Rodeo 25

Rodeo 25

Fort Lauderdale Dive Sites

The Dutch freighter Rodeo 25 was built in Holland in 1956 and launched under the name Nore. She was sunk as part of the Broward County Artificial Reef program and can be located one and a half miles due east of the Pompano Pier just on the outside of the third reef line.

Fort Lauderdale – Wreck Diving

Rodeo 25 was a twin masted freighter that was built 215 foot long and with a beam of 33 foot. Launched under the name Nore she had various new names during her working life before being called the Windward Trader, her last working name.

In May 1990 she was sunk offshore as part of the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo’s 25th anniversary celebrations and over 100,000 spectators watched as she was sunk just beyond the third reef line. The freighter landed on the seabed upright in 130 foot of water, the main deck is 30 feet from the sea floor and is therefore only 100 feet from the surface with the masts being reached at just over 50 feet.

This is one of the most colorful wrecks in the area with soft corals and sponges adorning the hull of the ship. This wreck is just on the limits of the recreational diver and these divers can explore the outer shell of the wreck whilst the more experienced and technical diver can enter and explore this wreck.

There are plenty of fish throughout this wreck and plenty of pelagic fish such as barracuda keeping you company on your dive.

Fort Lauderdale Scuba Videos

One of the attractions of Fort Lauderdale scuba diving is that you will be able to take underwater photographs or underwater videos such as the one below.The waters are warm and clear so you will be able to get some good shots.

This video was taken at the wreck of Rodeo 25 and you can see the amazing colors developing up the sides of the wreck and it gives you an idea of what to expect when scuba diving wrecks off the Florida coast. (Press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen)…

Terence’s Log

This wreck is really a technical dive to really explore the wreck and see the marine life that has overgrown the hull and surrounding areas. Recreational divers can get a limited view of this freighter.

You will be amazed at the colors that have developed on this wreck so ensure you bring adequate lighting with you – it’s well worth it!