“No honey, I replied. “Can we go snorkeling tomorrow?”
“Sure,” he replied. As long as you make the arrangements.”
With a green light, I began reading through the various brochures on snorkel charters just as soon as we returned to our hotel. This, coupled with a nice wireless connection on my laptop, opened an exciting new world of information to me.
Fort Lauderdale, I discovered, is home to three reefs which run north to south, and are located about a mile offshore at depths ranging from 20 to 70 feet. There are also a number of “artificial” reefs made up of sunken steamers, barges, and freighters which visitors are also able to explore; and many of them have quite an interesting history.
Take the SS Copenhagen,
for example....
The SS Copenhagen, a 325-foot steamer, built in England in 1898, set sail to Cuba from Philadelphia in 1900. Six days later, she crashed full-speed into a reef just off the Florida coast. Her bounty (almost 5 tons of coal) was off-loaded, and after many unsuccessful attempts to free her, she was left to rest (and became Florida’s fifth underwater archaeological preserve in June of 1994).
I was amazed at the size and scope of underwater offerings available for visitors, and I found a great site with a detailed listing of “Reefs and Wrecks” in the Fort Lauderdale area, and a list of natural reefs which are located in and around Fort Lauderdale. You can find it at: www.fillexpress.com/divesites.shtml#ftl.
Swimming with the Fishes.
As I surfed more, I discovered that we could not only “swim with the fishes,” but with some basic Scuba lessons, we could also explore shipwrecks! Scuba lessons are even offered free with some hotel stays, or at very low rates (from $45) by local area companies. “How are the plans coming?” Dave asked me at one point. (I think he’d decided I’d started surfing for fun.) “I’m getting in deep,” I replied excitedly (which probably didn’t serve to dissaude him, now that I think about it). “I had no idea there were so many options!”
“Did you know that Southeast Florida was named one of the “Top Ten World’s Best Marine Life” and “Top Ten World’s Best Wreck Diving” by Scuba Diving Magazine,” I asked? “Uh oh,” he smiled, “now you’re scaring me!”
Yo Ho, Yo Ho ...
Later, after I’d finished my surf research, I joined Dave poolside. I put my stack of brochures aside and snarled in my best Pirate voice, “Aye Matey, we’re hitting the high seas tomorrow at 9am. Ye best be ready or she’ll sail without ye.” Dave lowered his novel, gave me “that” look, and said, “Aye Captain, and what booty shall ye be offerin’? This here sailor does not come cheap!” I smiled, then picked up our room key and said “Sailor, prepare to be boarded.”
Who Offers What and For How Much....
Pro Dive International
429 Seabreeze Blvd,. Fort Lauderdale
(954) PRO-DIVE (776-3483)
www.prodiveusa.com
Located next to the “Swimming Hall of Fame,” offers Glass Bottom Boat Trips and Snorkeling 7 days a week at 10am daily. The cost is only $29 and includes snorkeling equipment. They also offer Scuba Lessons if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.
Dixie Divers
1645 SE 3rd Ct., Deerfield Beach
(954) 420-0009
www.dixiedivers.com
For $35, Dixie offers approximately 2 hours of snorkel time at two reefs. The cost includes snorkel equipment. They also offer a complete “Discover Scuba Diving” Class for $149.
If you don’t mind a short drive ...
Parrot Island Scuba Adventures
2705 N. Riverside Dr., Pompano Beach
(954) 942-7333
www.parrotislandscuba.com
Parrot Island offers two trips daily (9am and 1:30pm) to a variety of wrecks and reefs. They also offer night diving and lessons. Visit them online for schedule and specials (two-for-one dives, etc.).
South Florida Diving Headquarters
101 N. Riverside Dr., Pompano Beach
(954) 783-2299 or (800) 771-DIVE
www.southfloridadiving.com
South Florida Diving offers Glass Bottom boat rides, snorkel adventures and scuba diving lessons and trips. Their prices range from $25 for the boat ride only; $30 for snorkeling; or a private guided scuba adventure from $65. Visit them online for a complete schedule.
