Dive-site story
The USS Spiegel Grove, a retired Navy landing ship dock, rests upright on the sandy seabed off Key Largo inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Scuttled as an artificial reef, the vessel initially rolled onto its starboard side until Hurricane Dennis righted the hull. External routes traverse gun mounts, crane towers, and open deck areas. Multiple deck levels and interior corridors offer routes for overhead penetration. Soft corals and sponges encrust the superstructure, drawing schooling fish and pelagic predators.
Upright landing ship dock featuring an intact superstructure and radar masts
Flight deck and open cargo well sheltering aggregations of fish
Resident goliath groupers stationed near hull openings and shaded recesses
Barracuda, jacks, and reef sharks patrolling the wreck perimeter
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late spring through early autumn typically yields calmer surface conditions and warmer water; trips run throughout the year when conditions permit.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goliath grouperEpinephelus itajara | Common | ||||||||||||
| Great barracudaSphyraena barracuda | Common | ||||||||||||
| Horse-eye jackCaranx latus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Caribbean reef sharkCarcharhinus perezii | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| French angelfishPomacanthus paru | Common |
Marine forecast
