USCG Duane (Wreck)

This dive site, the USCG Duane, is a retired Naval ship purposefully sunk on November 26, 1987, to serve as an artificial reef. Located approximately one mile south of Molasses Reef in Key Largo, Florida, the Duane lies upright, offering a substantial structure for exploration. This advanced to expert dive requires proficient deep and wreck diving skills, allowing divers to navigate its decks and potentially explore its interior for those with appropriate training. Its history as a naval vessel and intentional sinking makes it a significant underwater landmark.
The USCG Duane is a thriving ecosystem, teeming with diverse marine life. Divers regularly encounter nurse and reef sharks patrolling the wreck. Opportunities exist to spot majestic eagle rays gliding by and various species of sea turtles. The structure itself is home to numerous fish, including vibrant snapper, angelfish, grunts, and large grouper, while anemones and other invertebrate life cling to the wreck's surfaces.
Given its depth and potential for currents, the Duane is best visited during periods of calm seas, typically in the spring and fall months, outside the peak of hurricane season. It is exclusively an advanced to expert scuba dive and is not recommended for snorkeling or freediving due to the depths and demanding conditions. Divers should ensure they are appropriately certified and equipped for deep wreck diving.