Wreck Trek-Tri Fecta
Every saturday join us on the Wreck Trek Tri fecta.
3 great wrecks on one great trip
Dive 1: DUANE
Dive 2: SPIEGEL GROVE
Dive 3: BENWOOD
Duane Wreck
After being decommissioned on August 1, 1985 as the oldest active U.S. military vessel, Duane was donated to the Keys Association of Dive Operators for use as an artificial reef. On November 27, 1987, it was towed offshore of Molasses Reef and anchored. Those scuttling the cutter then opened its hatches and seacocks causing its hull to flood. The vessel settled to the seafloor on an even keel. USCGC Duane is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Spiegel Grove Wreck
The Spiegel Grove is located in Key Largo, 6 miles (10 km) off the Florida Keys. For a scuba diver, it is 510 feet (160 m) long and 84 feet (26 m) wide; it is said that one can dive this wreck 100 times and still never see it in its entirety. Her top deck is about 60 feet (18 m) below the water’s surface. The vessel’s hull, which is a labyrinth inside, is as much as 135 feet (41 m) under water, and silt can get kicked up and reduce visibility inside to almost zero, which can cause disorientation. The depth of the wreck requires that divers have an advanced certification.
Eagle Wreck
Built in Holland in 1962, the Eagle is 269 feet in length. The freighter was intentionally sunk in December of 1985 and can be found at 70-110 feet. Hurricane Georges split her hull in two back in 1998. The wreck is popular among both divers and fish. Tarpon, goliath groupers, schools of grunts, and jacks can frequently be found there. With her split hull, a crow’s nest, a four-blade propeller, and plenty of diver-friendly penetrations, the Eagle is a must for wreck enthusiasts.
Alexander Barge
A push barge surrounded by bridge rubble, good for larger critters.
Benwood Wreck
The 360-foot Benwood was built in England in 1910 for use as a merchant marine freighter for transatlantic commerce. During World War II, rumors of German U-boats stalking the sea lanes off the Keys caused vessels to travel at night without lights. After leaving Tampa, Florida, Benwood was steaming off the Upper Florida Keys on the night of April 9, 1942 when it collided with another ship. The impact crushed Benwood’s bow causing it to flood. Its captain turned the steamship towards shore where it sank. Today the site is a popular dive location offshore of French Reef in depths of 25 to 45 feet.
Aquarium
Dive Site: Aquarium
Depth: 25
Site Type: reef
Unique site that has actually two separate reef patches. Known for lobster hang outs.
Conch Reef
Conch Reef (50-110 ft.): The home of a number of sites. Conch Wall is noted for huge barrel sponges and large marine life.
Crater
Dive Site: Crater
Depth: 35-60
Site Type: reef
A nice ledge with a big “Crater” like sand hole in the middle.
Davey Crocker
Dive Site: Davey Crocker
Depth: 20
Site Type: reef
One of the most highest populations of fish life in our area. Schools fish, nurse sharks, eels and turtles. This is a must dive.
Davis Reef
Dive Site: Davis Reef
Depth: 15 – 30 Feet
Site Type: Reef
Resource managers made this reef, in 15-30 feet, a sanctuary preservation area in order to ensure the protection of its well-established gorgonians, such as sea rods, sea whips, sea feathers and sea fans. After rubbing Buddha’s Belly, next to the large brain coral, you may even see the large green morays, nurse sharks, and stingrays that also call this reef home.
Ham
Dive Site: Ham
Depth: 25-35
Site Type: Reef
Ham is another little patch reef that is absolutely full of life. You will see grunts and goat fish by the hundreds here. The reef itself resembles swiss cheese and because of this harbors many juvenile critters. Around the outer part of the reef is a ledge system with many under-cuts. Take a moment to peek under them to wink at nurse sharks and eels.
Hammerhead
Dive Site: Hammerhead
Depth: 60
Site Type: reef
60 ft ledge known for shark activity (Not Guaranteed). But lots of other critters if the sharks don’t come out to play.
Hens and Chickens
Dive Site: Hens and Chickens Reef
Depth: 10-20 Feet
Site Type: Reef
This beautiful patch reef in 10-20 feet of water is great for both diving and snorkeling. The large brain and star coral mounds surround the site along with a forest of purple sea fans. Some of the mounds are close to 15 feet in height and create a labyrinth for divers. Don’t let the shallow depths fool you. This is one of the most unique reefs that the Florida Keys has to offer.
Captain Grumpy
Dive Site: Captain Grumpy
Depth: 25-25
Site Type: Reef
A nice patch reef that is known for its nurse sharks. The surrounding topography is grass offering a very good chance at spotting turtles. With many nooks and crannies throughout the reef divers will encounter different eel species, including, green moray, spotted moray, goldentail and viper. This reef was not named after IDC’s own Captain Scott, though some may think so 🙂
Morada
Dive Site: Morada
Depth: 20 ft
Site Type: Reef
Shallow reef known for its purple sea fans.
Rocky Top
Dive Site: Rocky Top
Depth: 20-30
Site Type: Reef
A shallow patch reef beaming with life.
Runway
Dive Site: Runway
Depth: 30-90
Site Type: Reef
Runway has a large sand channel running the entire length of the site. From above it looks like a runway. A very popular spot for fisherman due to contours of the bottom. This spot is where we also do our reef clean up and come up with numerous anchors, fishing line and other goodies.
Sharks Awareness Dive
Once a week or by request we do our shark awareness dive. This dive is to educate about and experience sharks. Here in the Keys its mostly nurse sharks, but occasionally bulls, reefs or hammers will come in. Shallow patch reef in 25 ft of water. Be ready to hang with a bunch of nurses!