USS Spiegel Grove

A landing ship turned reef. The USS Spiegel Grove was a large United States Navy dock landing ship, over 150 metres long, deliberately sunk off Key Largo in 2002 to create one of Florida's largest artificial reefs. Her sinking did not go to plan, and she initially settled on her side before Hurricane Dennis rolled her fully upright in 2005, leaving her perfectly positioned for divers.

A cavernous playground. The sheer size of the ship gives divers vast well decks, superstructure, cranes and passageways to explore. Prepared openings allow experienced divers to venture inside, while the towering upper structure offers dramatic swim-alongs for those staying outside the hull.

Depth and certification. The wreck lies between roughly 18 and 40 metres on the sandy bottom. The shallower decks suit Advanced Open Water divers, while the deeper hull and any interior penetration call for deep and wreck training, good gas management and, near the bottom, awareness of narcosis. Current on the exposed site can be strong.

A thriving artificial reef. Since sinking, the Spiegel Grove has been colonised by corals and sponges and attracts goliath groupers, barracuda, turtles and clouds of baitfish, sometimes drawing passing sharks. Dived from Key Largo charters, she is a year-round site, with the calmest seas and best visibility generally in summer.