Dive the U.S.S. Spiegel Grove Shipwreck

[AquaSportsInc]

At 510 feet in length, the navy’s U.S.S. Spiegel Grove is the second largest shipwreck in the United States. However, most divers consider it to be the premier shipwreck to dive in all the United States, because of the pristine condition of the vessel, tropical location (Key Largo, FL), warm water 74-90 F degrees, outstanding visibility (up to 120 feet), and exciting sea life. The ship was intentionally sunk for the purposes of creating an artificial reef and recreational dive site. It is now one of the world’s best recreational dive sites!
This U.S. Navy vessel sits upright in the sand, with only a 4 foot difference between the bow and stern. Maximum depth is 140 feet, but the main deck and all of the super-structure is located at a depth of only 85 feet. So whether you are a professional or recreational diver this is the wreck for you!
Aqua Sports, Inc. an "Elite SCUBA & Rescue Training Institute" and the nation's leader in Shipwreck Specialty certification courses.
The Aqua Sports, Inc. professional dive staff escorts small groups of no more than six divers to the Spiegel every a month to experience this underwater wonder.
Our professional shipwreck specialty instructor will act as your personal tour guide, and our award-winning, published, underwater photographer will create a complete photo album of you diving the U.S.S. Spiegel grove (approximately 50 high resolution photos and mpeg video of YOU).
Find out why Sport Diver Magazine has called Aqua Sports, Inc. “One of the finest dive training operations in the United States,” and experience why Sport Diver Magazine chose Aqua Sports, Inc. to train their staff in Shipwreck Specialty!
Join us for this exciting dive adventure.
INCLUDES: professional dive instruction and underwater guide, shipwreck diving review, 2 tank trip or 4 tank trip, rental of all required equipment, tanks, weights, underwater photo album of you diving the U.S.S. Spiegel Grove, snacks, beverages, towels, and sunblock. Transportation to and from Key Largo, FL available from Broward County, Dade County, and Key Largo.

For More Information:
Jillian Morris
Instructor
Web: www.AquaSportsInc.com
Email: JillianMorris@AquaSportsInc.com
Telephone: 954-200-2899

[acelockco]

Thanks for the info. We are heading down there just after Thanksgiving. I am going to check out your site and get back to you with any questions I may have.

[Like2dive]

I live & dive in Key Largo off my own Boat. I have about 85 dives in and on this wreck, and every dive is still exciting to me. As you know Hurricane Dennis uprighted the huge ship as it was laying on it's side after being sunk. It now stands perfectly upright and is an awesome dive. Visibility is rarely 100ft I think I saw 100 ft 2 times 40 is average 60-70 is a good day 100 is exceptional. I have been exploring underneath this wreck, that's right underneath - the currents have eroded about 12 ft deep swim through under the ship, in fact I am wondering if in the next hurricane it will go over again. When the ship was first uprighted, only about 1 ft of the props were sticking out of the sand, now if you see my photos the sand is eroded away way down approx. 12 ft of sand has been washed away from the bottom of this wreck. I used to max out at 132 ft, now I can get to 145 ft no problem. Well is an awesome dive, let me know if anyone is going to dive it, I may have some information that would make your dive experience better.

Mike

[acelockco]

I am heading down there at the end of next month! Maybe you want the company af 2 seaconed NJ Wreck Divers (READ- gas $$) on your boat when we are down there?

Let me know and we can talk more about it.

[Like2dive]

Well, sounds interesting. End of next month, OK water will be getting cold about 78 F end of November Brrrrrrr, I'm in a 3 mm now and the Temp is 83, When I started diving winter 2005, I used to laugh at everybody in a wet suit and the water was 76 F. I was from California where the water never got to 76, 70-72 maybe for 2 weeks end of Aug. Now I've become acclimatized, and water starts to feel cold at about 83 ( 3 mm) and really cold at 76 ( 5 mm ) And last winter I only dove 2 times from December to end of April. But I'm sure being from NJ the water will feel warm to you.
I would consider taking you out diving, providing you be open and honest about your experience. Now I've only been diving for 2-1/2 years, I have logged 184 dives 107 below 100 ft.
Although I've only been diving a short time I am very current, and dive as much as I can. In fact I'm going tomorrow. To the Duane, another must do wreck dive in Key Largo.
So let me know a little about you and your experience, your partner, and perhaps we can do a dive together.

Mike

[acelockco]

Thanks, I will send you a PM.

[yohanson]

To the Duane, another must do wreck dive in Key Largo.
Mike

Don't let anyone talk you out of diving the Bibb!

[acelockco]

Why is that?

Tell me more, I am leaving the day after tomorrow so as much info as quickly as you can would be great.

I can't wait to see what the warm water feels like. We have been in the upper 40's F on the bottom here lately. They said something like 77 F near West Palm Beach and even warmer in the keys. Funny thing, the folks that are local are wearing 5mm full wetsuits. I think I am going to be perfectly comfortable in my 2mm shorty. Just in case I am bringing my bottom 1/2 of a farmer john 3mm.

[lottie]

ace,
hope you guys have a great time in Florida - and we want a trip report and some lovely pics when you get back as well...

btw, off topic - the waters down here are about 28C/86F

[acelockco]

Sure thing!

86F!!!! OMG, I would have to get out just to cool off. That is like a bath temp.