Diving the Peter B. McAllister Wreck – Fort Lauderdale

This tank of a boat is still beautifully intact after sitting on the bottom of the ocean since 1998. At only 85 feet in length, the ins and outs of the Peter McAllister wreck can be thoroughly explored on one dive, unveiling a world of marine life.

Diving the Peter McAllister Wreck

History of the Peter McAllister Wreck:

Originally from New York City, the Peter B. McAllister is one of two tugboats to make its way down to South Florida from the Big Apple (the other being the Donald McAllister).

Formerly owned by the McAllister Towing Company (which still operates all over the US east coast today), the 85′ tugboat became part of the Broward County Artificial Reef Program in 1998. She was sunk in June of the same year to join countless other wrecks off of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Today, she still sits upright in the sand, 70′ below the surface.

Peter McAllister Wreck Dive Overview:

Being a tugboat, this 85′ ship was built like a tank. Meaning, the hull and wheelhouse have outlasted everything mother nature has thrown at it since 1998. As you descend upon the Peter McAllister wreck, you’ll notice the entire boat is almost fully intact. Not bad for decades on the bottom of the ocean, if you ask me.

The bow of the boat points east to northeast while the stern falls directly in line west to southwest. The boat really isn’t all that big so take your time when swimming alongside the hull, you never know what you might see. I was able to swim along port, starboard, and topside while taking the time to look into every crack and crevice.

Behind the wheelhouse, towards the stern, are some small swim-through’s and an area where you can descend to penetrate below the deck. It’s not a deep penetration, by any means, but still make sure you’ve been properly trained on overhead environments before entering!

Overall, this is a beautiful wreck you’re sure to enjoy! It’s suitable for all levels of diving, just remember to dive within YOUR limits!

Dive Planning for the Peter B. McAllister:

Our usual recommendation, Reef Smart Cards, unfortunately do not make a card specifically for this dive. However, be sure to check out their guide below about diving in Fort Lauderdale!

What Dive Shops go to the Peter B. McAllister Wreck?

• 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!

For more: Dive Shops in Fort Lauderdale

Photos and Media:

A little known way to protect our coral reef here in Florida

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!