County! Regardless, South Florida’s largest artificial reef is a frequent visit for dive charters in Fort Lauderdale.

The dive site consists of five layered platforms from an old oil rig – three within recreational dive limits: 60, 80, and 100 feet below the surface. Tenneco Towers provide advanced certified divers a seemingly limitless underwater playground filled with marine life!

Coordinates: 25° 58.952′ N, 80° 05.10′ W

9. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Shore Dive

Florida’s beach diving capital, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, is one of the best shore dives in the country (although, some might argue that Blue Heron Bridge takes the crown on that one).

Walk off the beach and kick just beyond the swim buoys (approximately a 400 feet swim) to discover a jaw dropping coral reef below. The reef itself sits in 12 to 15 feet of water and serves as home to an incredible amount of biodiversity. In fact, we’ve seen almost half of our list of coolest ocean animals in Florida here!

A NOTE ON SAFETY: You must bring your own dive flag when diving here. Additionally, remember to stay at least a 300 feet distance from the nearby pier!

Directions to parking lot: Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

8. Robert Edmister Shipwreck

A mini wreck trek of sorts, the Robert Edmister Shipwreck was sunk in 1989 near two smaller vessels just off the shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Technically, you can dive three wrecks on one dive here!

The 95 foot former USCG Cutter sits in 70 feet of water with a cable connecting to a smaller wreck to the north and one to the south, as well. Marine life is plentiful here, with sea turtles frequently visiting. Just see for yourself:

Coordinates: 26° 09.193′ N 80° 04.837′ W

7. Vista Park Reef and Oakland Park Reef Shore Dive

Now this may be a local’s secret, so keep it on the down low. Want to skip the shore diving crowds at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea? Simple. Travel two miles south to discover our favorite shore dive site in Fort Lauderdale: Vista Park Reef (or Oakland Park Reef, depending on who you’re talking to).

It’s a further swim (about 600 feet) than Lauderdale-by-the-Sea but believe us, it’s totally worth it. The coral reef is more prominent with plenty of coral heads, cracks and crevices to explore for the duration of your dive.

We recommend parking at one of three locations: Vista Park, Loggerhead Park, or Earl Lifshey Ocean Park. Just a mere block from one another, the same coral reef system is accessible off the beach from each park.

6. Jim Atria Shipwreck

This behemoth of a ship is a landmark for diving in Fort Lauderdale. Named after beloved scuba instructor, Jim Atria, she was sunk in 1987 after partially sinking in the Miami River.

Only advanced certified divers can enjoy the shipwreck as she sits in 130 feet of water – the limits of recreational diving.

Coordinates: 26° 09.870′ N, 80° 04.225′ W

5. Shallow Coral Reef Mooring Sites (Second Reef)

If you book a trip with a local dive charter, it’s likely one of these dive sites will be your second dive of the day. The most common: The Caves, the Oakland Ridges, and Barracuda Reef – each apart of the second tier of coral reef.

The second reef in Fort Lauderdale sits between 20 – 30 feet and offers something different from reef to reef. The Caves is known for its deep cracks and crevices. The Oakland Ridges features a landscape of high relief ledges. Barracuda Reef is ideal for catching lobster and spotting nurse sharks.

Coordinates:

• The Caves: 26° 07.75’N, 80° 05.46’W
• The Oakland Ridges: 26° 09.47’N, 80° 05.34’W
• Barracuda Reef: 26° 04.99’N, 80° 05.72’W

4. Hog Heaven

Hog Heaven is one of the most frequently visited dive sites in Fort Lauderdale, and for good reason. The 180 foot barge is an ideal dive site for any level of diver – from open water to technical.

The area itself has been a beacon for successful artificial reefs with the old Pacific Reef Lighthouse, bridge beams, airplane wings, and the Wayne shipwreck all within swimming distance from Hog Heaven itself.

Coordinates: 26° 08.102′ N, 80° 04.786′ W

3. Fort Lauderdale Wreck Trek

Three shipwrecks in one dive – each providing its own unique flare. Depending on currents, it’s possible to hit the Jay Scutti, Tracey, and Merci Jesus all in one dive!

Swim throughs, marine diversity, and wreck penetration are just a few of the reasons to dive any of the three. Our favorite? The Tracey has a deck with an overhead platform which typically houses a pair of goliath grouper – an amazing sight to see!

Coordinates:

• Jay Scutti: 26° 09.520′ N, 80° 04.760′ W
• Tracy: 26° 09.559′ N, 80° 04.763′ W

2. Mercedes I Shipwreck

Our absolute favorite shipwreck in Fort Lauderdale: the Mercedes! Sitting in 90 feet of water, the Mercedes took a beating from Hurricane Andrew and currently rests in two pieces in a field of twisted metal amongst a backdrop of natural coral reef.

Penetrate the bow and stern (with proper training), say hello to the resident giant moray eel, hunt for lionfish, or explore the surrounding coral reef – the Mercedes literally has it all.

Coordinates: 26° 09.370′ N, 80° 04.513′ W

1. Hammerhead Reef (Third Reef)

Our all time favorite dive site in Fort Lauderdale: Hammerhead Reef! Apart of the third tier of reef in Fort Lauderdale, every time the boat is headed here, you can bet we’re on it.

Hammerhead Reef features two distinct sections: a high relief ledge in 45′ of water to the west and spur and groove formation to the east which drop off to 60+ feet. Schools of fish, Caribbean reef sharks, and scores of lionfish ripe for spearing are often present amongst the winding channels of coral.

Additionally, Hammerhead Reef is our favorite dive site to hunt lionfish in Fort Lauderdale. Just check out the video below to see for yourself!

Coordinates: 26° 05.250′ N, 80° 05.166′ W

Other Dive Sites in Fort Lauderdale: Honorable Mention

Believe us, Fort Lauderdale is home to many other amazing dive sites. A few others that just missed the cut are:

• Peter B. McAllister Shipwreck
• Fisher’s Pedestal Coral Reef
• Captain Dan Shipwreck
• The Copenhagen
• Donald McAllister
• Lady Luck Shipwreck
• The Rebel Shipwreck
• The Ebenezer II Shipwreck

Getting to the Dive Sites in Fort Lauderdale

The two most prominent dive charters in Fort Lauderdale are:

• American Dream Dive Charters behind the Hilton on 17th Avenue just south of downtown. They run a great, clean, and basic operation aboard their Newton Dive Boat. Don’t hesitate to book with their crew!
• Sea Experience in Bahia Mar Marina on Fort Lauderdale Beach. This is a full dive shop with classes, charters, retail, and guides. If you’re a new open water diver, we suggest you book with Sea Experience to ensure everything is taken care of. If you want a dive guide, call and request for me (Andrew) and tell them we sent you!

Dive Planning in Fort Lauderdale

Reef Smart Guides makes a great resource that covers just about every dive site in Fort Lauderdale. It’s a worthwhile purchase if you plan to dive the area in the future.

Traveling to Fort Lauderdale?

Check out these helpful travel resources so you can focus more on what you love most: diving!

Help Protect the Coral Reef During Your Dive

Sunscreen! Shocking, I know! In fact, many popular sunscreen brands contain extremely harmful chemicals to our coral! Specifically, oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Because of this, we’ve partnered with our favorite brand of reef safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea! We want to get YOU discounts so you can help save our coral reefs with reef safe sunscreen!