Spiegel Grove Wreck• Sunday, June 9, 2024
The USS Spiegel Grove is one of the largest accessible wrecks in the Keys. It is less than two hours from the shop. Should weather prevent use from diving the Spiegel Grove, we will dive the USCG cutter Duane or we may do that as a second dive.
At a glance
| What you need to know | |
|---|---|
| Dive 1 | Wreck |
| Dive 2 | Wreck or Reef |
| Max depth in feet | 130 |
| Minimum cert level | Advanced/Deep |
| Departs from | Key Largo |
| Minutes from shop | 90 |
| Be at the boat no later than | 12:30 PM |
| Boat departs | 1:30 PM |
| Expected return | 5:00 PM |
| Price without gear rental | $109.95 |
| Price with tanks and weights | $119.95 |
| Price with all gear | $149.95 |
| Add Nitrox | $10.00 per tank |
The wreck
The 510-foot USS Spiegel Grove is what is known as an LSD or Landing Ship Dock. Commissioned in 1956, she fulfilled a variety of functions, among them deploying massive LCACs or Landing Craft Air Cushion. A large part of the ship is the LCAC bay which takes up the latter half of the vessel. Above this are the remains of the helipad.
Decommissioned in 1989, the ship was eventually converted to an artificial reef. Among other things, this involved cutting openings in many of the upper compartments, making them easily accessible from the outside.
Sunk in 2002, the wreck originally rested on its side in 130 feet of water. In July of 2005, Hurricane Dennis turned the ship upright. This is how she sits today.
Watch the video
The diving
The wreck begins in around 45 feet of water. Most of what there is to see, however, begins at around 70-80 feet. The aft section and LCAC bay begin at around 100 feet. Because of these depths, you need either Advanced certification or be taking part in Advanced, Deep, Wreck or Boat Diver training.
The wreck sits at the fringes of the Gulf Stream. The current can be noticeable at times and can vary from one dive to the next. Coral has been growing on the wreck for the past 20 years. This, along with the nutrients brought by the Gulf Stream, supports a healthy collection of aquatic life.
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.