Diving the Robert Edmister Wreck – Fort Lauderdale

Sunk in 1989 in Fort Lauderdale, the Robert Edmister wreck is now a vibrant artificial reef. With an easy swim thru, schools of fish, and more than enough ship to see, the Robert Edmister is a must-see dive site for you to explore!

Diving the Robert Edmister Wreck:

History of the Robert Edmister Wreck:

A former US Coast Guard Cutter, this 95′ vessel was originally named the Cutter Cape Gull in 1953. Eventually, the ship was bought in an auction by a local businessman and was promptly renamed to the Robert Edmister. Shortly after, the vessel was donated to Broward County’s Artificial Reef Program where it was sunk on December 11, 1989.

The wreck now sits on the bottom of the ocean, just off Fort Lauderdale Beach, along the Florida Reef Tract. The Robert Edmister now serves as one of our favorite dive sites in South Florida!

Robert Edmister Wreck Dive Overview:

The Robert Edmister sits upright in the sand in 70 feet of water with a slight starboard list. Although the wheelhouse has been ripped off due to the notorious Hurricane Andrew, the hull is surprisingly intact.

When navigating, the bow of the boat is due north with the stern in line due south (plus or minus a few degrees). Along the sides and top of the boat are small port holes where you can take a peek inside to see loads and loads of marine life hanging out. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight!

Towards the stern is a decent sized opening for an easy swim-through. However, make sure you’ve been properly trained on wreck penetration and overhead environments before entering! Remember, don’t be a hero!

Not far from the swim-through on the southwest corner (port-stern) is a line tied to the boat. If you follow this line about 100 feet, you’ll end up at another wreck called the “Wendy Rossheim”. Part of the same artificial reef program, this small wreck seems to often serve as the home for many different schools of fish. Just remember to take the same line back!

Dive Planning on the Robert Edmister Wreck:

When available, we highly recommend Reef Smart Cards for any dive. They create beautiful waterproof cards that play a critical role in your dive plan.

What Dive Shops go to the Robert Edmister 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!

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!

Are you planning a dive in the Fort Lauderdale area?