MUSA Underwater Museum
Earlier I wrote about my experience diving the MUSA Underwater Museum near Cancun in Mexico. I absolutely loved this dive – it’s so surreal to see these sculptures underwater! They have become an artificial reef, breathing life into the underwater world.
Link: Scuba Diving at the MUSA Underwater Museum
Shipwreck Park Underwater Museum
Another underwater museum is located just outside Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Lady Luck, formerly known as Newton Creek, is a 324 ft ship that was sunk on July 23, 2016 1.5 miles off the coast of Pompano Beach in Florida. The ship is the centerpiece to what is now known as Shipwreck Park.
There are 16 other wrecks in the area which all contribute to this artificial reef system. In addition to the wrecks, there are several fun and unique underwater displays by Pompano Beach artist Dennis MacDonald. The art is part of the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park sponsorship and appropriately has a casino theme. You can find giant dice, card sharks and a mermaid bartender!
Pro Tip: Some parts of Florida have banned certain sunscreens that are harmful to coral reefs. So, when you are diving, don’t forget your reef safe sunscreen!
The Lady Luck is accessible to experienced recreational divers. The top of her stack is about 50 feet under the surface and she is resting in the sand at about 120 feet underwater. I have personally only gone down as far as about 40 feet so I might need to do some more dives before I try this one!
While the sculptures and wreck are fun to look at, they also have a purpose. As these objects rest on the ocean floor they will start to attract fish and marine life. Corals and algae will start to form and the sculptures will develop into an artificial reef.
Link: Other Ft. Lauderdale Activities
Watch Her Sink
The video is a tad long but it’s pretty cool to see the ship sinking!
South Florida Diving Headquarters offers almost daily dives to Lady Luck as well as many other sites. Check it out next time you are in the Ft. Lauderdale area.
Have you visited Shipwreck Park? I would love to hear about your experience!
h/t USA Today Travel
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