Jim Atria Artificial Reef

Lying 4.5 miles north of the Port Everglades cut, in 135 feet of water, the 246 foot wreck sits upright with her two masts intact. There are several openings to the interior that allow for exploring. This is not a beginner dive area. Advanced SCUBA divers and certified wreck divers will find lots to see and do here. In September of 1987 the Broward County Artificial Reef Program sank the 246 foot Dutch cargo freighter, originally named Poinciana, in 110 feet of water. Hurricane Andrew pushed the wreck out into 135 feet of water. Jim Atria, the reef’s namesake, was a developer, diver and sport fisherman in Broward County. He wanted to show his appreciation for the community so he assisted in the sinking of the Poinciana. Over the years the starboard side has thick growth and spiny oysters cover the cargo holes. Corals and sea fans are covering the mast and the marine life living in the area include Black Grouper, Hogfish, glassy Sweepers, Baracuda,Grunts, Snapper, Amberjack and shoals of baitfish. This is a very popular dive site because of the marine life to be found there. Not a beginner dive site due to depth but nice for experienced divers, photographers and wreck divers.