Scuba Diving Hog Heaven in Fort Lauderdale
Reading Time: 4 minutes A theme park of artificial reefs, Hog Heaven, and the surrounding structures, is one of the most popular shipwrecks in Fort Lauderdale.
Diving the Hog Heaven Shipwreck
Hog Heaven
September 19, 1986
180′ Barge
Possible in various locations
70′ to the sand
Open Water or Advanced
26 08.102′ N 80 04.786′ W
History of the Hog Heaven Shipwreck
Hog Heaven was a 180-foot barge sunk in 1986 as a part of Broward County’s Artificial Reef Program. Upon sinking, the barge flipped upside down as it fluttered to the ocean floor where it rests in the sand 70 feet below the surface. Luckily for divers, the orientation actually made for a far more interesting shipwreck than if it had sank upright.
Its name, Hog Heaven, was given to the wreck because of its uncanny ability to attract Hogfish (one of the most prized targets of spearfishermen) to the area. Not much is known about the Hog Heaven barge prior to its sinking, but the surrounding features do have some history.
Scattered about Hog Heaven are a few distinctive artificial reefs. The first, just north of the wreck, is the old Pacific Reef Lighthouse which was sunk in January of 1986. Often referred to as the “Jungle Gym” by local dive operators, the coral, and sponge encrusted beams of the lighthouse still serve as a symbolic beacon of light as thousands of reef fish including snapper, spotted goatfish, grunts, nurse sharks, and the occasional goliath grouper often migrate to the structure.
200 feet north of the lighthouse is another barge called The Wayne, a 70′ wreck worthy of investigation. Here, you can find one swim-through, lots of marine life, and oftentimes, a sleepy nurse shark on the northern end.
Other artificial reefs scattered around Hog Heaven include bridge beams, airplane wings, mine carts, and construction piping. You could dive Hog Heaven 100 times and discover something new every single time.
Navigating the Hog Heaven Shipwreck
Local dive operators often tie the boat to the Jungle Gym on the northern end of Hog Heaven. From here, you can weave in and out of the twisted steel as schools of fish part ways for your approaching bubbles. If you choose to check out the Wayne, now’s your chance. If not, you may just have to hit it on another day.
From the Jungle Gym, we recommend circumnavigating Hog Heaven while peering at the outer structures and making pit stops along the way at the airplane wings and bridge spans. The wreck itself will treat you to swim-throughs on the outer edge, ripped away metal revealing hidden life inside, and one epic penetration opportunity in the center of the structure. Don’t act surprised when you come face to face with a goliath grouper if you do.
The bridge spans and construction piping lie south of the wreck. It’s a cool place to check out but be careful not to get too far away from Hog Heaven. These pipes go a long way with no end in sight. Additionally, be mindful of the current as it may sweep you too far, rendering you unable to make it back before your air runs out!
Dive Shops that Visit the Hog Heaven Shipwreck
Two dive charters in Fort Lauderdale make frequent trips to Hog Heaven:
- American Dream Dive Charters: aboard their 46′ Newton Dive Boat, the American Dream operates a pristine operation suitable for divers of all levels. Their crew is professional, knowledgable, and accommodating for any passenger that climbs aboard!
- Sea Experience: this full service dive shop is tucked away in the Bahia Mar Marina on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Their twin engine catamaran provides a smooth ride to and from all the best dive sites in the Fort Lauderdale area!
What You May See Diving in Fort Lauderdale
Specifically, this site is known for its abundance of hogfish picking around in the surrounding sand, hence the name. Additionally, plenty of snappers call the Jungle Gym home, nurse sharks frequent the area, and a local goliath grouper often calls the barge home.
Dive Planning in Fort Lauderdale
Reef Smart Guides makes the best book for diving throughout Broward County. If you plan to do any reasonable amount of diving in the area, I recommend you purchase it!
Reef Smart Guides – Fort Lauderdale
Pin this Shipwreck for later!
Read More About Scuba Diving
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Have you been diving on the Hog Heaven shipwreck in Fort Lauderdale before? Share your pics and video below or let us know if you have any questions!
