SS Copenhagen Shipwreck
The SS Copenhagen is a real 1900 shipwreck, not a sunk artificial reef, and it's the dive site we visit most. It's a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and at about 15 to 30 feet it's perfect for divers and snorkelers.
| Type | Shipwreck / artificial reef |
|---|---|
| Depth | about 15–30 ft |
| Skill level | Open Water (certified to 60 ft) |
| Size | 325 ft steamship (now scattered wreckage) |
| Built | 1898, Sunderland, England |
| Wrecked | May 26, 1900 (ran aground) |
| Area | Pompano Beach / Lauderdale-by-the-Sea |
| Snorkeling | Yes |
History
The Copenhagen was a 325-foot British steamship launched in Sunderland, England, in 1898. On May 26, 1900, carrying about 5,000 tons of coal from Philadelphia to Havana, she ran onto the reef off what is now Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Pompano Beach. Her hull stayed visible above the water for decades and was even used for Navy target practice. In 1994 the site became Florida's fifth Underwater Archaeological Preserve, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
What you'll see
Steel ribs, hull plates and machinery are spread across the reef, and there's a preserve plaque by a limestone boulder south of the wreck. Our crews have seen manta rays, a hammerhead and green moray eels here.
Preserve rules
This is a protected historic site: look, photograph and enjoy it, but leave every artifact where it is.
Who can dive it
Open Water dive. This dive site is shallower than 60 feet (about 30 feet at its deepest), so Open Water divers can dive all of it with us. 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 Book a snorkel trip 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
- Copenhagen Nursery – 15 ft on top to 30 ft at the sand
- Anglin's Pier Ledge – up to about 60 ft
- See all our local wrecks and reefs
FAQ
How deep is the Copenhagen wreck?
About 15 to 30 feet, shallowest on the shore side and deepest on the seaward side.
Can I snorkel the Copenhagen?
Yes. It's one of our regular snorkel trips on our dive boat, the Lady Go Diver.
When did the Copenhagen sink?
She ran aground on May 26, 1900.
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