Morning 2-Tank Dive: Vandenberg Wreck
Explore the legendary Vandenberg wreck and experience one of Key West’s most unforgettable dives.
Quick Details
|
Certified Diver with Gear Package
Tanks, weights, BCD & regulator (wetsuit if need)
|
$174 |
|
Certified Diver tanks/weights only
Option to add gear piece by piece
|
$134 |
|
Rider
|
$65 |
|
deep / wreck certification
|
$859 |
USS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg Wreck Dive
Dive One of the World’s Most Iconic Artificial Reefs
The USS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg is one of the premier wreck dives in the world and one of the most sought-after dive experiences in the Florida Keys. Measuring over 520 feet long, this former military troop transport and missile tracking ship was intentionally sunk in 2009 to create an artificial reef just seven miles south of Key West.
Today, the Vandenberg is covered in vibrant marine life, massive schools of fish, colorful sponges, and growing coral colonies, making every dive a unique adventure.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, no two dives on the Vandenberg are ever the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Dive the Vandenberg with Southpoint Divers?
- Traverse lines from the boat to the wreck, helping divers navigate directly to and from the Vandenberg while minimizing unnecessary surface swimming.
- A hang line at the safety stop, providing a stable reference during your safety stop, especially when current is present.
- An emergency H.O.O.K.A. air supply available at the safety stop as an added layer of safety should a diver unexpectedly consume more air than planned.
- Experienced crew members who encourage divers to stay within their certification, comfort level, and experience.
The Vandenberg is one of the most exciting wreck dives in the world, but it’s also an advanced dive that deserves careful planning and respect.
At Southpoint Divers, we take a conservative, safety-first approach to every wreck dive. Our captains evaluate weather, current, visibility, and sea conditions before every trip. If conditions aren’t right, we won’t force a dive simply because it’s on the schedule.
To make your dive as safe and enjoyable as possible, we also provide:
Our goal isn’t simply to get you on the wreck—it’s to help you enjoy one of the world’s premier wreck dives as safely and comfortably as possible.
Trip Highlights
- Two-tank wreck dive
- One of the world’s largest artificial reefs
- Approximately 7 miles from Key West
- Spectacular marine life
- Professional, experienced crew
- Optional professional dive guides
- Nitrox recommended
- Scubapro rental equipment available
- flashlights available
Marine Life
- Goliath Grouper
- Barracuda
- Amberjack
- Permit
- Snapper
- Grouper
- Spadefish
- Sea turtles
- Moray eels
- Reef sharks
- Schools of baitfish
- Colorful sponges
- Soft corals
- Growing hard corals
- Hammer head Sharks
The Vandenberg has transformed into an incredible artificial reef supporting a diverse marine ecosystem.
You may encounter:
Every dive offers something different.
Dive Requirements
- Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience
- Comfortable buoyancy control
- Recent diving experience
- Nitrox certification (recommended but not required)
- MUST be 15+ in age or older
- Open water certification can dive wreck with a hired instructor and dove within the last 6 months
The Vandenberg is considered an advanced dive.
We strongly recommend:
If you’re unsure whether this dive is appropriate for your experience level, contact us. We’ll gladly help determine if it’s the right fit.
Should I Hire a Dive Guide?
- Navigate the massive wreck safely
- Locate the most interesting features
- Maximize your bottom time
- Spot marine life you might otherwise miss
- Feel more comfortable on your first visit
For first-time Vandenberg divers, we highly recommend hiring one of our experienced guides.
A guide can help you:
If you’re unsure whether this dive is appropriate for your experience level, contact us. We’ll gladly help determine if it’s the right fit.
|
Certified Diver with Gear Package
Tanks, weights, BCD & regulator (wetsuit if need)
|
$174 |
|
Certified Diver tanks/weights only
Option to add gear piece by piece
|
$134 |
|
Rider
|
$65 |
|
deep / wreck certification
|
$859 |