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USCG Duane (Wreck)

The Duane, a retired Naval ship, was intentionally sunk on November 26, 1987, becoming an artificial reef located about one mile south of Molasses Reef in Key Largo, Florida, United States. Divers with advanced to expert skills will find this dive site captivating.

Diving into the depths of 130ft, the Duane showcases an abundant marine ecosystem. Explorers may encounter nurse and reef sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles, and a variety of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, anemones, and grouper.

It is important to note that due to its location, the Duane is often engulfed in strong currents that may render diving conditions unfavorable. However, when conditions permit, this site offers some of the most exceptional wreck diving experiences available in Key Largo.

With a maximum depth of 32m and visibility reaching up to 19m, divers will be able to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of the marine life that thrives in and around the Duane wreck.

For those seeking an extraordinary underwater adventure near Tavernier Key in Monroe County, Florida, the Duane wreck is a must-visit destination. Unlock the secrets of this remarkable artificial reef and embark on an unforgettable dive experience.

Diving Conditions Score for USCG Duane (Wreck)

7.7
Good

Good diving conditions!
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.

Dive Site Overview for USCG Duane (Wreck)

Depth

32m

Visibility

19m

Experience Level

advanced
expert

Weather Conditions for USCG Duane (Wreck)

Wave Height

0.4m

Wind Speed

9.7 m/s

Water Temp

30.4°C

Visibility

20.2km

Cloud Cover

60%

Wave Period

3.75s

Air Temperature

29.4°C

Precipitation

0 mm

Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for USCG Duane (Wreck)
Alpha

Dive Score Chart for USCG Duane (Wreck)

Best time to dive: 6:00 with score 7.6078947368421055/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.48m, Wind 13.9 m/s.Best night dive time: 23:00 with score 7.56404255319149/10.

Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.

Sunrise at USCG Duane (Wreck): 06:00
Sunset at USCG Duane (Wreck): 18:00

Optimal diving conditions at USCG Duane (Wreck) are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.

🌞
Best Overall
6:00

Score: 7.6/10
Waves: 0.48m (3.8s), Wind: 13.9 m/s

🌙
Best Night
23:00

Score: 7.6/10
Waves: 0.54m, Wind: 8.2 m/s

Seasonal Analysis for USCG Duane (Wreck)
Alpha

Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at USCG Duane (Wreck)

The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.

Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Seasonal DiveScore Chart

This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Best Season for USCG Duane (Wreck)

Winter

Avg. Score: 8.7/10

Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.

Best Months for USCG Duane (Wreck)

February
Score: 8.8
January
Score: 8.7
December
Score: 8.7

Ideal Conditions for USCG Duane (Wreck)

Water Temp

Thermometer Emoji

27.5°C / 81.5°F

June

Visibility

Telescope Emoji

11.4m / 37.4ft

October

Wave Height

Wave Emoji

2.2m / 7.2ft

November

Wave Period

Wave Emoji

8.0s

January

Seasonal Insights for USCG Duane (Wreck)

USCG Duane (Wreck) shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with July being the warmest month (28.3°C) and January the coldest (17.8°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in November with average wave heights of 2.2m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in November with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). February is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during November to January, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.

Scoring Legend:
9-10 (Excellent)
7-8 (Good)
5-6 (Average)
3-4 (Poor)
1-2 (Dangerous)

Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 23, 2026

Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.

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