Diving at Cruz del Sur Ship (United States)
Divers exploring the Cruz Del Sur Ship embrace deep wreck exploration off South Florida. This impressive artificial reef, situated off the coast of Miami, caters exclusively to advanced and professional divers. Its substantial depth and structural integrity present a rewarding, yet demanding, underwater experience for those with the appropriate training.
As evening covers Cruz del Sur Ship, the local air temperature is measured at 28°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 0.2 m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Dive Site Overview
Originally launched in 1956 as the Tronstad, this vessel endured a varied operational history before its final transformation. Renamed several times, including Eva and Caribbean Tamanaco, it ultimately became the Cruz del Sur in 1977.
Its maritime career concluded abruptly on March 3, 1985, when the US Coast Guard seized it for drug smuggling. Rather than being salvaged, the 87.5-meter (287 ft) cargo ship was purposefully donated to the Miami-Dade County Artificial Reef program. On December 16, 1986, it was scuttled as a joint project between Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, settling upright and largely intact on the seabed.
This former freighter now serves as one of the largest and most impressive deep artificial reefs in the region, resting less than one mile south of the Tenneco Towers site and approximately seven miles south of Port Everglades. Its structure provides a complex environment for marine life, inviting thorough exploration from qualified divers.
Conditions are Excellent
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Cruz del Sur Ship show 28° air, 31° sea temperature, 0.5 m waves, and 18 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Optimizing your dive trip to the Cruz Del Sur often aligns with the summer and fall months, particularly from July through November, when dive scores are consistently rated 'Good' or 'Excellent'. July typically offers the calmest conditions, with average wave heights around 0.4 m (1.3 ft), contributing to an 'Excellent' dive score. Air temperatures during these periods range from approximately 26.5-28°C (80-82°F), making surface intervals comfortable. While water temperature data isn't consistently reported, Florida waters are generally warm during these months, typically ranging from 22-27°C (72-81°F). Rainfall varies, with September and June showing higher averages, around 10 mm (0.4 inches), but overall, conditions remain favorable for diving this deep wreck.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Descending onto the Cruz Del Sur, divers encounter a substantial wreck resting at a maximum depth of 73.2 m (240.2 ft). Its forward kingposts provide a visual landmark, reaching up to approximately 42.7 m (140 ft) of the surface. The wreck sits upright and remains largely intact, creating extensive opportunities for exterior exploration. Generally, visibility is good, often ranging between 10 to 30 m (33 to 98 ft). An average around 20 m (66 ft) is reported, especially due to the offshore location. Divers typically experience low sea current around the site, which aids in navigating the deep environment. However, inherent darkness marks the site, requiring adequate lighting for both safety and observation.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Navigating the Cruz Del Sur demands stringent adherence to advanced diving protocols. This deep wreck is exclusively suitable for advanced and technical divers due to its depth. Proper training in technical diving, including the use of specialized gas mixtures like nitrox and trimix, is essential for safe decompression and bottom time management.
Given that the wreck is a dark site, divers must be well-prepared with redundant lighting systems, including primary and backup dive lights. Locating this specific site can be challenging, making it highly advisable to book an organized dive trip through a local dive school or guide who possesses precise coordinates and experience with the site.
Recommended Equipment
- Dive Computer
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Cruz del Sur Ship, United States. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
With water temperatures around 31°C (88°F), many divers find a dive skin or rash guard provides comfortable protection.
Divers performing multiple dives may appreciate slightly warmer protection later in the day.
Forecast models indicate that diving conditions should remain largely unchanged.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Cruz Del Sur Ship.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN World.
+1-919-684-9111- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Marine Life at Cruz del Sur Ship
Beneath the surface, the Cruz Del Sur presents a canvas of marine biodiversity, serving as a critical artificial reef habitat. Decks of the wreck are adorned by a colorful layer of invertebrate growth, supporting numerous swarms of small tropical fish.
Diverse growth provides shelter and a food source for various species. Divers often report encountering large fish, indicating the wreck's success in attracting a robust ecosystem.
The ship's structure offers ample nooks and crannies, making it an excellent refuge for reef dwellers.
Dive Sites Near Cruz del Sur Ship
View all dive sites in United StatesDiscover more underwater gems in this area.
Dive Centers Near Cruz del Sur Ship
Today: 09:00 - 17:00
Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
Search Flights
Check available flights and routes on Expedia, using the nearby airports listed in this section.
Search Flights on Expedia
Plan Your Stay
Looking for a place to stay for your dive trip? Explore hotels, stays, and vacation rentals for dive groups near Golden Beach.
Dive Navigator may earn a commission from these links at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certification level is required to dive the Cruz Del Sur?
A deep wreck dive, it's suitable only for advanced and professional technical divers. Specialized training in deep diving and decompression procedures is essential for safety.
What is the maximum depth of the Cruz Del Sur wreck?
Resting at a maximum depth of 73.2 m (240.2 ft), the wreck's forward kingposts rise to within approximately 42.7 m (140 ft) of the surface, offering shallower points for observation.
What kind of visibility can be expected at the wreck site?
Visibility at the Cruz Del Sur is generally good, often ranging from 10 to 30 m (33 to 98 ft). An average visibility of 20 m (66 ft) is commonly reported.
Is the Cruz Del Sur wreck easy to find?
Locating the exact position of the Cruz Del Sur can be difficult without precise coordinates. It's strongly recommended to book an organized dive trip with a local dive school or guide familiar with the site.
What marine life can be seen on the wreck?
Overgrown with invertebrates, the wreck attracts swarms of small tropical fish. Divers also frequently encounter larger fish, indicating a healthy and thriving artificial reef environment.
Why is extra lighting recommended for this dive?
Considered a dark dive site due to its depth, the Cruz Del Sur requires adequate primary and backup dive lights. These are crucial for visibility, safe navigation, and appreciating the wreck's details.
Planning to dive Cruz del Sur Ship?
Send one inquiry and receive offers directly from the best verified local dive operators.
Conditions are Excellent
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Cruz del Sur Ship show 28° air, 31° sea temperature, 0.5 m waves, and 18 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.