USS Spiegel Grove (Wreck)

The iconic wreck dive in the Florida Keys, known as the Spiegel Grove, has become a must-visit site for Advanced Divers, Wreck Divers, and even some Open Water divers under perfect conditions. This impressive ship was intentionally sunk in 2002 as part of an Artificial Reef project in the National Marine Sanctuary, and it continues to captivate divers with its abundant marine life.

As you descend onto the wreck, you'll be greeted by a vibrant underwater ecosystem. Hundreds of French Angelfish, Yellowtail Snapper, and soft corals adorn the massive cranes that stretch across the wreck. Keep an eye out for the occasional frogfish and the many Barracuda that call this wreck home.

With dimensions of 510 feet in length and 85 feet in width, the Spiegel Grove's sheer size is awe-inspiring. Divers are advised that exploring every nook and cranny in a single dive is virtually impossible. Even experienced dive guides with hundreds of dives on the Spiegel Grove continue to discover new sites. The currents around the wreck can be temperamental, often strong, and can even change during the dive.

To reach the wreck, divers descend down the anchor line and typically meet it at around 70 feet, depending on the line their boat is tied to. The bottom surrounding the wreck reaches depths between 130 and 145 feet. However, it's essential to note that divers without proper XR training and equipment should avoid venturing below the main deck at 100 feet. Doing so would result in significantly shorter No Decompression Limits and higher gas consumption. The Spiegel Grove was designed with the scuba diver in mind, providing several swim-throughs, cutouts, and easy penetration points from the main deck to the top. These features cater to divers of all comfort levels.

It's crucial to exercise caution below the main deck, as there are no cutouts and fewer exits, and the lack of diver traffic often leads to accumulations of soft silt. An inadvertent fin kick can easily stir up this silt, affecting visibility. Only experienced divers with proper training, equipment, and previous wreck diving experience should consider penetrating below the main deck.

The Spiegel Grove's location in the United States makes it a convenient and captivating dive destination. With an average visibility of 16 meters and a maximum depth of 31 meters, this wreck offers a unique and thrilling experience for advanced and expert divers. Plan your dive to this remarkable wreck and explore the historic beauty lying beneath the pristine waters of the United States.