Jay Scutti Wreck • Saturday, October 24, 2026
This 95-foot tugboat lies at depths suitable for any certified diver. It is home to a vast assortment of colorful fish and other marine animals.
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 | 25 |
| 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 rental | $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 Jay Scutti has a particularly colorful history: it began life as an Aruban harbor tug, became involved in a major marijuana-smuggling operation, was seized by the Coast Guard, and ultimately became one of Fort Lauderdale’s best-known artificial reefs.
The vessel was originally named Arikok. It was launched on December 29, 1960, after being built by the Dutch shipyard Jonker & Stans at Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht. The approximately 95-foot tug was constructed for the Aruba Ports Authority and spent its early career working as a harbor tug at Oranjestad, Aruba. It was later sold to Meta Corporation of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.
Its career took a decidedly different turn in the 1980s. On November 18, 1984, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Cherokee intercepted the tug about 30 miles north of the Grand Bahama Bank. Authorities reportedly found approximately 15 tons of marijuana aboard, and the vessel was seized and forfeited.
Watch the video
The diving
What divers can expect:
- A largely intact tugboat: The hull, bow, main deck, wheelhouse, stern and large propeller are readily identifiable. The propeller is one of the wreck’s signature photo opportunities, particularly when viewed from a short distance behind the stern.
- Heavy marine growth: After 40 years underwater, the wreck is extensively encrusted with soft corals, hard corals and other invertebrate growth. Some openings that were once roomy have become substantially smaller as marine growth has accumulated.
- Plenty of fish: Schools of grunts commonly congregate around the wreck, along with parrotfish and the assortment of snappers, jacks, barracuda and other reef species typical of Fort Lauderdale artificial reefs. Blacktip sharks have also been reported around the site.
Stingrays on the sand: Southern/Atlantic stingrays are frequently encountered resting or partially buried in the sand surrounding the wreck, particularly around the stern. Large horse conchs are another occasional find.
- Limited penetration opportunities: There are openings around the wheelhouse and hull, and the engine-room area has historically been accessible. Marine growth and deterioration can change those openings over time, so penetration should be treated as an overhead-environment activity appropriate to the diver’s training and the wreck’s current condition.
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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