SS Copenhagen Shipwreck Diving

Explore the Legendary SS Copenhagen Shipwreck with Gold Coast Scuba

Divers, prepare for an epic adventure at the SS Copenhagen shipwreck, a crown jewel of Fort Lauderdale’s underwater world! At Gold Coast Scuba, we’re thrilled to guide beginners through this historic site, perfect for scuba diving or snorkeling. 

Why Dive the SS Copenhagen?

The SS Copenhagen, a 325-foot steel steamship that sank in 1900, is Florida’s underwater time capsule, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1994. As one of the state’s most visited dive sites, it draws over 10,000 adventurers yearly to its shallow, beginner-friendly waters, bursting with coral and fish. Located just 3/4 mile off Fort Lauderdale, it’s a short boat ride to history and nature, with Gold Coast Scuba’s PADI 5-Star crew ensuring a thrilling, safe experience.

Access Points for Divers and Snorkelers

The SS Copenhagen is a boat-access-only dive, keeping things simple for first-timers:

• Gold Coast Scuba Dive Shop (259 Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL): Your starting point. Book a guided dive or snorkel trip, and we’ll take you to the closest marina in Pompano.  Free parking behind our shop makes it hassle-free.
• Boat to the Wreck: The site, at GPS 26°12.110'N, 80°05.050'W, is marked by mooring buoys for precise drop-offs. Our boats cover the 3/4-mile trip in 15–20 minutes, landing you right above the wreck’s boiler.

Pro Tip: Morning trips catch peak visibility (up to 70 feet) and calmer seas. We supply dive flags (required in Florida) and offer GoPro rentals to film your adventure—add one for $15!

Depths of the Sea

The Copenhagen’s shallow layout is perfect for new divers:

• Main Wreck: Rests at 15–30 feet, with hull plates and the massive boiler as shallow as 15 feet—great for snorkelers.
• Debris Field: Extends to 33 feet max, but most action happens at 20–25 feet, ideal for Open Water certifications.
• Visibility: Ranges 30–70 feet, showcasing the wreck’s coral-crusted beams and open swim-throughs.

Shallow depths mean long dives—up to 60–80 minutes per tank—and snorkelers can see the wreck’s outline from the surface on clear days.

Marine Life and Reefs You’ll Encounter

The SS Copenhagen is a sunken reef alive with color and critters. As you explore, you’ll spot:

• Corals: Sea fans, gorgonians, and sponges in orange and purple hues drape the steel, joined by brain and star corals forming mini-cities.
• Fish: Schools of grunts, snappers, and porkfish swirl around, with parrotfish crunching coral and barracuda patrolling above. Look for tiny blennies in holes and trumpetfish blending in.
• Big Guys: Sea turtles (green and hawksbill) munch on sponges, nurse sharks snooze under plates, and stingrays glide over sandy patches. Rare visitors include reef sharks or massive Goliath grouper.
• Wreck Highlights: Swim past the towering boiler, rusted propeller shaft, and scattered beams. Replica cannons add a pirate vibe, crawling with arrow crabs and spiny oysters.

Dive and Snorkel Duration

• Scuba Diving: A dive lasts 45–60 minutes, based on air use (shallower depths stretch your tank). Total trip time, including boat travel, briefing, and diving, is 2.5–3 hours. Our guided tours highlight the best spots.
• Snorkeling: Spend 1–1.5 hours in the water, with 2–3 hours total for the boat ride and surface breaks. The wreck’s shallow depth ensures snorkelers get killer views without gear-heavy diving.

Beginner Bonus: Mooring buoys keep navigation easy, and our dive masters point out hidden gems like moray eels, making it a cinch for newbies.

Cool and Unique Facts to Hook You

1. Ship’s Saga: Launched in 1898 in England, the SS Copenhagen hauled 5,000 tons of coal when it struck Pompano Reef on May 26, 1900. The crew rowed to safety, but the ship split, leaving a wreck now 125 years old.
2. Preserve Prestige: As Florida’s fifth Underwater Archaeological Preserve, it’s one of only 12 statewide, earning National Register status for its historical clout.
3. Reef Reborn: The steel frame hosts over 100 marine species, turning a wreck into a thriving ecosystem—a natural aquarium!
4. Movie Star Vibes: The Copenhagen’s haunting silhouette has starred in underwater shoots for films and diving docs, its boiler a cinematographer’s muse.
5. Lobster Lair: During lobster season (August–March), spiny lobsters cram into crevices, making mini-season dives (guided by us) a treasure hunt.
6. Turtle Turf: Juvenile sea turtles love the wreck’s sponges, with green turtles popping up year-round—log your first turtle selfie here!
7. Night Dive Wow: Night dives reveal glowing plankton and active octopuses, transforming the wreck into an exciting world.
8. Storm Survivor: Hurricanes batter it, yet the Copenhagen’s steel holds strong, with fresh coral growth after each storm proving nature’s grit.
9. Landmark Love: A shoreside plaque at 2000 S Ocean Blvd, Pompano Beach, honors the wreck—snap a pic before or after your dive.

Why Choose Gold Coast Scuba?

From our Fort Lauderdale base, Gold Coast Scuba is your ticket to the SS Copenhagen:

• Newbie-Friendly: Discover Scuba Diving and snorkel trips are built for beginners, with small groups and knowledgeable instructors—no cert required.
• Gear Galore: Rent tanks, BCDs, and GoPros to capture turtles or the wreck’s bones. Our PADI 5-Star shop has you covered.
• Prime Location: Minutes from the marina, we’re the fastest route to the wreck, with expert guides who know every nook.
• Fun Vibes: Our crew makes every trip a blast, sharing wreck lore and spotting critters to amp up your dive log.

Ready to Dive the Copenhagen?

The SS Copenhagen is calling—history, coral, and sea turtles await just off Fort Lauderdale. Explore a 19th-century steamship, weave through fish schools, and discover a reef that rocks—all with Gold Coast Scuba’s pro guidance. Book your boat dive or snorkel tour now, and let’s dive into adventure. Hit up our shop, call, or reserve online—your wreck quest starts here!