USS Spiegel Grove (Wreck) - Florida Keys

We have a soft spot for the Spiegel Grove. There’s something special about diving a ship that never quite made it to its intended upright position. She’s huge, resting on her starboard side, which makes for some wonderfully disorienting exploration. Dropping down, you’ll immediately feel the scale, the bow alone is a sight. We love to head for the stack, swimming along the hull. Keep an eye out for Goliath groupers – they’re everywhere, often lurking in the darker recesses. Our favourite part has to be the penetration opportunities. The galley is fairly open, and if you’re comfortable with overhead environments and have the right training, it’s a fascinating place to explore. Just be mindful of the silt; it can kick up fast. The wreck has been down since 2002, so it's beautifully covered in corals and sponges. We'd suggest hitting it early in the morning before the crowds, you often get better visibility too. This is a dive for those with some experience under their belt, especially if you plan to venture inside.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
24.980100, -80.258800
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: French Reef Sanctuary Preserva Sanctuary

Best Time to Dive in Florida Keys

The warmest water temperatures in Florida Keys occur in July, averaging 31.5°C (up to 34.8°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 19.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 19.3°C (air: 18.5°C)
  • February: 20.5°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • March: 23.1°C (air: 22.4°C)
  • April: 25.5°C (air: 24.3°C)
  • May: 27.8°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • June: 30.2°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • July: 31.5°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • August: 31.5°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • September: 30.2°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • October: 27.3°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • November: 24.1°C (air: 22.3°C)
  • December: 20.9°C (air: 19.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Florida Keys

Nearest Dive Centres to USS Spiegel Grove (Wreck)

Marine Life in Florida Keys

Home to 91 recorded species including 69 reef fish, 6 sharks & rays, 3 other, 3 hard corals, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for USS Spiegel Grove (Wreck)

Based on average water temperature of 26.0°C, currents 1 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories