Diving at Rodeo-Lowrance (United States)
The Rodeo-Lowrance site, centered around the 215-ft Dutch freighter Rodeo 25, presents a significant deep-diving opportunity off Pompano Beach, United States. This wreck, intentionally sunk in May 1990 by the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo, provides a substantial artificial reef structure for exploration. Its impressive size and upright position make it a prominent feature on the seafloor, drawing divers seeking a substantive wreck experience.
Tonight's objective overview for Rodeo-Lowrance shows an air temperature of 26°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.3 m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Dive Site Overview
Exploring the Rodeo 25 offers a tangible sense of maritime history, starting with its deliberate sinking by the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo. This 215-foot Dutch freighter rests upright at a maximum depth of 38 m (125 ft), with its deck lying around 33.5 m (110 ft) deep.
Divers frequently navigate the wreck's accessible compartments, including companionways that run along its sides; these covered passages have an open seaward side, facilitating easy exits.
Additionally, the cargo hold is open for exploration, where what appears to be one of the ship's engines can be observed. This wreck dive can be combined with other nearby sites, such as Lighthouse Reef, which presents opportunities for drift diving along its front side at 15-18 m (50-60 ft) or deeper sections reaching 27 m (90 ft).
Conditions are Good
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Rodeo-Lowrance show 26° air, 31° sea temperature, 0.5 m waves, and 21 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
For an optimal dive experience, planning a trip between May and February typically yields favorable conditions at Rodeo-Lowrance, as indicated by consistently 'Good' dive scores. During summer months like July and August, air temperatures hover around 28°C (82°F) and average wave heights are at their lowest, often around 0.5-0.8 m (1.6-2.6 ft). Rain remains manageable throughout these periods, usually under 9 mm (0.35 inches) per month. While generally good, conditions in early spring (March-April) are considered moderate due to slightly higher wind speeds, averaging around 20-20.8 km/h (12-13 mph), and air temperatures of 23-24°C (73-75°F). Water temperatures typically fluctuate from 24-31°C (75-88°F), varying by season and specific dive location within the site.
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 Rodeo 25, divers frequently encounter varying current conditions; while one expedition reported currents as 'hardly noticeable', it's not unusual to experience stronger currents in this area, necessitating vigilance. Visibility can also be quite variable, with reports ranging from 4 m (13 ft) to 15 m (50 ft), influencing the overall viewing experience. The wreck itself offers ample opportunities for exploration, including navigating the companionways where the close quarters can amplify the sensation of weightlessness. A common second dive, like a drift on Lighthouse Reef, reveals a vibrant reef ecosystem with abundant fish life, making it a popular spot for underwater photography, particularly along its shallower sections.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Diving the Rodeo 25, with its maximum depth of 38 m (125 ft), often requires careful dive planning and adherence to safety protocols. Given the depth, incorporating deep stops during ascent, such as 1 minute at 15 m (50 ft), 2 minutes at 12 m (40 ft), and 3 minutes at 9 m (30 ft), significantly increases safety margins.
Divers should be prepared for potentially strong currents, as conditions are not consistently calm, and ensure their buoyancy control systems are functioning perfectly before and during dives. Always maintain awareness of nearby exits when exploring wreck interiors, and confirm surface signaling devices are easily accessible in case of drift.
Recommended Equipment
- Dive Computer
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Rodeo-Lowrance, United States. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
Forecast models show minimal temperature variation in the coming days.
Some divers prefer slightly warmer exposure protection simply for additional comfort.
Dive skin or rash guard usually works well for maintaining comfort during standard dive profiles in these conditions. Divers preparing to enter the water at Rodeo-Lowrance will likely find temperatures around 31°C (87°F) today. Surface air temperatures are resting at 26°C (78°F).
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Rodeo-Lowrance.
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 Rodeo-Lowrance
Divers exploring the Rodeo 25 wreck commonly encounter a Loggerhead sea turtle, a notable resident often found near the wreck's deck. Other fish species are frequently observed congregating around the structure, with hogfish being a common sighting for those engaging in spearfishing. The nearby Lighthouse Reef, especially its shallower sections, provides a diverse array of 'pretty fish', making it a rewarding location for underwater photographers interested in reef inhabitants.
Dive Sites Near Rodeo-Lowrance
View all dive sites in United StatesDiscover more underwater gems in this area.
Dive Centers Near Rodeo-Lowrance
Today: 07:30 - 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 Terra Mar.
Dive Navigator may earn a commission from these links at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rodeo 25?
The Rodeo 25 is a 215-ft Dutch freighter that was intentionally sunk in May 1990 by the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo. It now serves as a prominent artificial reef and dive site.
What are the typical depths at the Rodeo-Lowrance site?
The Rodeo 25 wreck rests at a maximum depth of 38 m (125 ft), with its main deck around 33.5 m (110 ft). Nearby Lighthouse Reef has shallower sections at 15-18 m (50-60 ft) and deeper areas reaching 27 m (90 ft).
What are the typical water temperatures?
Water temperatures at the site generally range from 24-31°C (75-88°F). Specific temperatures can vary based on the season and exact dive location.
How is the visibility at Rodeo-Lowrance?
Visibility at the site is not consistently reported and can vary. Divers have experienced conditions from around 4 m (13 ft) to 15 m (50 ft), depending on environmental factors.
Are currents common at this dive site?
Currents at Rodeo-Lowrance can be variable. While they may sometimes be minimal, strong currents are not unusual for the area, so divers should be prepared for varying conditions.
What marine life can I expect to see?
Divers often encounter a Loggerhead sea turtle, which appears to reside on the Rodeo 25 wreck. Hogfish are frequently spotted, and the nearby reefs host a variety of other fish species.
Planning to dive Rodeo-Lowrance?
Send one inquiry and receive offers directly from the best verified local dive operators.
Conditions are Good
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Rodeo-Lowrance show 26° air, 31° sea temperature, 0.5 m waves, and 21 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.