Page 16 - FORT LAUDERDALE

Water, Water

EVERYW HERE

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANTHONY J. RAYBURN

With incredible REEFS SHIPWRECKS
access to the
Atlantic Ocean Nestled just 1,000 feet from the A barge submerged off the coast of Fort
Lauderdale in 1986 is now a well-loved
shoreline at Vista Park Beach is a
along its east coast, world of colors and surprises just location for divers. Hog Heaven Shipwreck
striking rivers below the gentle waves. Vista Park was sunk intentionally to create an an
Reef is a stunning coral reef that’s
artificial reef and it’s living up to this goal
that slice through simultaneously accessible and a bit by hosting flourishing populations of fish,
the city, and an off the beaten path. It’s beloved including large numbers of hogfish. Divers
exquisitely unique by locals but not too crowded can also keep their eyes peeled for a range
of other visitors, including nurse sharks and
with visitors. A day of diving or
canal system, Fort snorkeling here will enchant you groupers, or swim nearby to another sunken
Lauderdale is, at with glimpses of colorful coral, barge – the Wayne – for more exploration.
Buried on the ocean floor since 1989, the
its heart, a water- stingrays, lobsters and plenty Robert Edmister Shipwreck is another local
of darting tropical fish. Nearby,
lover’s haven. For Barracuda Reef is also a haven for spot popular with open water divers. The
those who crave scuba divers and snorkelers alike. most popular and largest of a group of three
You’re unlikely to spot barracuda in
wet and wild this shallow reef, but peek behind closely connected wrecks, the Edminster was
once a coast guard vessel. The Paul Sherman
adventure, aquatic rocks to catch a glimpse of massive shipwreck is just north of the Edmister, and the
excursions are Florida lobsters and observe Wendy Rosshem is just about 100 feet away,
peaceful blue tangs, hogfish,
connected by a guide cord. These shipwrecks
available around angelfish and others as you drift are loaded with fish and other creatures
every corner. through the warm waves. waiting to be surveyed by intrepid divers.

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