Donal G McAllister Wreck • Friday, November 27, 2026
The McAllister is a 76-foot-long tugboat wreck lying in 70 feet of water. It went down in 1998 as part of the Broward County Artificial Reef Program. The wreck teems with coral and fish and there are other wrecks nearby.
At a glance
| What you need to know | |
|---|---|
| Dive 1 | Wreck |
| Dive 2 | Reef |
| Max depth in feet | 70 |
| Minimum cert level | Open Water |
| Departs from | Fort Lauderdale |
| Minutes from shop | 20 |
| Be at the boat no later than | 7:45 AM |
| Boat departs | 8:30 AM |
| Expected return | 12:00 PM |
| Price without gear rental | $109.95 |
| Price with tanks and weights | $135.95 |
| Price with full gear | $165.95 |
| Add Nitrox | $12.95 per tank |
| For a personal guide, add | $100.95 |
| For each extra guided diver, add | $49.95 |
Every charter includes an Aquatic Ventures Divemaster or Instructor, and you’re welcome to dive with them at no additional charge. If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can reserve your own private dive guide for an additional $100.95.
You may also have friends or family members join you and your private guide for just $49.95 each, making it an excellent option for couples, friends, or family members who want a more individualized diving experience.
The wreck
The Donal G. McAllister was launched in 1946 by Gulfport Boiler and Welding Works in Port Arthur, Texas. The 101-foot steel tug later joined the McAllister Towing fleet and spent part of its career working New York Harbor. After retiring from commercial service, the tug was acquired for Broward County’s Artificial Reef Program and sunk on June 23, 1998.
Today, the Donal G. McAllister rests upright on the sand, its bow pointing roughly north. The bottom is about 70–75 feet, while the wreck rises to 45–50 feet, making it considerably shallower and more accessible than many South Florida wrecks.
The diving
The wreck rests upright in 70 feet of water, with her bow pointing south. The tug measures 75.9 feet in length and 23 feet in beam. Because the vessel was carefully prepared before being sunk as an artificial reef, divers can safely explore several interior spaces, including the engine room, wheelhouse and galley. As you might expect, the wreck is now home to a variety of corals and fish.
Balance is due in full when you sign up. There are no refunds unless we find someone to take your place.
- DAN insurance
- Crew gratuity
- Certification cards
- Dive insurance
- Signed travel waiver and Statement of Understanding
- Personal dive gear
- Audible and visual surface signals
…and don’t forget:
- One towel each for showers and diving
- Dive light
- Safety sausage
- Emergency mirror
- Whistle
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
Learn more
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