Ken Vitale Wreck • Saturday, February 22, 2025
Originally named Tracey at the time of her sinking, this artificial reef was renamed in memory of Fort Lauderdale scuba instructor Ken Vitale. Today she is the center of a three-wreck cluster that includes the Jay Scutti and Merci Jesus.
At a glance
| What you need to know | |
|---|---|
| Dive 1 | Wreck |
| Dive 2 | Reef |
| Max depth in feet | 75 |
| 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 tanks and weights | $119.95 |
| Price with full gear rental | $149.95 |
| Add Nitrox | $10.00 per tank |
The wreck
The Ken Vitale was originally a 131-foot cargo vessel. Seized by Customs in the 1990s for drug smuggling, she lay derelict in the Miami River until acquired by the artificial reef program. After careful preparation, she was sunk in 1999.
The diving
The Vitale and neighboring wrecks lie in 70 feet of water with its bow pointing north. A 200-foot chain connects the wreck to the Jay Scutti tugboat wreck to the south. the Merci Jesus wreck lies to the north. Given modest currents and good visibility, you may be able to visit more than one wreck on the same dive.
Following a first dive on the barge, we will move inshore to dive on a shallow reef.
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 or reserve space
Use this form to send us a question about this specific trip. You can also use this form to let us know you are interested in joining us and how many people will be in your group — just be aware that reservations are not considered firm until we receive paymentt.