This dive site is the USS Vandenberg, an ex-military missile tracking ship intentionally sunk over a decade ago to create an artificial reef off Key West, Florida. It is a monumental structure, with depths varying from 21 meters (70 feet) to over 30 meters (100 feet). Navigating this massive wreck allows divers to explore various decks, cargo holds, and the bridge, offering a fascinating journey through a piece of naval history.
The Vandenberg has transformed into a thriving underwater ecosystem, with corals beginning to colonize its structure. It attracts a rich variety of marine life, including schools of grunts and snapper, solitary barracuda, graceful sea turtles, vibrant angelfish, and occasional sightings of reef sharks.
This dive site is exclusively for advanced and expert divers due to its significant depth and potential currents. It offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography of the wreck and its resident marine life. Key West provides a diving season year-round, with the warmer summer months often bringing more comfortable conditions. Freediving is not generally recommended due to the depths and technical nature of the site.
