Dive Our Local Wrecks With A Professional Guide
Dive Our Local Wrecks With A Professional Guide - SS Copenhagen (Lauderdale-by-the-Sea) OW is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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A Dive Shop for Divers and Adventure Seekers
A Dive Shop for Divers and Adventure Seekers
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, we have the perfect adventure for you!
Florida Shore Diving Hot Spot
Florida Shore Diving Hot Spot
Gold Coast Scuba is located in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, which is the shore diving capital of the USA!
Description
Description
South Florida is a diver's paradise, especially around Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, where you'll find a variety of vibrant reefs and fascinating wrecks. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular dive sites starting closest to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea:
1. SS Copenhagen (Lauderdale-by-the-Sea)
- Depth: 15-31 feet
- Description: Just offshore from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, the SS Copenhagen is a well-preserved wreck of a British cargo steamer that sank in 1900. It’s now a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve and teeming with marine life like grouper, snapper, and barracuda.
- Skill Level: Open Water
2. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Reefs
- Depth: 10-30 feet
- Description: Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is famous for its shore diving, with a series of nearshore reefs easily accessible from the beach. These reefs are full of colorful coral formations and an array of tropical fish, making it ideal for beginners and photographers.
- Skill Level: Open Water
3. The Sea Emperor (Pompano Beach)
- Depth: 55-72 feet
- Description: This barge wreck was intentionally sunk in 1989 and now serves as an artificial reef. It’s known for the friendly nurse sharks, stingrays, and large schools of fish that frequent the site.
- Skill Level: Advanced Open Water due to depth
4. The Ancient Mariner (Pompano Beach)
- Depth: 60-70 feet
- Description: Originally a Coast Guard cutter, the Ancient Mariner was sunk in 1991. It's a popular wreck that sits upright and offers easy penetration for experienced divers. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including moray eels, goliath grouper, and tarpon.
- Skill Level: Advanced Open Water
5. Lady Luck (Pompano Beach)
- Depth: 60-130 feet
- Description: One of the newer wrecks, the Lady Luck was sunk in 2016 as part of the Shipwreck Park initiative. The wreck is 324 feet long and features interactive underwater art installations, making it a unique dive experience.
- Skill Level: Advanced Open Water
6. The Blue Heron Bridge (Riviera Beach)
- Depth: 5-20 feet
- Description: A bit further north, the Blue Heron Bridge is one of the top shore diving sites in the U.S., known for its incredible biodiversity. You’ll find everything from seahorses to octopuses in the shallow waters, making it perfect for macro photography.
- Skill Level: Open Water
7. The United Caribbean (Boca Raton)
- Depth: 70 feet
- Description: This freighter was sunk in 2000 and lies upright on the sandy bottom, surrounded by a thriving reef. It's popular for the wide range of marine life, including turtles, rays, and barracuda.
- Skill Level: Advanced Open Water
8. The Duane and The Spiegel Grove (Key Largo)
- Depth: 60-130 feet
- Description: Further south in the Florida Keys, these two iconic wrecks are a must-dive for advanced divers. The USCGC Duane is a former Coast Guard cutter, and the Spiegel Grove is a massive Navy landing ship. Both are home to large pelagic species and stunning coral growth.
- Skill Level: Advanced Open Water
9. Molasses Reef (Key Largo)
- Depth: 10-60 feet
- Description: Molasses Reef is one of the most popular reefs in the Florida Keys, known for its vibrant coral formations, clear water, and abundant marine life, including turtles, rays, and reef sharks.
- Skill Level: Open Water
10. Eagle Wreck (Islamorada)
- Depth: 70-110 feet
- Description: The Eagle is a Dutch freighter that was intentionally sunk in 1985. It’s now covered in coral and sponges, attracting large schools of fish and providing an exciting dive for experienced wreck divers.
- Skill Level: Advanced Open Water
Each of these sites offers something unique, whether you're interested in shallow reef dives or deeper wreck explorations. The proximity of many sites to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea makes this area a great base for diving adventures in South Florida
***PLEASE CALL AND WE WILL HELP SCHEDULE YOUR WRECK DIVES. KEEP IN MIND THEY HAVE LIMITED TIME SLOTS, SPACE, AND DATES AVAILABLE***
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