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Pro Dive, Fort Lauderdale
A few years ago, the mere mention of Fort Lauderdale was synonymous with infamous spring-break events, when hordes of college students descended on the area to let off some steam after months of studying and cramming for tests. These days, those sorts of visitors are more apt to be divers off-gassing nitrogen during dive intervals between visiting some of south Florida's most exciting dive sites. Dominating the wish lists for most divers in this area are wrecks that have been intentionally sunk as dive sites. The wrecks also serve as havens for the schools of fish that find homes in these artificial reefs.
One of the most popular wrecks is the Mercedes I, whose story I remember well. On Thanksgiving night in 1984, my husband and I were actually seeking refuge in our own sailboat in the Bahamas from an unexpected and powerful storm. Although we were fortunate to find safe harbor, the Mercedes was not so lucky. It broke loose from its anchor and ran aground on the luxurious oceanfront property of Palm Beach socialite Molly Wilmot. It remained there for weeks before the stubborn ship could be removed. Now it rests in 100 feet off Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the tale of this uninvited guest's visit to the playground of the rich and famous is still being told. Wrecks, whether sunk by nature or by man, harbor a mystique that few divers can resist, and Fort Lauderdale's waters are full of them.
Pro Dive, a PADI 5 Star IDC, CDC and Gold Palm facility, is one of Fort Lauderdale's largest and most impressive dive operations. Specializing in career training, Pro Dive also offers a full agenda of two-tank departures to the area's most popular sites. Divers of all levels can also view shallow coral reefs and take part in drift dives. Convenient accommodations can be had at the Bahia Cabana Resort, just a few blocks away from Pro Dive. The resort houses a quaint patio bar, a restaurant and a choice of rooms, including efficiencies and penthouse suites. Fort Lauderdale's famous beach is across the street from both Pro Dive and Bahia Cabana, and the area features plenty of restaurants, shops and entertainment spots.
Suffice it to say that Fort Lauderdale is not just for spring breakers anymore. Rather, it is a perfect escape for divers who seek an easy getaway and exciting blue adventure.
