This dive site is the USS Spiegel Grove, a 500-foot former U.S. Navy Landing Ship Dock intentionally sunk in 2002 to create an artificial reef off Key Largo, Florida. Originally planned to rest upright, it settled on its starboard side before Hurricane Dennis righted it in 2005. It begins in approximately 18 meters (60 feet) of water, extending to over 31 meters (100 feet) at its deepest. The wreck features numerous see-through passageways, making it navigable for divers with varying experience levels, offering extensive exploration opportunities both outside and inside.
The USS Spiegel Grove has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life. Divers can expect to encounter nurse sharks and reef sharks, often resting on or near the wreck. Majestic eagle rays and various species of sea turtles are also frequent visitors. The wreck is home to a diverse array of fish, including snapper, angelfish, grunts, and large groupers, alongside colorful anemones and other invertebrate life that colonize the metal structure.
The best time to visit the USS Spiegel Grove is generally during the warmer months, though diving is possible year-round, with visibility typically being excellent. Divers should be comfortable with depths up to 31 meters and potentially navigating inside a wreck, although less experienced divers can enjoy the exterior and shallower, open sections. Freedivers with advanced skills can explore the shallower parts of the wreck and its superstructure. It's advisable to dive with a local guide familiar with the wreck's layout and potential currents.
