Ancient Mariner Wreck
The Ancient Mariner started life as the World War II Coast Guard cutter Nemesis. Today it sits almost a mile off Deerfield Beach, inside the third reef line, about 150 feet from the Berry Patch tug.
| Type | Shipwreck / artificial reef |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ex-USCGC Nemesis |
| Depth | 45 ft at the main deck to about 70 ft at the sand |
| Skill level | Open Water (certified to 60 ft) |
| Size | 165 ft Coast Guard cutter |
| Sunk | June 9, 1991 |
| Area | Deerfield Beach |
History
The 165-foot steel cutter hunted submarines in World War II and later ran search-and-rescue out of St. Petersburg. After it was decommissioned in 1964 it became a floating restaurant called the Ancient Mariner. It was sunk as an artificial reef through the Broward County reef program on June 9, 1991.
What you'll see
The main deck is at about 45 feet, so you get plenty of time to explore the structure, and you can swim to the Berry Patch tug nearby when conditions allow.
Who can dive it
Open Water dive. Open Water divers must stay shallower than 60 feet. You can enjoy this wreck by staying above 60 feet on the deck and upper structure (about 45 feet at the top); the sand is at about 70 feet. Not certified yet? Start with PADI Open Water. Want more confidence and more dive sites? Take PADI Advanced Open Water. If you want to go inside a wreck, you need wreck penetration training, like the PADI Wreck Diver specialty.
Dive it with DXDivers
Dive it with us on our dive boat, the Lady Go Diver, out of Deerfield Beach. Our captain picks the dive sites for each trip based on the conditions that day, so check the dive sites listed on each trip in our calendar, or call us at 954-420-0009.
See boat dive trips Call 954-420-0009
Diving often? Save with our dive trip packages, see all dive trips and tank fills, or book the whole boat with a private charter.
Nearby dive sites
- Berry Patch Tug – 55 ft at the wheelhouse to about 65–70 ft at the sand
- Miracle of Life Wreck – 95 ft at the top, 110 ft at the angel, 130 ft at the main deck, 140 ft at the sand
- Angel's Reef & the Barefoot Mailman – 40 ft on top to 45 ft at the sand
- See all our local wrecks and reefs
FAQ
How deep is the Ancient Mariner?
About 45 feet at the main deck and about 70 feet at the sand.
What was the Ancient Mariner?
The WWII Coast Guard cutter Nemesis, later a floating restaurant.
How do I book a dive here?
Check the dive sites listed on each trip in our boat dive calendar, or call us at 954-420-0009. Our captain chooses the dive sites for each trip based on the conditions that day.
Depths and details come from our crew's dive site notes and public artificial reef records. Conditions change, so always follow your captain's and divemaster's briefing.
OUR LOCATION
DXDIVERS · 455 South Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 · (954) 420-0009